Many people with diabetes know that exercise lowers blood sugar and protects health, so may have made exercise part of their daily routine, whether it’s a daily walk or a sweaty trip to the gym.
But what happens when exercise starts to feel boring and you need extra motivation to keep moving? Or maybe you want to lose a few pounds, increase your fitness, or plan a long 5K run. A personal trainer may be able to help if any of these situations arise.
Jessica Matthews, assistant professor of exercise science at Miramar College in San Diego, said, “A trainer can develop a program that fits specific needs and fitness levels. In addition to teaching new exercises, it can help to safely reach goals and ensure that proper form is maintained.”
Dr. Sarah Nadeem, assistant professor of endocrinology at Loyola University School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois, said that if one can afford personal training at a gym, it is necessary to seek the help of a personal trainer. “Personal training can help people make exercise a part of their lives, which is one of the best efforts that can be made to treat diabetes.”
What benefits can exercise provide?
Why spend money on a personal trainer if you’re already exercising consistently? It’s definitely worth the investment to hire a personal trainer for your health. There are several benefits to hiring a personal trainer.
- Helps to stick to your workout. After a busy day, none of us want to go back to the gym. But if you miss multiple workouts, your trainer may call because of it. After all, if you’ve already scheduled (and paid for) that exercise session, you’re more likely to head to the gym because of it. A trainer can give you the extra motivation you need,” says Dr. Sheri Colberg, professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. This is critical because regular physical activity is crucial for people with diabetes. Studies have shown that patients who exercise consistently have better blood sugar control and improved quality of life than those who don’t enjoy exercise.
- Help reach your goals. Always wanted to run a 5K? Did your doctor say you need to lose a few pounds? Matthew says, “Many people try to accomplish their goals on their own and then over-exercise or exercise too fast.” “But they may eventually get discouraged and give up.” A coach will pave the way to success by creating a day-by-day plan or by developing a calorie-burning exercise program that promotes movement. However, be sure to see a doctor before starting a new exercise program.
- Avoid injury. Having diabetes means extra precautions may need to be taken during exercise. If blood sugar levels are too low, you may become dizzy and weak, and Nadeem says, “If you are at an extremely high risk of hypoglycemia, try to exercise with a partner.” A trainer is not only a fixed safety measure, but can also prevent injuries, including showing patients how to warm up and soothe and relax, and making sure the movements are correct. “Scientific movements can prevent muscle strains or muscle overuse,” Matthews says.
- Make the most of the benefits of exercise. Even walking or jumping on the elliptical 5 times a week may not get all the health benefits you need. A good trainer can help make the most of the time through exercise science and research. For example, a patient may need to add strength training to an exercise routine, which can help the body make better use of insulin. Coaches may also recommend adding “interval exercise time” to the heart, by which the health benefits of exercise may be better than exercise at the same intensity level.
- Staying active. First, let’s face it: doing the same thing over and over again can get boring. A personal trainer will help vary the exercises to keep them interesting. matthews says, “You’ll learn new ways to move and exercise and, eventually, be able to implement them on your own.” Personal trainers are also cheerleaders for their patients, keeping them active throughout the process.
How do I choose the right trainer?
Not all coaches are of equal caliber. It is important to find a coach who understands people with diabetes. To find the right person, consider the following criteria.
- Scientific certification: The coach should have certification from a formal organization.
- Diabetes experience: Coaches who work with people with diabetes can better understand the risks their patients face and know the do’s and don’ts.
Nadeem said doctors can also make recommendations. Patients can also go to a university or hospital-affiliated fitness center to find an appropriate trainer.