I’ve Been Working With a Personal Trainer For 6 Months — Here’s What I’ve Learned

Plus, one surprising discovery

1. Lift weights in a fancy gym
2. Work with a personal trainer

These were two of my goals for the longest time. And after years of putting them off, I finally said f*ck it.

I put my health first.

But I won’t lie: Spending $100s each month on my body feels uncomfortable. I grew up on a council estate. I’ve got years of conditioning to undo.

So if you’re thinking about investing in your health too, I thought I’d share nine lessons I’ve learned since working with a personal trainer (PT).

One of these lessons surprised me.

(I’ll point it out.)

Lesson #1: 2X your productivity

“Runner’s High” is legit.

I’m a full-time writer, and my 1.5 hours of “post-workout writing” are way more focused than my 3 hours of “pre-workout writing”.

The words just flow out of my biceps.

Lesson #2: 10X your confidence

I wanted to add more muscle.

Now that I have, I feel more body-confident. I’m happy wearing T-shirts without trying to cover my arms. I’m okay with sending bathroom selfies to my girlfriend (just about).

I don’t think it’s a coincidence my freelance career has taken off too.

Lesson #3: You’ll trust the process

My PT is a beefcake — like one of those models you see on the cover of Men’s Health.

So when he tells me to do something, I do it.

Trusting my workout plan, trusting my nutrition plan, trusting the process: It all adds up.

Lesson #4: X50 small tweaks

I used to feel back pain.

But since working with a PT, the pain has subsided. I think it’s because I’m finally lifting weights properly (i.e. “correct form”).

The devil’s in the detail.

Lesson #5: Nutrition is 90% of the game

Gym buffs know this.

My PT encouraged me to track my calories with My Fitness Pal. Do it for a week, and you’ll see what macros need to change.

Also, track your workouts using Strong. It’s a free app that’s way better than the Notes app on your phone.

Lesson #6: Library vibes for your body

I love writing in libraries.

You feel inspired to put in the work when you see everyone else doing the same. There’s a sense of being in this together.

Well, that’s what a gym feels like — but for your body.

Lesson #7: Your “Third Place” (aka the surprising one)

Kieran MacRae wrote a fascinating piece about needing a “Third Place” in your life.

“Think Central Perk from Friends. If Ross gets bored, he can head to Central Perk and just hang out till someone he knows shows up.”

This is what the gym is to me. I see regular faces. We have a laugh.

Lesson #8: Good habits last a lifetime

Will I work with my PT forever? Probably not.

But will I continue working out 4–5 days a week for the rest of my life? Almost certainly, yes.

Going to the gym is part of my identity now.

Lesson #9: The best time was yesterday

But the second best time is today.

You may decide that working with a PT isn’t for you — and that’s okay. However, if you can afford it, I recommend signing up for a gym membership and working with a PT for at least a month.

They’ll give you a roadmap, show you how to use the machines, and help you achieve your goals.

That’s surely a price worth paying.

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