Best Personal Trainer in Chicago

Who's the best Personal Trainer in Chicago?

Of course, I'm going to say, myself!  But, let me explain…

I'm Certified

You would think this goes without saying, but, NEVER hire a Personal Trainer that isn't certified by at least one nationally accredited organization. Certified trainers need to take continuing education courses every couple of years in order to maintain their certification.  This helps assure that your trainer is staying current with current topics and training techniques.  Check to make sure your trainer also has CPR and First Aid.

I'm an Author

When you write a book, you are assumed to be an "expert" on the topics of which you've written about.  I wrote a book on physical, nutritional and emotional wellness.  The book, Living 365fitt, A 12-Week Program to Lifestyle Wellness, has been thoroughly researched and put into a format that makes it easy to read and follow.  That's another expert tip!

I'm a Former Competitive Athlete

I have always been active, but I developed AOA, or Adult Onset Athleticism, in my thirties.  I competed in every distance triathlon, from sprint to Ironman, often landing on the podium.  As a self-coached athlete, I studied all the great books, read all the great articles, and tested dozens of training plans, techniques and theories on myself.  I know what works and what doesn't.  I know FITT - the frequency, intensity, time and type of training to get you to your goal.  And, I know the mental training and nutrition that can make or break the best physical training.

I've Been Mentored By the Best

Aside from all the books and courses I've taken, led by international experts, I can say that I have worked with the best in the world when it comes to cardiovascular training and performance athletics.  These experts helped transform my own training, and empowered me to use myself as a human laboratory; for through success, and probably more importantly, failure, we learn.

I've Worked with Physical Therapists

Sure, working with athletes is fun.  But, when athletes get injured, they need help.  This applies not just to injured athletes, but individuals of all walks of life; individuals who are geriatric and need special care; individuals with chronic disease like Parkinson's or heart disease; men and women who are or have been through joint replacement surgery; individuals suffering from back or chronic pain; and, the obese or sedentary.  Working with these people sometimes requires that you practically wipe the slate clean and start from ground zero.  We're talking BASIC exercises, not P90X or Crossfit.  Working side by side with the physical therapists who help these people, has given me knowledge beyond anything in a text book.

I Know Corporate Wellness

Yes, I've even applied the science of feeling better and Living 365fitt to corporate sites.  This is even more important now and in the future, as companies begin to incentivize people for wellness activities and participation, and as insurance companies offer rebates to companies that support employee wellness.  You can be sure that there is a wellness solution for your company.  Just ask!

So, Who's the Best Personal Trainer in Chicago?

There certainly are a lot of Personal Trainers in Chicago, and I do know a lot of them.  What I can tell you is that I'm pretty damn good.  But, you need to decide for yourself.  Just make sure that whoever you choose, its a good fit.  Ask your trainer (or me), for a single session, before buying any package.  Decide if your trainer is available at the times that you want to train.  Does your trainer motivate you to succeed and can he or she take you to the next level?  And, by the way, most of the trainers I know want the fit to work both ways.  Being ready to work and being committed to a training schedule rank high on our list of traits we look for in potential clients.

Kathy Kent is owner of 365fitt a training and coaching company located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.  Coaching packages are available by contacting Kathy at kathy@365fitt.com or by phone at 630-302-3470.

Why You Should Consider A Personal Trainer

You may have never considered hiring a personal trainer, but I'll tell you why it's a great idea:

Top Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

Exercise has changed 

You may have been exposed to exercise "old school", maybe even dating back to the days of YOUR primary school education, when you were made to do chin-ups, push ups and climb a rope as part of your state's Physical Education program.  You had to run, jump rope and dodge the ball. Today, exercise has evolved into a well rounded program that's all about what YOU like. 

The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) has revised their guidelines for exercise to include components of cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and balance.  A good Personal Trainer can help you find the right balance to fit your needs, which brings me to the next point...

YOU have changed

You are not the same person you were 30 years ago, let alone 5 years ago.  Your needs have changed, your life has changed, your body has changed.  A knowlegable Personal Trainer should be able to help you through all stages of your life, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health.  The Personal Trainer is there to help you and adapt to your ever changing needs and can develop a program that fits you today and can grow with you.  As part of hiring a Personal Trainer, he or she should have you fill out a Health History Form, a Goals Worksheet and a Physical Activities Questionnaire, which will give him or her a good idea about your background and what you're looking for. 

Personal Trainers have changed

Gone are the days where the Personal Trainer stands above you and watches and counts while you lift weights.  Today's Personal Trainer spends time at the computer writing programs, checking heart rate graphs, watching Youtube for videos that explain technique or exercises.  Today's trainer is involved in a way with their client like never before, going on bike rides, long runs, or taking them to new places to do motivating workouts.  (I sometimes took a client to my secret hill to run hill repeats with them.)

Today's trainer is knowlegable about special populations:  pregnancy, senior citizens, individuals rehabbing an injury, and athletes seeking performance.  Some Personal Trainers have received additional qualifications in specific areas and are able to market themselves as such.  So, if you're looking to run a marathon, you might be wise to seek a trainer with knowledge of running marathons, not a trainer who specializes in pregnancy. 

Why Hire Me and 365fitt?

• I will check your Health History
• I will review your Physical Activity Questionnaire
• I will help you with your Goals Worksheet
• I will be compassionate and caring
• I will be vested in your success
• I will hold you accountable to yourself, and to me
• I will monitor your progress, when we're together and while you're on your own
• I will forward you articles that may interest you, not distract you
• I will write workouts for you to keep your interest
• I will provide opportunities for learning
• I will teach you "why" I have you do something, so you learn
• I will listen to your needs, your problems
• I will motivate you to be good to yourself
• I will help you over obstacles and roadblocks
• I will refer you to someone qualified when you need special help
• I will not accept your excuses
• I will always tell you the truth
• YOU will always be able to trust me

Hire me!
Kathy