The thought of some ultra-fit person watching your every move as you sweat and tumble might be too much to stomach. It’s also one of the biggest reasons why people don’t ever get to experience the benefits of having a personal trainer.
That fear of judgement and feeling “less than” is completely valid. Except, times have changed. Trainers can actually be some of the most compassionate people out there (just like a good therapist). They know how hard it is to open your vulnerable side to a total stranger, leaving yourself in their hands. They’ve also likely been through their own experience of overcoming such fears to reach where they’re at. No one starts a pro, after all.
This article is here to flip the script on what a personal trainer does. We’ve moved beyond the days of drill sergeants and trainers yelling at you to “go harder”. Now, we know that compassion and support are needed more than ever, and a trainer can give you just that.
Read on to learn the myths around trainers and get the action-plan you need to find one that suits your personality. With this method, you can level up and get consistent, reach your goals, and actually enjoy working out — even after your time with your trainer is done.
Working out on your own can get so boring or overwhelming that you end up losing consistency or quitting altogether. With a trainer, everything changes. Here’s what you’ll get:
Rarely do we get the opportunity to start the gym with a professional by our side, showing us how to do everything correctly. With a trainer, you’ll find out just how many things you need to tweak (and you might notice less back pain and other issues decrease, too).
Working out becomes less of a lonely battle with that inner critic inside your head. Instead, you get a real conversation with an actual human being — keeping you away from spiraling thoughts and moving you to a more enjoyable headspace.
Still unsure? Let’s bust some of the most common myths and dive into why they’re no longer relevant:
Now that you know what personal trainers are really like, why not find one who fits your needs? The right trainer won’t just help you get stronger—they’ll help you stay consistent and actually enjoy the process.
We’ve covered the myths and perks of hiring a reliable trainer, but we know that doesn’t mean the anxiety of trying one out has magically disappeared. Here’s a step-by-step plan for working with your fears and moving towards something new and exciting:
If you’re still hesitant, you might be stuck focusing on the (short-term) initial discomfort. But that’s also just the general anxiety that comes with starting almost anything you think you might not be not good at. Except once you start, it’s usually all good.
Think of a time in your past when you were afraid to try something new. What happened after you actually did it? How did it feel?
Even what now seems like a basic thing was something you were once afraid to try. Think of when you first rode a bike — doubtful you felt full of confidence. What about when you first started to drive, always looking around and never feeling fully sure if it was safe to turn. Now, driving is second nature (and you probably felt amazing after you passed your driver’s test).
There’s also arts and crafts, an area where you really can’t get it “wrong” but we still feel all this pressure to do things perfectly. Ever tried a pottery or art class? How did it feel to dive in, really try, and make something new? Or maybe you moved abroad or tried a solo trip, how did it feel once you actually did it? Exciting and empowering? Maybe it gave you a boost of confidence, where you proved to yourself that you could do new, scary, hard things.
Don’t forget to keep your “why” in mind. Tired of yo-yo exercising and weight gain? Need to manage back or knee pain and build your strength? Want to be able to play with your kids more easily? Wake up in the mornings without feeling exhausted? Think about what the end-goal is here.
With trainwell, you can scroll through trainers and get deep insight into their style and personality. You can choose someone purely because you think you’ll vibe with them (which is a great way to build consistency). Check them out, read their reviews, and try a consultation to see if you’re really a good match.
If you want to feel confident in your choice, ask some questions first to get a feel for their style. It could be about their training philosophy, experience, and qualifications. Let them know your goals and see how they respond — it’s also a great way to see if you vibe.
You can feel free to be honest with your trainer. They’re there to help you. Let them know if there’s anything you don't like, or any fears you have. They’ve probably heard it all, and they already have workaround ideas to keep you happy.
Working with someone you truly fit with has the power to change everything. Here’s what some trainwell users have to say about it:
“I've been using trainwell for about 6 months and I love the app! It's been one of the best investments I've done in my life. My trainer Brittney is amazing. She motivates me, answers all my questions, guides me, and adapts my training to my needs. I will keep on recommending it to my friends.”
- Patricia F on Trustpilot, March 2024
“Trainwell has helped me understand what muscles I’m using during each workout, allowing me to be more intentional with my training. It has also helped me improve my form and build confidence in my workouts. Best thing about my trainer Katelyn is that she listens to my needs and adjusts my workouts to fit my goals, making sure I’m always progressing while feeling supported.”
- Mychaelia T on trainwell, Feb 2025
“I have been working with a trainwell trainer for almost a year now and have loved the experience, convenience, and affordability of having a personal trainer and accountability partner through the power of the app. I signed up for trainwell after having a baby to help me get back into a fitness routine. My experience with the trainers I’ve been assigned with has been excellent; they are understanding and motivating. Highly recommend trainwell for anyone who wants to meet their fitness goals.”
- Nina A on Trustpilot, March 2024
Trainwell offers something most fitness apps and gyms don’t: the option to choose your trainer based on their personality. We get how awkward that initial consult can be and that you need to feel comfortable. Our trainers are here to adapt to you and craft a plan that makes you happy, not them.
You also get all the benefits of perfecting your form through the app's tracking features. Your trainer can check-in and make sure you’re on the right track, progressing, and avoiding injury.
Ready to finally dive in and see just how much easier and more fun working out can be? Try the free 14-day trial to see all those benefits for yourself.
Written by Jennifer Olejarz.
