When it comes to health and fitness, it's not uncommon to find that personal trainers and fitness coaches have differing opinions on the best way to train. This can make it difficult to know who is right. There are so many different “methods” and schools of thought. Not to mention, any sincere coach can make their approach sound like the ultimate solution.

I think there are two main reasons for this widespread disagreement:

1. Coaches may have a strong attachment to the first training method they learned, leading to a sense of loyalty and defensiveness.

2. Coaches may have seen positive results with a specific training method and are thus committed to it.

While it’s possible that some coaches don’t even believe in the method they are selling, I’d like to believe that’s rare. However, it is possible that a coach may have made a system loaded with buzzwords and catchphrases just for the sake of attracting desperate people seeking a miracle.

In any case, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training.

Every individual is unique and has different needs, which is why it's crucial to take into account factors such as specific goals, age, gender, health conditions, and current fitness level when determining the most effective training plan. Even factors like busy schedules, exercise preferences, and movement limitations must be considered. A good personal trainer asks about these things.

Nevertheless, there are some universal principles to keep in mind. I’ll share four of them, for those of you who may train alone or design your own programs.

1. Focus on correcting any dysfunctions or pains first

   – If something hurts, you need to fix it before you load it.

   – If you are compensating, unstable, or asymmetrical in your movement, you need to fix it before you load it.

2. Ensure consistent and regular training

   – A sub-par plan will still get you some results if you are dedicated to it. By the same token, the perfect plan is only 60% effective if you miss 40% of it.

3. Include a variety of movements in your routine (forward, side-to-side, and rotational)

   – Most people like loaded linear movements; think forward and backward (like bench press, deadlift, squat, pulldown, curl, lunge, sit up, etc.). These are great and must be incorporated into your plan, but it can’t be all you do. You must explore movements that take you into rotation and lateral movements as well. Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints experience these forces in day-to-day life and if you don’t train them, you are increasing your risk for injury and frailty—especially as you enter your 40s and beyond.

4. Gradually progress your strength, cardiovascular capacity, and mobility

   – If you are not progressing some aspect of your program (weight, reps, sets, speed, time, distance, etc.), you are gaining minimal benefit. To be sure, this is better than nothing, but you must accumulate as much strength, cardiovascular capacity, and mobility as possible. This improves your quality of life at any age, and will absolutely help you maintain it as get older. This isn’t something you can just start when you begin to notice your age. You must build as much momentum as you can as early as you are able—yesterday was better than today, but today is better than tomorrow.

By taking these principles into consideration, you can find a personal trainer who can help you achieve your health and fitness goals in a safe and effective way.

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