Is supervised training that much better?

Written by: Matt Mombourquette

For those who have not worked with a reputable personal trainer it can be confusing to understand the value of investing your hard earned dollars, especially when a monthly gym membership can be so very affordable for the general population.

Without a doubt, supervised training is far superior to training on your own and this is supported by numerous research articles observing individuals from 20 to 60 years old with varying levels of fitness experience.

If you look at two groups of individuals who do the same exercise program, in the same facility, with the same equipment; the group who is supervised by an exercise professional will always produce better results.

Our experience here at OneUp fitness can attest to these claims. Our clients have shared with us that they have often never stuck with an exercise regime for such a long period of time, nor have they felt as strong or fit as when they started working with our team of dedicated personal trainers.

One of the biggest contentions for people hiring a personal trainer is that it is ‘expensive’. When considering supervised training it’s best not to compare the cost with a gym membership. It’s not even remotely the same thing. Personal training is a luxury service that can offer tremendous value and I recognize that it is an investment that not everyone can afford, but for those who can, the value proposition should be a ‘no brainer’.

So, is a personal trainer worth the investment?

That is ultimately for you to decide but it is clear from the evidence and our experience that supervised fitness training will ensure:

• You stay consistent with your program through accountability.
• A higher level of safety and effectiveness.
• You save a lot of your precious time - from trying to figure out what exercises to do, in what order, at what resistance level, and how to set up the equipment properly.

What should you look for in a personal trainer?

My advice is to start by considering what really is important to you based on your current health and fitness status, your goals, and abilities. Try to find someone who will ask you specific questions about all these things and work hard to listen and empathize with your position.

Next, take into account whether the trainer, or team of trainers, will be able to cater to your needs and hold space for you to share your concerns and aspirations without judgement. If you are a 55 year old post-menopausal woman who has never done any resistance training, attending a cross fit class that caters to competitive athletes is probably not going to be the best choice for you.

And, although there can be space for personal connection, that should not be the basis of the relationship. The personal trainer should be focused primarily on instructing and supervising your workouts safely, effectively, and efficiently. After all, you’re paying for an excellent exercise experience and results, not a friendship.

Finally, the trainer should have some level of formal education in the exercise space. Whether that be a degree in the exercise sciences or an accredited certification from a recognized organization. What this kind of education provides the trainer is a level of professionalism, an understanding of basic human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise prescription; and the ability to encourage and motivate you to stay consistent with your program.

Here at OneUp Fitness we offer a 30 minute, evidence based and personalized solution to long-term health and fitness. Our trainers will supervise every rep, set and workout that you will ever do; ensuring you are safely performing the exercises at the appropriate level of intensity for your needs and goals. They will track your progress and offer regular feedback throughout your program. That is our promise to our clients.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I hope that this has been informative and helpful in your decision to hire a trainer. Best wishes in your health and fitness journey.

If you would like to learn more, or book a complimentary one hour fitness consultation with one of our trainers here at OneUp Fitness please email our admin team at [email protected] or call the office at and they will be happy to assist you.

Matt Mombourquette, BSc.Kin
Owner / Lead Personal Trainer
OneUp Fitness