Do you know the most common excuse people give for not exercising regularly? No prizes if you guessed “I don’t have time”.

Indeed, this could well be the truth if people’s daily lives are packed with commitments including at home and work. But if you don’t look after your health, you won’t be able to take care of your other responsibilities.

This is just one of the many reasons for working out under the guidance of a personal trainer. A professional can help you stay motivated to exercise regularly, ensuring your health and wellbeing are looked after.

Here are three more reasons for hiring a fitness coach.

1. Use your gym time fruitfully

Every individual is different, with different fitness needs and body types. You can’t expect to fully achieve your health goals simply by following online videos or the workout regimen your friend benefited from.

Not being able to achieve your goals, however, will only lead to lost motivation. It would be a better use of your time and money to consult a personal trainer, who can help identify your objectives and work towards achieving them.

You will get more return on your investment with a health evaluation and personalised workout plan.

2. Use equipment productively

While it’s a waste of money if you don’t take advantage of gym facilities to the fullest, many people feel overwhelmed by gym equipment and often do not know how to use them.

This is where a personal fitness guide comes in, as they will be able to guide you through each workout and help you identify the most suitable pieces of equipment for your fitness needs.

3. Understand our workout

You would do more harm than good if you start working out without first understanding your body’s needs. Knowing things like the maximum heart rate you should reach before slowing down are vital to ensure you don’t cause damage to your health.

Your medical history – such as any chronic health conditions, joint injuries, or mobility issues – also plays a crucial role in deciding the best workout routine for you. Only a trained and certified professional knows which factors to take into account and can create an appropriate workout plan.

He or she will also challenge you physically and mentally to ensure you reach your full potential and stay motivated along the way.

Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.