How to Workout like a Trainer

Do personal trainers actually workout differently then the non-personal trainer?  Yes and no is the answer.  Most trainers are in pretty good shape and can handle a more intense workout then most of our clients.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t have our off weeks as well.  When designing my own workout I know what works for me and what doesn’t work for me which makes it easier to reach my goals.  I will share with you tips on how to workout like a trainer to help you get results.

1. Plan ahead: 

   This is one of the best tips I can give to anyone looking to reach their fitness goals. You need to plan your week ahead.  How I do  it: First I always look at what yoga classes I’m going to take that week. Next I look at how much time I have to do a workout on days I’m going to be at the gym. Finally I assign the gym days to my body part specific training that week. Personally I like to split my workouts into body parts. legs, shoulders, arms, and a play day. I also like to go for hour long walks everyday when it’s nice out. I also like to start my day with 20 minutes of movement in the form of yoga or my PT exercises.

2. Intensity is key: 

   People are busy and need to make their workout fit into their day.  The best way to do this is working out hard & with high intensity.  This can be in the terms of weight lifting or cardio.  Either option you want to get your heart rate to get the most out of every workout. Bonus you do a combo cardio/weight lifting session. This is where you can run/row/Jacobs ladder/elliptical for 10 minutes follow that up with 20 minutes of strength training. It’s great for getting a little extra muscle burn and calories burned.

3. Make time to workout daily: 

   Trainers like to move daily.  They demonstrate exercises all day long then typically have their own workout either before or after training.  Even on days off trainers typically move in some way either by going to a light yoga class think restorative yoga, or go for a leisure walk.  Something that is low maintenance and won’t get the heart rate up too much. How can you look for movement throughout your day?

4. Lift weights at least 2-3x a week:  

   Lifting weights is key to building muscle and burning more fat.  The more muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest.  So don’t shy away from the free weights area you want to build lean muscle which will help you burn calories not only that day, but the next few days. I have recently started lifting 4 days a week and find it to be incredible how much my physique has changed with that as well as my strength. The other secrets trainers don’t have a ton of time to train themselves. We look for ways to get the 30 minute weight lifting workout sessions in during our weeks just as much as the non-trainer.

5. Set goals: 

   If you don’t set goals how do you know what you are training for?  It is as simple as that.

6. Listen to your body: 

   If you have a hard workout planned mid-week but you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, forgot to eat breakfast that day and you are feeling run down.  Then swap workouts that week.  Don’t push through a workout if you’re extremely fatigued and tired.  Just switch to a lighter workout that day or take a rest day if your body is really worn down.

Those are my 6 tips on how you can start to workout like a trainer.  Don’t feel like you need to incorporate all of those tips and tricks into your schedule but try and pick one tip that will help you immediately.

As always check out www.andreaclaassen.com for more fitness tips & inspiration.  Like what you read, share it with a friend and don’t forget to find us over on I-tunes under the Peaceful Power Podcast.

Wanting to know more about getting results like a trainer with 30 minute workouts that actually work? Check out our new Hustle, Muscle & Flow program.