First Steps Fitness is based on one simple belief, the belief that everyone should be healthy through movement. We also understand the fear that you might be feeling when it comes to working out and losing weight. Therefore we have created a personal training service and fitness boot camps that are customized, fresh, fun yet effective, so that you can reach your fitness goals.

We all know how hard it is to start a fitness routine and how intimidating joining a gym can be. What’s even more difficult is maintaining a fitness regimen over the long term.

It’s common in the fitness industry to focus on getting results quickly; it’s also common to take physical activity to the extreme in order to see results. However, this method can injure you and disappoint you especially if you’re not seeing the results that you expect. You’ll likely quit prematurely and turn you off completely from working out ever again.

Hiring the right certified personal trainer is one of the key factors in your success.

Our approach at First Steps Fitness is different. We think that your journey to physical fitness and a healthier you is just as important as your goals.

We will be there with you every step of the way. From experience, we know that one of the biggest obstacles you’ll face is yourself. We will make sure that you don’t subconsciously sabotage your fitness efforts by customizing a fitness plan for you that is enjoyable, achievable and effective.

If you are new to working out, or have been unsuccessful in achieving your fitness goals in the past, want a fresh approach, and live in Toronto, then First Steps Fitness is for you.Your fitness journey begins with the first steps..

About Gaby Cordero

Ever since I can remember, health and fitness has been part of my life. My mother was a dancer at a very young age and my father has always enjoyed physical fitness from a young boy. So growing up, my younger brother and I were exposed to exercise and physical movement – our family time centered around physical activities.

First Steps Fitness - Color Me Rad 2013 in Toronto — The Cordero family at the Color Me Rad 2013 in Toronto.

In grade school and high school, I was involved in numerous sports, and naturally I studied human kinetics in University, and graduated with a Kinesiology degree.

I’ve always wanted to help people so I got certified in personal training so that I can help others get fit, lose weight, but most importantly, improve their overall health.

An added bonus is that I get to help people gain their confidence and feel good about themselves, which they haven’t felt in a long time. This is probably the best part about being a personal trainer. I am so fortunate to be doing something that can help change lives in a positive way.

Photo credit: GAPhoto

A Toronto personal trainer showing proper technique — A personal trainer showing proper form – Toronto.

For those who are trying to lose weight, tone your body, or have any other fitness goals, one question that you may have is: should you hire a personal trainer? Or will personal training work for you? And, for each person, the answer is going to vary. For starters, you have to know what to look for in a trainer, and what they can help you with, so that you select the right person to work with.

There are several factors to consider when you are deciding whether or not to hire a trainer; and, if so, who to work out with for optimal results.

What are your trainer’s responsibilities?

If you are considering hiring a personal fitness trainer, you have to understand their responsibilities to you. There are a few things a trainer should do once you hire them; these include:

Assessing your fitness level and capabilities – a good trainer should provide a fitness assessment at the start. Doing this allows the fitness trainer to set a base level for you, to determine your strengths and weaknesses, and to understand what type of training is appropriate for you.
Advising you of the correct method. This can range from how to use equipment, to how to properly do a push up or crunches. Doing this helps develop proper form, but even more important, it limits the potential for injury.
Develop a personalized plan for you based on initial discussions and assessment. As well, the trainer can create a workout plan that you can do on your own, in between sessions.
Motivate, encourage and guide you through your journey.
Help you set realistic and attainable goals so that you don’t get demotivated and give up.

What are advantages of working with a trainer?

For those who have a set goal in mind, there are a number of benefits to hiring a personal trainer; some of these include:

Motivation and constantly being pushed to the hardest levels.
They can develop challenging workout routines you could never do on your own.
Some will help you with a nutrition plan, and help you make better meal choices to attain your goals.
Trainers know how the body works; this means they can push your muscles in a way which will show growth and strength building, in far less time than you could do on your own.

The motivation and constant backing alone, are key reasons why clients have hired me.

You not only stay motivated, but when someone is holding you accountable, you are inspired to work harder, and wouldn’t want to disappoint. It’s so much easier to forego exercising when no one is holding you accountable.

What are the rates?

Personal trainer rates vary based on their degree, credentials, how long they have been training, reputation, and even location. Bigger cities tend to cost a higher rate for good trainers, and personal trainers in a high end gym will likely charge more due to the fact that they have more overhead costs.

The cost of one-on-one training can range anywhere from $50 to well over $100 an hour. This is what you should expect in a city like Toronto. Anything lower than $50 an hour, you should stay well away from, or question it (perhaps there are hidden costs that you aren’t aware of). Or the trainer is not experienced or have the proper credentials, such as a trainer certification from a recognized organization.

However, many trainers will offer some kind of discount if you sign up for multiple sessions. Typically most clients will take advantage of this. Signing up for multiple sessions helps clients commit to a program they’ve already paid for, plus the added benefit of cost savings.

Is it worth hiring a personal trainer?

This varies by person. If you are the type of person that needs motivation and is new to working out, a trainer may be a good route; if you like to workout on your own, and are a fitness buff, a trainer isn’t the right choice for you, unless you want to take your fitness to another level. This is when you should look for a specialized trainer focused in a certain discipline. For example, as a personal trainer, it is incumbent on me to keep enhancing my education and experience such as nutritional courses or a specialized field like cross-fit.

If you have tried the gym or working out for months on your own, and see no results, a trainer might be what it takes to push you to your desired fitness levels, and help you attain the goals you have set out for yourself. A lot of my clients have the following in common:

they need to change their lifestyle, yet they have no idea how to start
they often don’t have the motivation and they need someone to encourage them
they need accountability, and often friends or workout apps or fitness dvd’s can’t give them that
they don’t want to get injured and they’re looking for a health and fitness expert who can not only train them but also educate them
they’re looking for someone who will be just as invested in achieving their goals just as the clients are
they’re afraid – they’re afraid to fail. But some are also afraid to succeed – what would they do with a new healthy body?

It’s absolutely natural to feel fear. It’s human nature. Not knowing what lies ahead or where your journey will take you is scary. But my job is to lessen that fear by being right by your side guiding and encouraging you along the way.

There are many factors to consider, but I hope that this article has helped you make a decision. It makes me happy that you’re even reading this because it means that you’re ready to make a change.

>>Contact me to see how I can help you achieve your health and fitness goals.