In the third week of my IELTS writing course, I had my students write an essay about this task. 

Predictably, many wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of having a personal trainer. The reasons for doing something (first question in the task) can sometimes look like the advantages of doing something, and the disadvantages of it might seem like its negative effects (second question). All this is fine, even for band 7, if handled appropriately, with the main ideas supported. However, the task is more than these things. 

Did you notice the phrase “in some countries” in the task? It indicates that we are looking at a change in people’s behavior, which is not global; it is more limited to some countries. 

Perhaps in some countries, people must work longer hours to combat economic problems and have much less free time to exercise. Under these conditions, group sports or classes might seem less ideal because they need the cooperation of several team members or following a fixed timetable. So, hiring a personal trainer might seem like a better idea to stay healthy. 

Also, remember that we are living in a world more influenced by social media than the church, and one thing we frequently see on social media is the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating habits, but what if where we live does have adequate infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for being healthy? What would people do to exercise when there are not enough gyms around? 

And what can we say about the positive and negative effects of this rising trend? 

Before I answer, please note the use of ‘more and more people’ and the present continuous tense (are hiring) in the task. These show us that we are looking at a trend. 

When more and more people start doing something, did you notice that eventually, everybody is doing the same thing? It is like a wildfire in a jungle. Ultimately, this trend could result in a higher public health rate if more people hired personal fitness coaches. 

Also, did you notice that when people move towards being alone (like working with a private trainer instead of being in a group class), social unity (togetherness) is the first thing that is in danger? People should learn to think in terms of ‘us and we,’ not ‘I and me,’ right? 

I hope this post has been useful.