Why a Personal Trainer Hired a Personal Trainer

I turn 55 this year and have been exercising pretty regularly since high school. Let’s call it 40 years, numerous certifications, 2 degrees, and thousands of hours of continuing education. I know what to do, I know how to do it, and I’m decent at getting my work done. But I did something recently that I haven’t done in a long, long time.

I hired a personal trainer.

Around 51 or 52 I saw my first really noticeable and significant decline in athletic performance. Power goes first (strength and size come next) and my athleticism really started to erode quickly. In fact, it felt like it just simply left. Jumping, running, changing direction, footwork – all of this felt foreign. I was a soccer player in high school, so soccer and my training back then reflected a lot of this type of athleticism because it matched my sport. Then I became an endurance athlete and everything moved in pretty straight lines. Big engine, not much cutting and turning – that was likely the start of the erosion and then age came and got me. But I wanted a little of that back (Pickleball anyone?)

So I hired one of our trainers who really specializes in athletic development to work with me on things I wouldn’t do myself or simply didn’t know how to do nearly as well. And it’s been a game changer on several levels:

Working harder: I am working harder during my workouts than I have in years. Doing moves I haven’t done in decades. Tylor may be overestimating my abilities, but I’m doing my best to make him proud.
Improving client training: My training of clients has improved by having someone train me. Now this doesn’t just apply to fitness, but if you are trying to grow – personally, professionally, athletically – having a coach has to be the best way to do it.
Being fully present: I walk out of my office with no phone, no glasses, no agenda, nothing. I just show up, surrender to the process and let it rip. It’s such an absolute pleasure and privilege to be fully present.
Challenging and fun: It’s really hard and it’s really fun. Again, I know it’s a privilege to be able to do this, but investing in things that check those boxes feels really important to me.

I originally thought I would do a month as a refresh. But now I think I may do this longer term. Maybe hire other trainers on the team to learn from them. And I’ve encouraged our team to work together in new ways to share experience, motivation and their passions with each other.

Here’s to trying new things and keeping your inner athlete alive!

If you’re looking to challenge yourself, try new things, or reclaim your own inner athlete, our team is here to support you. Email Jeremy at Go@HyattGym.com or book your Portland fitness consultation today.

Author Jeremy Hyatt, MS, CSCS is a personal trainer and co-owner of Hyatt Strength + Wellness. He believes it’s important to start with the basics and move from there. Too often, people get into complicated movements and goals before they have the proper fundamentals, which can lead to negative results. Jeremy has been working in the fitness industry since 1995 and co-founded Hyatt Strength + Wellness in 2011.