You’ve finally done it — scheduled your first personal training session at AFAC gym in Thornton, Colorado. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, perhaps for years. You’ve told yourself time and time again, “I need to make a change,” and now, here you are, ready to take the first bold step in your fitness journey. You’ve found a personal trainer who aligns with your goals, and the appointment is booked. Now comes the natural question: How do you prepare?

This blog will guide you through what to expect and how to make the most of your first personal training session — mentally, physically, and emotionally. AFAC gym is here to support you every step of the way!

What Does Personal Training at the Gym Involve?

At its core, personal training is about one-on-one guidance tailored to your unique goals, fitness level, and lifestyle. It’s a collaborative relationship between you and your trainer to help you move safely and confidently toward better health. Whether you’re brand new to fitness, looking to elevate your current routine, or preparing for an athletic event, our trainers are equipped to provide individualized workout plans, nutritional guidance, and motivation.

Curious about how to get started? Just give us a call or stop by the AFAC gym front desk to schedule your first appointment with one of our certified personal trainers.

Show Up Rested, Hydrated, and Eat Something Light

To get the most out of your session, come well-rested and hydrated. Sleep is crucial for muscle recovery, mood, and overall energy levels. Don’t forget to drink water the day before and the morning of your session. Aim to eat a light, balanced snack an hour or so before you arrive — something with carbs and a bit of protein, like a banana with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with berries.

Be Open to Trying Something New

Your trainer may introduce you to movements or equipment you’ve never tried before. Be open! This is your opportunity to explore what your body can do. Even if a workout seems unfamiliar or intimidating at first, remember that growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Set Realistic Goals

Before you arrive, take some time to reflect on your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Are you training for a specific event, trying to lose weight, build muscle, or simply improve your overall health?

Write these goals down and share them with your trainer. Clear, realistic goals help your trainer design a program that suits your ambitions and lifestyle. And remember — goals can evolve!

Think About Questions You Want to Ask

Do you have questions about your fitness routine, nutrition, or the gym environment? Write them down! Your trainer is a wealth of knowledge. Jotting your questions down ensures you won’t forget to ask something important during the session.

Dress Comfortably

Choose breathable, flexible clothing that allows you to move freely. Athletic wear made from moisture-wicking materials can help you stay cool and dry. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or restrictive, especially during assessments and stretching exercises.

Wear Proper Shoes and Socks

Your footwear matters more than you think. Athletic shoes that offer good support and fit your feet properly can make a big difference in your performance and injury prevention. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and blister-free.

Prepare to Fuel and Hydrate

Bring a bottle of water and a healthy post-workout snack. Options like a protein bar, hard-boiled eggs with fruit, or a turkey wrap can help you refuel after your session. Rehydrating and refueling support your recovery and energy levels.

Plan to Be Completely Honest with Your Trainer

Trust is key in the trainer-client relationship. Be open about your lifestyle, workout history, medical conditions, and any physical limitations. Your trainer can only tailor a program to your needs if they have the full picture.

Health History Questions

During your first session, you may be asked about your health history. This could cover medical conditions, current medications, past injuries, your exercise habits, and your diet. It may feel personal, but the more information you provide, the safer and more effective your training will be.

Discussion of Training Preferences

Love yoga but hate burpees? Prefer free weights over machines? Let your trainer know! Understanding what you enjoy (and what you don’t) helps your trainer create a plan that you’ll stick with.

Discussion of Training Frequency and Duration

Life gets busy, and your schedule matters. Talk with your trainer about how often you can realistically train each week, including how many days you plan to work out on your own. Setting expectations upfront helps you stay consistent.

Body Measurements

Many trainers begin with simple body measurements — waist, hips, arms, etc. — to track changes over time. These benchmarks can be a helpful way to see your physical progress beyond what the scale shows.

Body Composition Assessment

At AFAC gym, we use the InBody 770 body composition analyzer to provide a deeper look at your fitness baseline. This state-of-the-art device measures body fat, muscle mass, water retention, and bone mass — giving you a comprehensive starting point to track your transformation. As a Gold member of AFAC gym, you can get regular InBody 770 scans at no extra cost!

Fitness, Cardio, and Movement Assessment

Your trainer may conduct a fitness assessment that includes flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular testing. This helps them determine your starting point and identify any imbalances or weaknesses. You may be asked about how much exercise you currently get and if any recent life changes (like pregnancy or surgery) have impacted your routine.

Assessment of Fitness Goals

Here’s where your previously written goals come into play. Whether it’s running a 5K or improving your mental health, your trainer needs to understand what you’re working toward. Expect a detailed conversation about your aspirations and how to turn them into actionable steps.

Discussion of Typical Personal Training Methods

Your trainer will outline what your future sessions might look like, including the types of workouts you’ll be doing and how often. They may also touch on lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and nutrition. Remember: personal training is holistic — it’s not just about lifting weights or walking on a treadmill.

An Introduction to Exercise Equipment

If you’re unfamiliar with gym equipment, your trainer will walk you through proper use. Even seasoned gym-goers benefit from a quick refresher to ensure proper form and safety. Your trainer may tweak how you use certain machines to help you perform at your best.

A Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Your session will begin with a gentle warm-up—possibly light cardio or mobility drills—to prepare your body for movement. After your workout, your trainer will guide you through a cool-down, which may involve foam rolling or static stretching to reduce soreness and aid recovery.

Your First Workout with a Personal Trainer

Depending on how much time you have, your trainer might walk you through a few basic exercises. These movements help the trainer assess your form, mobility, and current strength level. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for their coaching style and the flow of future sessions.

Motivation and Support

Above all else, your personal trainer is your cheerleader, coach, and accountability partner. They’ll help keep you motivated when you hit a plateau, celebrate your progress, and push you when you need that extra nudge. You’re not doing this alone.

Ask Questions

Remember those questions you wrote down? Ask them throughout the session! Your trainer wants you to understand your program and feel confident in every step.

After My First Session, What Comes Next?

Your trainer will review the session, offer feedback, and lay out the next steps. You might receive a suggested training schedule, tips for staying motivated, and nutritional guidelines. Follow-up assessments will help track your progress and guide adjustments along the way.

Maximizing Your Success with a Personal Trainer

While your trainer designs the plan, you’re responsible for following through. Here are key strategies to stay on track:

1. Set SMART goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals
2. Maintain honest communication
3. Stick to a schedule
4. Adopt healthy habits outside the gym
5. Push yourself — but listen to your body
6. Track your progress and stay accountable
7. Celebrate small victories
8. Keep learning and ask questions
9. Enjoy the journey

Success in personal training doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a result of steady effort, learning, and a positive mindset. Trust the process, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.

Ready to Take the First Step?

At AFAC gym, we’re excited to welcome you to a supportive, inspiring fitness community. Your first session with a personal trainer is the beginning of a stronger, healthier you. Whether your goal is weight loss, increased energy, strength gains, or just feeling better in your body, we’re here to help you get there, one session at a time.

Visit AFAC gym today to speak to our team about our affordable memberships. AFAC gym is committed to supporting your health and wellness efforts, so you’ll see the results you’re working so hard for. That’s why we were voted the best gym in Thornton, Colorado, and have hundreds of 5-star reviews.

To learn more about our top-rated gym and our incredible array of strength training and cardio equipment — as well as our unique offerings and amenities like daily group classes, cryotherapy, InBody 770 assessments, hydro massage, and our rock climbing wall and cave — we hope you will contact us or visit for a personalized tour. Our team will be happy to help you. For more information and assistance, you can also contact our gym owner, Susan, at 720-849-0245 or susan@adventurefitness.club.