Getting The Most Out Of Your Strength Training

TAKU • February 22, 2023
A man is using a machine in a gym while another man watches.

I get asked this question all the time: “Should I hire a trainer?”

The answer is, unquestionably, yes, but it comes with an asterisk, so to speak.

I say yes because I look at what I do when I go to the gym. I look at the way I train, how long it takes me and how much effort I put into each workout. Then I ask myself, “Could I do better with someone encouraging me to push harder or lift a bit heavier or do my intervals faster?” The answer again is yes. Speaking as an athlete, trainer and someone who’s been involved in the fitness industry for over 30 years I know exactly how far I can push myself when it comes to my training and I know how much recovery time I need. I’m not always able to give 100% when I’m in the gym. Distractions are constantly present and I often find myself seeking reasons not to do another set or take a little more rest time than I need. When I have one of my colleagues or friends oversee my training session, they never let me take the additional time or look for distractions. They keep me on task, on schedule and constantly push me to excel. Bottom line, it works. No matter how effective I am in the gym, it is only enhanced when a trainer or training partner works with me.

A man is standing next to a man sitting on a machine in a gym.

Don’t fool yourself. Even if you’ve been going to the gym for years or you’ve played sports all your life, don’t think that you know everything there is to know about working out. It’s very likely that you probably do quite a few things wrong in the gym — bad information seems to constantly perpetuate. Every single day I see people who are training poorly, ineffectively or just plain wrong.

A man is sitting on a machine in a gym while another man looks on.

It may be the intensity at which they do their “cardio” training or perhaps it’s the way they spend 2 hours doing a workout that should take no more than 30 minutes. They may even be doing the exercises TOTALLY WRONG. Yes, I see this all the time. I’m sure most of the people making these errors have no idea they’re doing anything wrong. If that’s the case, there’s no impetus for making any change. “Quality, not quantity” plays a big part in training. It would be much more advantageous for each and every one of these individuals to spend as little as 30 minutes to an hour with a qualified trainer, have him or her evaluate what they’re doing, then change what’s been identified as incorrect. Subtle changes in form, intensity and program design can promote substantial changes in the effectiveness of your program.

Here are some other examples of where hiring a trainer may be helpful:

  • Post pregnancy

  • New to working out

  • Post injury rehab

  • Boredom with your current program / routine

  • No longer seeing results (plateau)

  • Basic education of equipment

  • Accountability

  • Improve efficiency

  • Learn how to train safely

  • Learn what’s new in the industry

I stated in my first sentence that there was an asterisk involved. The reason is, there are many variables involved when hiring a trainer. As the client, you MUST do your homework and make sure the trainer you hire is right for you. Check out who the trainer is, what their background is, what experience and education they’ve had and, perhaps most importantly, what their personality is like. You could have the most knowledgeable and effective trainer on the planet, but if the personalities of trainer and client don’t mesh, nothing will ever get accomplished. Most gyms have multiple trainers on staff, so don’t necessarily sign up with the first one you talk to. Talk with them all and find the best fit for you. Trainers are like lawyers, too. If you don’t like the one you’re currently with, get rid of them and find one that you enjoy working with.

Follow these guidelines when looking for a trainer and you’ll be much more apt to reach your fitness goals. Remember: If you’re paying to be there, you have the right to ask questions, get more information, ask for alternatives, etc. If you’re being told something that just doesn’t make sense, make sure you’re getting the right answers!

TAKU's NOTE: For more ideas about creating simple effective strength training and conditioning programs check back here frequently or visit us at: www.tntstrength.com

Register your name and email address on the site so you can be kept up-to-date on the latest news from TNT Strength.

If you are Looking for the best Strength Training tool for in Home Training I Highly recommend that you check out the Harambe System. As far as I am concerned it is the best home gym on the market. If you visit their website you can get 10% off using the code TNT at checkout.

Experience the TNT Strength difference with a free workout.

START YOUR FITNESS TRANSFORMATION WITH A

FREE WORKOUT

Complete the form and we'll set up an appointment for you.

Recent Articles

TNT Strength client
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer July 7, 2025
When it comes to women and strength training—especially women over 50—the myths run deep and wide. As a coach with decades of experience helping people of all ages and abilities get stronger, I’ve seen firsthand how damaging these outdated ideas can be. But here’s the truth: strength training is not just for young athletes or men who want to get "jacked." In fact, if you’re a woman over 50, strength training might be the most powerful tool you have to reclaim your health, boost your confidence, and age with strength and grace.
Jesse Schmidt TNT Strength coach with client
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer June 30, 2025
Let’s set the record straight: losing your balance as you age is not inevitable. Despite what many believe, balance isn’t something you just “lose” over time like your hairline or your car keys. The truth is, most balance issues that show up later in life stem from something far more preventable—loss of strength and muscle mass.
HIT UNI Logo
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer June 23, 2025
Let me ask you something… If I told you that you could build strength, enhance performance, and reduce your risk of injury in less than one hour a week, would you believe me? No gimmicks. No magic pills. Just science-backed, time-tested strength training that works. Welcome to the world of High Intensity Training, or H.I.T. — the TNT Strength way.
TNT Strength  Training
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer June 16, 2025
At TNT Strength, we coach you to train safely and effectively, one controlled repetition at a time — from the very first to the very last.
Clients working out at TNT Strength in Oakland
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer June 2, 2025
When people think about injury risk during strength training, they often imagine something going wrong during the last rep of a hard set. That’s when you’re exhausted, your muscles are screaming, and the weight feels impossible. It seems like the danger would be highest right there, right?... Wrong.
Longevity image bar chart growth
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer May 26, 2025
In Part 1 and Part 2 , we discussed why everyone needs strength training and how to do it efficiently. Now let’s talk about making it stick.
TNT Strength  Training Client
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer May 12, 2025
In Part 1 , we established that strength is foundational to living a healthier, more functional life. But let’s face it: time is tight, and not everyone wants to spend hours in the gym. The good news? You don’t have to.
TNT Strength Client Training with Liam
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer May 5, 2025
Part 1: The Foundation – Strength is the Root of All Physical Ability
TNT Strength  Training
By Liam "TAKU" Bauer April 28, 2025
At TNT Strength, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Just like doctors take the Hippocratic Oath and vow to “first, do no harm,” we as strength coaches hold ourselves to a similar standard. Every rep, every session, every program we build is designed with that guiding principle in mind: help first, never harm.