I consider myself lucky that I discovered my passion for fitness. In order to feed it, I have spent many hours and a lot of money to learn the science behind training and fitness. Apart from this, I have performed myself many trials on various programs, trained with other trainers, applied muscle specific training and much more. It’s an endless universe and one where you know you are doing good. Fitness is good for health and a better life quality in general.

However, I have sadly noticed many people disregard it as a profession, meaning they don’t think highly of trainers. As with many other jobs. we tend to oversimplify a job and think that we don’t need someone to tell us how to train, because we can easily find free exercises online or through a friend. It is unfortunately, not that simple. From my experience, there are 3 ways to become a trainer:

1. Studying a sports related subject at a University

2. Retiring from a professional career as athlete

3. Attending professional courses.

I have obviously pursued the third option, due to my professional education being in engineering. However, I soon realized that fitness is also science based and broadly speaking contains some level of complexity. This makes the role of a fitness instructor much needed. A fitness instructor needs to know:

• the basics of anatomy and physiology
• a variety of exercises along with technique as well as bodyweight, plus free weights
• programming principles
• scaling options for each exercise
• good communication skills
• general knowledge on nutrition

This is obviously the minimum and general skillset. Throughout my experience I have met and trained with specialized trainers, for example power lifters, Olympic weightlifters, cyclists, CrossFit trainers, calisthenics and gymnasts, running experts etc. A good trainer needs to provide a good training experience to numerous needs, I have trained for example pregnant women, clients with bad knees or lower back, special training for speed and explosion, extreme weight loss, etc. These in the sphere of personal training sessions, whereas in group classes many others within indoor cycling, hiit, cross training, boxing etc, both in Denmark and Albania at Elite Sporting Club gym.

Experience is the one that really puts into actions your knowledge within fitness science. You need to try it yourself, but also have the capability to adjust and try to clients with different starting points. Every body is different, everyone has different desires, needs and abilities towards fitness. I believe that the role of the trainer is to navigate through all these variables and create the best plan for the client, regardless of the individual characteristics of each client. This is at the end the true value of the trainer. After more than 8 years working part time an a group training instructor and personal trainer, with more than 50 personal clients and about 1200 hours of group training, I still feel that I have a lot to learn. But the experience has been great.

A trainer could become an important person in your life they can help you overcome both physical and mental barriers by boosting your self-confidence and improving your well being overall. They help you understand your body better and work to improve its weaknesses. Fitness with a professional trainer is an investment for you and your future-health. How much are you willing to invest for it?