Imagine having your very own personal trainer right on your iPod or MP3 player. Hear the encouragement and motivation along with expert coaching and instruction coming out of your headphones, as you push yourself out of your comfort and into the training zone!

Welcome to amazing world of MP3 guided workouts. Although, still small in size relative to other facets of the fitness and exercise industry, MP3 workouts have proven amazingly effective for all kinds of exercisers whether they be beginners or seasoned pros. All you need to get started is an MP3 player and desire to get fit.

So what are the benefits of using these MP3 guided workouts you ask?

Saves You Money

Well, for starters, they offer you a huge savings when compared to typical training sessions with a personal fitness coach. Normally, working one-on-one with your own trainer can cost you anywhere from $75-$150/hr depending on the credentials and experience of the trainer. Conversely, using an MP3 fitness program that has been developed by a top trainer can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Take for instance Fitter U™, an incredible 3-month MP3 fitness system that helps users achieve their ideal body in just 90 days. This program (developed by Total Wellness Consulting) consists of over 35 hours of circuit training and interval training audio workouts as well as a workout tracker e-book and costs only $197. Following this exact program with the expert trainer who developed it would cost close to $4,500!

Provides Expert Coaching

Most MP3 guided workouts on the market have been developed by some of the top trainers in the fitness industry. Whether you’re looking for weight loss, muscle building, or cardio specific workouts, you are sure to find a workout that will suit your needs.

However, when selecting your MP3 workout of choice, be sure to investigate the trainer/program developer’s background and experience. Does the trainer have an educational background in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or strength & conditioning? Has the trainer been involved in the fitness industry for several years or simply getting started? Does the trainer have any other sport-related experience and/or certifications?

Be sure to listen to demos before purchasing. Having a good sense of what your trainer’s voice and demeanor are like is important since you’ll be hearing his/her voice throughout your workouts. Is he/she upbeat, motivating, energetic? Also, having a better sense of what the program entails is important so that you don’t jump into something that you’re not ready for.

Better and Faster Results

One of the benefits of having your own trainer is his/her ability to push you beyond your “perceived” limits. As a result, you attain your goals in a shorter time. Similarly, having an expert trainer on your headphones telling you how much time to work for, how much time you have to recover, and when to keep going makes a huge difference when compared to simply following a generic program from a fitness magazine.

Furthermore, the audio coaching instructions should be such as to ensure excellent form and technique as well as to provide some physiological explanation for the type of exercise at hand. This gives you greater confidence in your movement ability and exercise knowledge/body awareness, respectively. After all, better body awareness leads to better form which leads to greater and safer results!

Convenience and Portability

One of the big advantages of MP3 guided workouts is that you can take them with you anywhere you go. No need to schedule awkward workout times with a busy trainer or wait in line for various machines. Most “good” MP3 workouts should consider that you don’t want to be wasting your time queuing for machines or other equipment. However, keep in mind that some workouts may require more equipment than others. But generally, if you decide to purchase a workout that has minimal equipment requirements, you can take such a workout with you as you travel or even to the cottage for the weekend.

The convenience of having your very own personal trainer with you wherever and whenever you want is a nice feature especially if you’re a busy body! One such program combining convenience and portability is the Treadmill Trainer™, developed by Toronto’s leading fitness expert Yuri Elkaim. This is an MP3 running program that guarantees users to run faster, farther, and longer with only 2 workouts per week! So if you’re a runner (or want to start) you’ve got to check this phenomenal program out. And don’t be fooled by the name – you can follow this program on a treadmill or even outside as you run.

So if you’ve got an iPod (or other MP3 player) and are ready to get fit and don’t feel like spending thousands of dollars on a trainer, then you’ve got to check the new world of MP3 guided workouts. If you’re looking to lose weight and tone or looking to improve your aerobic and running capacity, then I recommend visiting www.totalwellnessconsulting.ca for expertly designed affordable workouts that have proven results time and time again.