Not seeing the results you want at the gym? If so, then you might be considering the option to begin working with a personal trainer. After all, personal training can provide you with the one-on-one guidance, expertise, and accountability that you need to achieve your fitness goals. Of course, personal training doesn't come cheap, so there are a few proactive steps you'll want to take to make the most of your experience.

Always Ask Questions

More than likely, a good portion of your personal training sessions is going to be spent with your trainer telling you what to do. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't ask questions or request clarification when you need it. A good personal trainer will understand that, in order for your workouts to be successful, you need to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. As such, if you're confused as to the purpose of a particular exercise, don't be afraid to ask. And make sure that you and your trainer set aside a couple of minutes at the end of each workout to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Take Plenty of Notes

You'll probably notice that, throughout your training session, your trainer carries around a note pad or something similar. This is done to help document your progress, such as how many reps you're able to do or how much weight you're able to lift. This information is then used to determine goals for your next workout. However, since you probably won't have a personal trainer forever, it's a good idea to get into the routine of taking your own notes and tracking your own progress, which will allow you to own your personal fitness journey. To save time, you might even consider asking your trainer to make you a copy of his or her notes.

Don't Be Afraid of Homework

Finally, understand that fitness is a way of life--so living a healthy and fit lifestyle needs to happen outside of those few hours a week you spend in the gym. As such, don't be afraid to ask your personal trainer for "homework.' Whether it's researching new workouts you can perform at home in between training sessions or even researching the difference between good and bad carbs, making an effort to take ownership of your health outside of your sessions with your personal trainer is always a good thing.