Are you considering using a personal trainer? Here are some things to thin about to help you pick out and start with a new personal trainer.
Try working with women your age.
Not too long ago, I had dinner with a good friend who looked more vibrant than I’ve seen her look in years. “What are you doing?” I asked. “You look healthier, happier, and younger.”
“I’m working out on a regular basis with a new personal trainer. You would love her,” she responded. “She’s a woman in her 50s and she has been doing this for years – you should call her.”
Of course, I got the trainer’s information right away and called for my first appointment. Like many women, I’ve worked with personal trainers in the past to various degrees of success. It’s been a long while since I worked with a female trainer, and I am pretty sure I have never worked with one my own age. I worked with her for a few months and quickly started to see results. Plus, we had things to talk about, and we were able to relate to each other.
While we were working out one day, I noticed a mature woman being trained by a beefy, young man – who was at least 25 years her junior. It brought to mind how many times I engaged this same type of trainer, only to give up after a few weeks for failing to meet expectations (the trainer’s and mine). I would imagine it is difficult for this young man to connect with his client – or vice versa – due, to their age and gender difference. All I could hear was “c’mon, give me 10 more…” Poor woman.
Then, it dawned on me how many women in my age group I work with to help manage all things related to my health and well-being. There’s my trainer, massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, and my physicians. What we have in common is that we are each women who live a full and rich life. We relate to each other, find things in common, and share experiences. I’ve tried to attempt this same camaraderie with younger women or men who provide these same type of services, and the older I get, the harder it is to relate.
These women take good care of me and I am the better for it. They educate and inspire me, and they seem genuinely interested in improving my health. Here’s what I look for when choosing a female wellness practitioner who is in my age group:
- I look for passion for what they do – I love the spirit of joie de vivre many of these women possess – it’s infectious.
- I like to see results and start to feel better relatively quickly – if you don’t, speak openly – they often listen and are willing to adjust.
- They can relate to your life experience – that’s an age thing.
- Referrals from other satisfied women are extremely helpful
One woman in her early 60s who attends the same fitness center told me that she works in a visit to the gym everyday. “I like spending time with the women who are here to help me stay healthy,” she said. “Plus, they never push me beyond what I can do.”
So, my resolution- visit the fitness center at least four times per week (eventually, I’ll make it everyday – don’t want to overcommit). And, continue to find older women who contribute to keeping me well.
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