For most people exercising and training are almost the same thing (meaning going to the gym, running/jogging, doing some crunches, or joining a group class), but in reality, they mean two different things.
Even though in both cases you perform physical activity and move, sweat, and burn calories, exercising is an isolated activity that helps you stay active or maintain your current fitness level. Training, on the other hand, implies a structured, systematic exercise routine that helps you achieve a long term goal.
Whether you should be training or exercising depends on what you want to achieve. It comes down to your specific goals.
When and why to train?
If your priority is to maintain your health and keep your heart pumping, then exercising or performing any kind of physical activity is sufficient for you.
If you want to lose weight, get toned, gain muscles, and in general improve your fitness level, then you need a structured plan to progressively perform the activities that will help you achieve that goal.
Having a Personal Trainer or a structured program that evolves over time will help you with the following areas:
- Goal Setting: Identifying your goals in a S.M.A.R.T. way (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound)
- Building a Custom plan: Developing a realistic plan towards your goals
- Motivation: Having someone that will stay with you along the process (either physically or virtually)
- Accountability: helping you keep track of how you are performing towards your goals
- Variety: workout routines that changes from time to time to stay fun and challenging
- More than workouts: A personal trainer or paid programs often offer more than exercise routines, they have available resources such as nutrition tips, motivational resources, and teach you how to create healthy habits.