Monitor your progress with a PT!

Overweight; underweight; lacking definition; lusting after perfect abs; planning to run a marathon or simply seeking a better quality of life; there are 101 reasons that you might want and need to get fit in a focused way for a specific reason. This is why over recent years, the fitness world has seen the rise and rise of the personal trainer, as more people realize that one-on-one training combines effective training with fast results. But as you take fast track to fitness it's important to monitor your progress so you don't veer off course - you have to keep the momentum going.

While personal training offers a customized strategy for taking the most direct route to fitness success, you still need to be in the driving seat and aware of what's is happening along the way. An experienced personal trainer will help create an exercise program in which you not only progress but also have a sense of understanding of how and why you are making headway. But when tracking progress with a PT there are certain basics you need to incorporate into the program :

• Fitness assessment: A vague notion that you are not where you should be fitness wise is not enough to go on if you want a personal training plan of action. Do you know your BMI? Do you know your performance level at this point in time? You don't need a huge amount of in-depth data, but you do need to see where you are at the start otherwise you won't know where to go and how far.

• Keeping a journal: A fitness diary or log can be useful for not just keeping tabs on what you've achieved, but also in helping motivate you too. A journal can inspire you and help keep a record of changes and improvements over time. Try to include facts and  comments on how you found the sessions, as well as information on your diet too.

• Communicating: It's true that your personal trainer is the expert and you are most likely not. However, this relationship needs to be about communication if you want to find out how you are doing in each session, as well as discuss possible adaptations, or the need to focus on a challenging area.

• Appraisals: Ask your personal trainer if there will be any specific assessments and appraisals at intervals throughout your training program. You might want to find out what this entails and what feedback you will get. It's helpful to know whether you are on target or where more attention is needed.

• Goals: Without goals it can be tricky to really get a grasp of how quickly and how much you are advancing. As well as a long term goal, shorter term aims can provide valuable stepping stones to keep motivation going. Reaching for these mini-goals lights the way toward the big beacon of your ultimate destination at the end of a training program. These smaller achievements are a great way of monitoring your progress.

• Being body aware: One of the best resources you have for keeping track of how you are getting on with personal training is to look to yourself. You have your own internal tracking system and just need to create a strong body connection to top into this personal feedback. Become aware of how you feel after certain exercises, such as how tired you feel and how challenged and tough each workout feels. How close to being outside your comfort zone are you? Notice how you feel different the more sessions you have. What's changed?

• Beware comparisons: Sometimes it's easier to gain perspective if you relate where you are at with another factor. However, comparing yourself to other people can create a false pattern of progress. With personal training you are on a fitness journey alone and it is best to compare yourself with your past efforts and achievements than looking at what other people can or cannot do. You are your own best measuring stick.

Start making progress today and find out more about what a personal trainer can help you achieve.