The Gym Sucks Unless You Have a Trainer

I can push 30 percent alone. My trainer helps me reach 60. The rest? I save it so I can walk home without calling an ambulance.

Walking into a gym is intimidating, especially if you didn’t grow up around it. I was lucky to get introduced to fitness by my cousin Hareesh when I was 28.

I’ve learned that I despise training alone. And I absolutely hate running. I would rather prick a needle into my nails.

I enjoy group strength training. But I couldn’t see meaningful progress.

I tried training alone but could push myself only to 30 percent of my capacity. If you train at only 30 percent of your potential for 10000 hours, don’t expect exponential results. (And no, James Clear, I’m not a fan of Atomic Habits.)

I had to change.

I needed someone who could support, guide and push me to become stronger. I got a personal trainer, Nishaan, at the start of this year. He is solid.

On my own, I can push 30 percent. With my trainer, I hit 60 percent. I leave the last 10 percent untouched, just enough strength to walk home without calling an ambulance.

I don’t have any results to show off yet, but I can certainly say it’s one of the best investments of my life.

There are caveats.

How do you choose the right trainer? I chose an elite gym where top athletes train. That was my signal. Look for yours.