Wondering Wednesday: What are the benefits of hiring a personal trainer?

Are you one of the many Americans that assume personal training is a luxury solely reserved for the rich and famous, or at least the rich?

Perhaps that was once the case, but as we become more focused on fitness and overall health, personal trainers are going mainstream. As the media begins to report on the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30-45 minutes every day, and eating a diet rich in greens and unprocessed foods, people are seeking out personal trainers and nutritionists in hopes of gaining a routine specific for their needs.

This is a concept many believe in theory, but lack in actual practice. Your body is unique to you; therefore, your fitness goals should be different from your neighbors. Your diet needs will differ from others' needs.

All of this can be confusing, which is why so many are seeking the advice of knowledgeable fitness experts. These professionals will teach you the best way to work your muscles. They will help with your diet. They will help hold you accountable. They will push you over the hump and onto the next obstacle.

Recently, the American Council on Exercise and Club Industry magazine listed the top 10 reasons people benefit from hiring a trainer:

1. Motivation: Trainers serve as coaches, educators, and role models, particularly when you need it most.

2. Consistency: It is more difficult to stray from your routine when you have a scheduled appointment.

3. Safety: These experts will show you how to perfect your form to prevent injury.

4. Individualized Instruction: Remember: your body is unique, so your fitness routine should be as well.

5. Effective Workouts: Average Americans can spend months and not see a significant improvement. The same person can work with a trainer and see results in a matter of weeks.

6. Supervision: Having a trainer with you during your sessions will help you improve because they can watch and witness what needs to be altered.

7. Sports-Specific Training: Want to improve your golf game? Decrease your swim time? Cut time from your 40? Trainers know the insider tricks and can help you step it up a notch.

8. Injury Rehabilitation: A fitness expert can provide you with exercises that will speed your recovery and get you back to your old self in the appropriate amount of time.

9. Special-needs Training: Research confirms those with special-needs including diabetes, asthma, heart disease and osteoporosis benefit greatly from the knowledge given by experienced trainers. Let these experts create a safe and effective program for you.

10. Ego Boost: It is known that those with confidence draw the most attention, both professionally and personally. Often, our confidence wanes when we neglect our bodies. Joining forces with a personal trainer will jump start your routine, keep you on track and provide you with the tools to continue living a healthy lifestyle the rest of your days.