If you’re heading north on US-22, right at the turn onto the Old 3C Hwy, there’s a boxy building that sits a bit off by itself. In its former life, it might have been a garage—now it’s become a home for transformation. Trainers Spot is where personal trainers and their clients can meet for one-on-one fitness instruction.
Trainers Spot is the place owner Kelly Hater wished had been around when she first started as a personal trainer nearly 15 years ago. Back then, she rented space at a local gym.
“I felt like I was in the way of all the members. There was nowhere to safely go and train your clients,” recalls Kelly, now perched at a high table in her Trainers Spot’s clean, modern lobby.
Trainers Spot is a 4,900+-square-foot private facility—featuring 3,000+ square feet of workout space with a full assortment of state-of-the-art workout equipment and weights on the first floor, benches and dumbbells on the second floor. Trainers Spot was designed to help personal trainers flex their business muscle. Instead of investing in equipment, trainers can invest more time working with clients and building their business. In fact, trainers can bring in their clients just about any time.
“But maybe not at two o’clock in the morning,” Kelly jokes.
Trainers Spot isn’t just for hard-core weightlifters. Whether you’ve never picked up a dumbbell or you’re prepping for your next bodybuilding competition, you can find a certified trainer who fits your fitness needs at Trainers Spot.
Kelly loves to talk about each trainer's individual “strengths.” One runs a weightlifting club out of Trainers Spot. Another offers a class just for women. Other trainers focus on strength and mobility, nutrition and working with seniors and youth. The website features profiles of eight certified personal trainers, including Kelly and her husband Nathan, who were both competitive bodybuilders.
Can’t I just go to Zumba?
There’s nothing wrong with group classes according to Kelly. The difference is in the level of personal attention you’ll get.
In a group fitness class, an instructor doesn’t focus on you as an individual—to see and know precisely what your body is capable of. Personal training takes mobility, movement and recovery into account.
“Exercise is science, and every body is different,” Kelly explains. “So, people may say, ‘Oh, your knees shouldn’t go in front of your toes.’ Well, that’s incorrect. It depends on if your ankles actually have the mobility to move that way—same thing with your knees.”
With a personal trainer, you and the trainer make the schedule. You’re not limited to only when a workout is offered, and you get that accountability from having a one-on-one session.
“If you miss a group fitness class, most likely no one will notice,” says Kelly.
Movie stars have personal trainers, not me.
A personal trainer isn’t just for the rich and famous. On average, the cost of a one-hour session at Trainers Spot goes for about the same amount as the tab at a full-service restaurant—around $60. Plus, you don’t have to worry about adding on those extra calories—you’re burning them instead. Working with a personal trainer is more like an investment in the future you.
“Most people work out,” says Kelly. “But have you been seeing the results you want? What I always tell people is after working with a trainer for four weeks, you will notice results. After eight weeks, your family and close friends will notice your results. After 12, the whole world will notice.”
Okay. Sign me up!
If you’re interested in working with a personal trainer at Trainers Spot, Kelly has a few tips on how to get the most out of it.
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Define your goals. If you don’t have a specific trainer in mind, Kelly can work with you to help determine goals and select a trainer who can help you reach them.
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Ask about certifications. Your trainer’s certification indicates their level of understanding of science and body anatomy. At Trainers Spot, many of the trainers are certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
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Keep lines of communication open. Be transparent, and ask questions. If you have any questions or concerns, raise them with your trainer.
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Be on time. This is mostly for your safety, so a trainer doesn’t need to rush you through the routine.
“Exercise is science, and every body is different.”