If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking about working with a personal trainer because you have certain goals in mind. For some people, it could simply be getting stronger. For others, it may mean losing weight, getting back into fitness after a long break, or even training for a competition. No matter what your goals look like, however, most people have the same question as they begin their pursuit: how long will it take to get there? Let’s find out.
As you might imagine, the amount of time it takes to see results from personal training sessions will depend on several factors. No two people will respond the exact same way to working with a personal trainer, since you also have to account for variables such as starting fitness levels, activity level outside of workouts, and diet.
With that in mind, our personal trainers have extensive experience working with clients with all different goals and starting points. We’ve observed some consistent trends in terms of how long it takes to see results from personal training. Here’s what we’ve found.
There are several main factors that come into play when training for fat loss: the number of calories burned, the amount of muscle you’re gaining, and your diet. Fortunately, our trainers can guide you through making necessary changes in all of these areas. Regardless of how often you meet with your trainer, you’ll be given a customized program that combines strength training and aerobic exercise to burn fat. Our nutritionists also have the expertise and guidance to craft a tailored dietary approach that supports your fitness efforts and gets you to your goals quicker.
As long as you’re following a nutrient-rich diet based on your caloric needs and sticking to your training program, you could begin seeing noticeable results in as little as three weeks. Complete beginners may see changes early, since their bodies are reacting to completely new stimuli. For other people, it may take up to six weeks to start noticing results. In the beginning, you may drop as much as three pounds per week, but most people lose one to two pounds weekly.
Gaining muscle mass is a natural byproduct of strength training, so even if you’re working out to lose weight, you may begin noticing more definition in your muscle groups. Yet, if you’re intentionally building muscle as part of your fitness goals, you can expect our trainers to structure your program based on this objective. As with weight loss, reaching strength goals depends on consistency, but it will also take a continued progression of intensity, volume, and workload.
Similar to people who train to lose weight, complete beginners will usually start to see results quickly because the body tends to respond rapidly when new stimuli is introduced. Your muscles may begin to appear more defined in as little as one month. Thereafter, you may begin to see more noticeable gains in size and strength.
If you’ve already been working out or are returning after a break, expect results to take a little bit longer. Your body is used to working out, but don’t let that deter you. Our trainers know how to challenge veteran athletes appropriately, but results may just be slightly slower to develop. In these cases, changes begin to manifest within about six weeks after the first personal training session.
Of course, the age-old saying is true: consistency is key to transforming your body. Sometimes, people set out on their fitness journey with enthusiasm and dedication, but after failing to see noticeable results within the first couple of weeks, they become discouraged and fall off. On the other hand, some people may remain persistent with their workouts, but fail to bring the same level of dedication to making other lifestyle changes. For instance, you’ll also need to prioritize good nutrition to fuel your body through intense workouts. Other habits that can help optimize your training include avoiding or limiting alcohol, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active even on the days you’re not seeing your trainer.
It can be frustrating to hang in there while you’re waiting for visible progress, but just remember that change is still taking place even if you can’t see it. In the interim, our trainers will keep you engaged by finding different ways to show how you’re improving, such as pushing you to complete a couple more reps than you did in your previous session.
If you feel prepared for your first session with a personal trainer, get in touch to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our experienced trainers to hire the personal trainers.