Nutritionist or Trainer?
TheJHopkinsProject
Posts: 28 Member
If you were able to hire someone to help you through your process, would it be more important to you to have a nutritionist or a personal trainer for the gym?
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Replies
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Tough decision. I think I would go with the personal trainer. I can find creative ways to make some good tasting healthy food, but sometimes I feel like I don't know how to take my workout goals to the next level, and that's where a personal trainer would come in.0
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I would not feel comfortable with either, honestly. I hate the one-on-one of a personal trainer and I can't justify a paying a nutritionist just to have someone try to sell me some meal plan or gimmick.0
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Both are valuable depending on your needs.
If you have to choose what is your more serious prority?
I tell you I did both at one point and it was pretty amazing - but I had very specific needs on both sides:
1) Nutritionist - I was a pre-diabetic, sugar junkie and suffer from bad acid reflux - they really helped me and did not sell me on a meal plan just made me aware of options that would work for me.
2) Trainer - I wanted a trainer to show me a workout I could do on my own
The time spent with both was amazing - I wish I was still in that place, but I am starting over now and not looking back.
Good luck.0 -
Mos def a nutritionist. I keep finding little tips and tricks as I read my personal training book but I know that a nutritionist has the wealth of knowledge needed to piece together the best plan for you and the way you like to train0
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For me I would do the personal trainer, which I did do for the past two months twice a week. If I could afford it, I would keep doing it. I really need someone to push me and cheer me on when I'm at the gym. For some reason I work harder and push myself. When I go to the gym by myself or even with my daughter I just go through the motions.
The nutritionist would be nice. I basically know what I should and shouldn't eat, especially as a diabetic. I can Google most of that information if I'm curious about something.0 -
I had that choice, and I chose a good nutritionist. There are all kinds of videos and books on proper technique when working out, and they all seem to have the same message. But nutrition is an area that much more complicated and clouded by fads and quick fixes. I needed someone to help guide me through all the nonsense.0
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I think that really depends. I currently am working with a PT...and it's the first time in my life. The only reason I am doing so is because I want to become proficient at Oly-lifting and maybe even enter some old timers meets. I was doing a decent job on my own, but having issues progressing...in just a couple of sessions he has really tweaked the timing on my hip explosion for my snatch and my clean and my bar path is almost perfect...all while adding about 20 Lbs to my working weight with the clean and 25 Lbs up on my snatch...in two weeks.
I have a reasonably good grasp of nutrition and fitness so outside of this one very specific goal I haven't found either to be necessary.0 -
What do you struggle with? Do you flounder in the kitchen or in the gym? I spent my money on krav maga (martial arts) classes because I know how to cook/eat in a healthy way that I enjoy, I have figured out my form for lifting, but I would have a very hard time motivating myself for a high intensity workout. The self defense and comradery is the cherry on top.0
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I am a trainer and I do better when I have a personal trainer. A good trainer will design an exercise program for you and push you to a new fitness level. If you have specific dietary needs such as diabetes, an eating disorder or have a BMI over 30 then having a nutritionist evaluate your diet and create a meal plan will help you reach your goal in a healthy way.0
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If you don't have an eating disorder and aren't an elite level athlete, I'm not sure what value a nutritionist has.0
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I love my trainer. He comes once a week to my place for 45 mins.0
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Trainer. One can learn nutrition for free. While one can learn exercises for free too, CORRECT EXECUTION is another matter. There's watching a video or reading about a squat, then there's doing it with a pro watching you do it and making corrections to form or execution.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I do have a personal trainer, and have used one for years now (in between pregnancies lol). I don't find eating healthily a problem, and I don't have a medical condition, so not sure what use a nutritionist would be for me. I don't have a problem exercising either, but I like to have someone to push me. If I were on my own I may not lift quite so heavy, or go quite so fast.0
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Trainer0
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I would have a nutritionist as I know that my eating habits are sabotaging my training success. Once I have them sussed, I would then move to a PT if I still had some cash left over! For me, I know what I SHOULD be eating but I need some guidance on when, where, what and how much.0
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What do you struggle with? Do you flounder in the kitchen or in the gym? I spent my money on krav maga (martial arts) classes because I know how to cook/eat in a healthy way that I enjoy, I have figured out my form for lifting, but I would have a very hard time motivating myself for a high intensity workout. The self defense and comradery is the cherry on top.
Id say both probably. I grew up in the south and learned to cook southern style using lots of butter and sugar, etc. I know what things I SHOULD be eating, but I was never introduced to them and would say I'm pretty picky and don't really like them. I have no idea how to cook healthy and make it taste good...and lets face it, if it doesn't taste good I wont eat it. I dont even know if that's something a nutritionist can help with.
In the gym, I'm very intimidated. I don't know what to do, I'm embarrassed to walk in front of everyone to get to the weights which is what I really want to do. Most people there are in incredible shape and I feel judged there. In the classes that the gym offers, I feel completely behind because I'm starting in the middle of what looks like everyones 10 thousandth time being there. I end up hiding in the raquetball court and doing that for a little bit and then leaving.
AHH!0 -
Why settle with just one? Many RD's are certified personal trainers. go to the official Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website (AND) at www.eatright.org to find one in your area. DO NOT GO TO A TRAINER CLAIMING THEY KNOW NUTRITION- this practice is actually illegal in some states.
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You could do one and then the other. That way the costs aren't simultaneous.0
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Trainer. You don't need to pay someone to tell you to eat less than you burn.0
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I_Will_End_You wrote: »Trainer. You don't need to pay someone to tell you to eat less than you burn.
I obviously know to eat less, but its what to eat, how often, how to cook it, and the things that I think are healthy probably aren't the best. I could eat just a cheeseburger a day and be "eating less" but not healthy... there's so many fad foods and things that supposedly are healthy but have so many things in them that are bad for you...I just dont know what those things are or what to look for.
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For me, definitely a trainer. I've learned a ton of great eating tips from here, but I have very bad gym anxiety and I just cannot get myself to do anything more than walking or using the elliptical if I go to the gym myself. I worked with a trainer and my roommate a few years ago, and I was motivated and worked hard in the gym, but alone I simply can't do it. I know if I had a trainer it would help my anxiety a ton.0
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Why not start with a trainer now so you can get familiar with the gym. Then if money is an issue you can save a bit and in a couple of months go with the nutritionist. Or visa versa...0
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jenniferschaeffer wrote: »What do you struggle with? Do you flounder in the kitchen or in the gym? I spent my money on krav maga (martial arts) classes because I know how to cook/eat in a healthy way that I enjoy, I have figured out my form for lifting, but I would have a very hard time motivating myself for a high intensity workout. The self defense and comradery is the cherry on top.
Id say both probably. I grew up in the south and learned to cook southern style using lots of butter and sugar, etc. I know what things I SHOULD be eating, but I was never introduced to them and would say I'm pretty picky and don't really like them. I have no idea how to cook healthy and make it taste good...and lets face it, if it doesn't taste good I wont eat it. I dont even know if that's something a nutritionist can help with.
In the gym, I'm very intimidated. I don't know what to do, I'm embarrassed to walk in front of everyone to get to the weights which is what I really want to do. Most people there are in incredible shape and I feel judged there. In the classes that the gym offers, I feel completely behind because I'm starting in the middle of what looks like everyones 10 thousandth time being there. I end up hiding in the raquetball court and doing that for a little bit and then leaving.
AHH!
I'd say a trainer for a limited amount of time & focus on just their training. You have to do something sustainable for you & their advice can be as "out there" as the craziest stuff you see on here. (not eating carbs, not eating after a certain time of day, blahblah)
I am from the south too & you don't have to give up your favorite foods, just find a new way to cook them. I eat chicken, cabbage, sweet potatoes, etc all the time. I had chicken & dumplings today. You just have to learn to fix them without adding too much fat & watch portion sizes. Cooking at home will be your best bet to control what's in your food. Google healthy southern food & I'm sure you will come up with a few items. Once you grow accustomed to cooking you will be able to modify your favorites to fit your new lifestyle.
ETA: I suggested trainer today & dietician on the thread you started earlier 'cause you say you know what you should be eating. Why pay someone to tell you what you should be eating if you already know?0 -
I would suggest a dietitian, not a nutritionist, almost anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, much more required to become a registered dietitian.
All of that said, I would only go that route if you have a medical condition as you can just use MFP to hit your calorie and macro goals, and that is all you need to lose weight. A trainer may be helpful if you are unsure of how to perform certain exercises. If it is for a routine I would just suggest following a tried tested and true beginner program such as starting strength, stronglifts, strong curves, new rules of lifting, etc and get a trainer if you need to learn proper form.0 -
jenniferschaeffer wrote: »What do you struggle with? Do you flounder in the kitchen or in the gym? I spent my money on krav maga (martial arts) classes because I know how to cook/eat in a healthy way that I enjoy, I have figured out my form for lifting, but I would have a very hard time motivating myself for a high intensity workout. The self defense and comradery is the cherry on top.
Id say both probably. I grew up in the south and learned to cook southern style using lots of butter and sugar, etc. I know what things I SHOULD be eating, but I was never introduced to them and would say I'm pretty picky and don't really like them. I have no idea how to cook healthy and make it taste good...and lets face it, if it doesn't taste good I wont eat it. I dont even know if that's something a nutritionist can help with.
In the gym, I'm very intimidated. I don't know what to do, I'm embarrassed to walk in front of everyone to get to the weights which is what I really want to do. Most people there are in incredible shape and I feel judged there. In the classes that the gym offers, I feel completely behind because I'm starting in the middle of what looks like everyones 10 thousandth time being there. I end up hiding in the raquetball court and doing that for a little bit and then leaving.
AHH!
So many points here. Where to start.... I'll start with: you want to do weights. WOOT! Ok, I suggest that you look into StrongLifts5x5. There are other great programs, but with this one, you only need to learn how to do 5 lifts properly, and its one of (if not THE) best beginner weight training programs. The program and the app are both free. Look at Ripptoe's form videos on YouTube. Find a personal trainer who is willing to do one or two sessions with you and show you those lifts and those lifts only. Some trainers will not show a woman freeweights and try to talk them into bosu balls and Jillian Michaels DVDs. Make sure that they know what they are talking about. Hopefully this help with your confidence.
As for confidence: No one is specifically watching you in the gym. And even if someone was, who cares? You're young and cute and about to become a badass. Let 'em watch.
Ok, food next. Set your goals here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
Now, do you have problems meeting your macro or calorie goals with the food you eat? Are you satisfied? If so, don't worry about some things being labeled "healthy" or "unhealthy". 35-40% of my calories have come from fat for years and my blood work is amazing. I also aim for at least 110g of protein a day which is aprox 1g/lb of LBM (lean body mass). Less fat or less protein makes me less satisfied and unable to meet a reasonable calorie goal when I'm cutting. YMMV.
If you are close, but not quite there, then look up easy substitutions and take baby steps. Try a new vegetable every week. Look at ways to cook them that you enjoy. For example steamed broccoli is gross IMO, but charred with a bit of chipotle dry seasoning and YUM! Try adding an extra piece of fruit to your cart at the grocery store, add a post workout protein shake, look at recipes on this site and try what looks good etc.
If you have absolutely no idea where to start and/or your cals/macros are WAY off, then consider a nutritionist. I've never been to one, but I would expect that it would be difficult for them to give you a book of recipes that have exactly the things that you like but better. They'll have ideas for substitutions and recipes, but it won't be simple or easy.
Well, that was longer than I expected. Good luck!0 -
What was wrong with the responses in the thread you started yesterday?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10020725/nutritionist-or-trainer0 -
I would suggest a dietitian, not a nutritionist, almost anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, much more required to become a registered dietitian.
That's not true everywhere -- rules vary by jurisdiction -- but it's true in enough places that it's good advice!
One thing about people calling themselves "nutritionists" is that there are a LOT of quacks out there. Sure, there are good ones, too. But it's so hard to know which kind you're working with. I've heard so many stories of people coming in here and talking about crazy diets with zero scientific evidence, and claiming that a "nutritionist" told them to eat that way. Just about every form of pseudoscience or fad diet or woo also manages to find a home under the "nutritionist" umbrella.
I'd say skip the nutritionist money and take a cooking class instead, if you want to learn new recipes that are healthy and tasty.
As for a trainer, again, it depends what kind. If you want to learn proper form or how to use certain equipment, it could be a good idea at first. Some people do well with an ongoing trainer to keep them motivated, but IMHO true motivation comes from within. And many personal trainers earn a boatload of money just to shout stuff in your ear that you could be telling yourself.0
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