Personal trainers used to be a service reserved for the elite. Today, individual, small-group and large-group training allow each person to find the price point and level of attention, motivation and individualization that fits best. Even one or two sessions can be incredibly helpful to ensure that the time you spend working on your fitness is productive. If you identify with any one of the four statements below, it might be a good time for you to hire a trainer.

1. This whole fitness thing overwhelms you.

Maybe you just joined a gym for the first time or decided to get some gear to work out at home. Either way, the choices of exercise modes, equipment and training philosophies can seem daunting. It’s hard to determine where to start. A personal trainer is a great investment to help you learn technique basics and create an effective routine to reach your goals. A trainer will challenge you to become and/or remain accountable to a consistent routine, which increases the likelihood that your new fitness regime will become a habit. If you are looking for something more specific, such as a program that you can do at home, make sure to let your trainer know so he or she can tailor the session(s) to your needs. The more specific you are, the more specific your trainer can be in designing your program.

2. You aren’t seeing the results you want.

This is likely the most common reason people hire a personal trainer. Perhaps you have a regimen that you have been doing for a long time. You got great results for the first few months, but now you’ve hit a plateau or even regressed. You may be getting a little bored mentally and your body is bored physically. It’s time to change it up! Through smart programming, a trainer can create a personalized and progressive regimen based on your goals. Speaking of goals, working with a trainer enhances focus. A trainer can help you establish realistic goals and a plan of action to achieve them. Sometimes it takes someone else telling you that you can actually do more than you thought you could in order to actually do it. A personal trainer can provide that extra push to help you realize your own potential.

3. You’re unsure about your form or technique.

You have watched the YouTube video at least five times, but you just can’t seem to get the hang of a certain exercise. Perhaps your knees ache when you squat or you can’t quite figure out how to work the cable machine. All of us can benefit from the watchful eye of a trainer. Proper technique prevents injury and increases the effectiveness of the exercise. A personal trainer can help you find the variation of a given exercise that is best for you in order to keep you safe and injury-free. If you have special considerations such as an injury or chronic illness, make sure to provide these details so your trainer can create a program with specific modifications to suit your needs.

4. You want to train for a specific event.

Are you thinking about signing up for a half marathon or do you plan to complete a power-lifting competition? Maybe you are planning a backpacking trip across Europe, which involves a lot of loaded walking. All of these events require specific training for best results. A personal trainer can help you develop a program based on the specificity of the event and the time you have available to train. Knowing that you are preparing for your event in a manner that prevents injury and increases your competitive edge can be physically and psychologically rewarding. Plan for sport-specific events two to six months in advance for best results. Do your research and find a trainer who specializes in training for your activity of choice. Part of competing or achieving a personal goal is having the confidence that you can do it. Confidence comes from preparation.

Fitness is, by nature, a do-it-yourself type of health activity, but sometimes it’s good to check in with a professional to be sure you are on the right track. A qualified personal trainer can help you craft a plan of action to get the results you want, help you avoid injury and maximize your efforts. You can establish a short- or long-term relationship with your trainer, depending on your preference. Investing in your health with a personal trainer may be one of the most rewarding decisions you will make.