AusLeisure

New research confirms that exercising with a personal trainer will make people fitter, stronger and increase their lean body mass more effectively than if they work out in an exercise facility or club on their own.

The research paper, 'Effect of Supervised, Periodised Exercise Training versus Self-Directed Training on Lean Body Mass (LBM) and other Fitness Variables in Health Club Members', conducted by a team of researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) set out to "confirm whether fitness club members who exercise with a PT in the fitness club setting obtain superior results compared with self-directed training".

The recent randomised study was of men, aged 30-44 years, who were members of a single Southern California fitness club.

The researchers concluded that "we have demonstrated for the first time in a fitness club setting that members whose training is directed by well-qualified personal trainers administering evidence-based training regimens achieve significantly greater improvements in LBM and other dimensions of fitness than members who direct their own training."

The research has been seized upon by New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (NZREPs), who issued a statement that read "we all know someone who has worked with a personal trainer and achieved results far greater than expected, and wondered how much the trainer contributed to the success.

"We also know that there is a wealth of exercise information available online, in magazines and from other exercisers that is a cheaper way to get exercise advice. After all, even some famous internationally recognised fitness professionals have their information online ready for us to watch and learn.

"Anyone who has worked with an exercise professional understands that a personal trainer offers much more than just exercise advice and company during a workout. An experienced, educated and encouraging trainer will offer lifestyle coaching, time management and support on staying motivated. A registered personal trainer will also be able to tailor each exercise session to your individual needs, fitness and exercise levels, and health and injury history. Your workouts will be safe and effective.

"But it is results that we most often use to measure success. 'How much weight did I lose? ' 'How much stronger am I?' Until now there has been a lack of reliable studies done to actually measure the effectiveness of training at an exercise facility or club alone, versus working with a personal trainer, so it has been difficult to measure just how valuable the investment is.

"But now it's been proven (with) research into the effects of exercising with a personal trainer vs working out in a club without one confirming what we already suspected, that working with a personal trainer is more beneficial than working out alone."

The findings follow a recent New Zealand Ministry of Health guide, 'Going to the Gym', that aims to ensure New Zealanders make safe and well informed choices when choosing a gym or personal trainer.

NZREPs conclude "so before you think about passing on the personal trainer in favour of an exercise programme downloaded from you-tube or going it alone, have a think about what benefits you are hoping to achieve from exercising. If you want to get the best results you can then the evidence is clear - sork with a personal trainer."

For more information contact NZREPs on 0800 554 499.

The abstract of the soon to be released paper can be viewed at http://alturl.com/kjsny

14th March 2013 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA REJECTS CLAIMS THAT OUTDOOR PERSONAL TRAINING IS A ‘MIDDLE CLASS’ INDUGENCE 

21st November 2012 - ABS RECORDS MORE THAN 50% EMPLOYMENT GROWTH FOR FITNESS INSTRUCTORS, MANAGERS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

9th March 2012 - GROWING DEMANDS FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS

30th April 2010 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA TAKES LEAD ON COUNCIL ‘SWEAT TAXES’

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.