What to expect during first session with a personal trainer?

FitFabJenny

I am sure this has been a topic in the past but without digging through 20+ pages of message boards I didn't see a directly relevant thread. I am going to sign up for the first time ever to work with a personal trainer. Can people who have worked/are working with a personal trainer give me an idea of what to expect during the first session? It gives me a bit of anxiety.

Also, I can't afford a long-term personal trainer, but is there value to doing 6-8 sessions and then taking what i've learned and incorporating into my solo workouts?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Wheelhouse15

Generally, they will try to get an idea of your goals and current physical capacities but you should probably be posing that question directly to the trainer. They will be able to tell you exactly what to expect and you can get an idea of their training background and philosophies while you discuss it with them. Let them know you are interested in a 6-8 session package and they will take that into account. If you haven't selected a specific trainer yet then feel free to shop around and find one that you feel fits your goals the best. Make sure to look into their bios as well to see if they have specific backgrounds in something you feel might be relevant as well. You might be surprised what they can offer. As an example, at my gym there is a trainer who works part time and is a physio therapist as well so that's a bonus for someone who is looking for rehab related training.

rybo

It all depends on the trainer. If they are good, they will spend some time understanding your goals, and providing you with a work that works towards them and leaves you excited to come back for more. If they suck, they'll give you an inappropriate or cookie cutter workout that buries you & leaves a sour taste in your mouth for ever wanting to work with one again.

ninerbuff

The initial intro is usually complimentary for me. I always find out about health and past injuries first. Then what their initial goals are. Give them my background and experience along with philosophy of training. Then do a half hour workout session so they can get a feel of my training to see if we mesh and also so I can assess their strengths and weaknesses so I'm able to put together a personal program for their specific needs and goals.

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

Packerjohn

Discuss medical history, any restrictions, goals and do some movement assessments before any actual "workout".

DavPul

Not much. It's generally an evaluation type workout.

But if it's a complimentary single session, expect a lot of sales pitch

SonyaCele

expect to be sore the next day. so pace yourself and focus more on learning the movement and the form, rather than trying to appear super strong .

jimmmer

According to the latest Powercast, if you're somewhere in the midwest, nothing good....

FitFabJenny

Thanks everyone for the good advice and sharing your experiences!

IILikeToMoveItMoveIt

The one time I got a free consult with the gym I joined. I really liked it. He took me through all the machines worked me out well. Commented on what I was doing and how it differed from what I needed to do (showed me the correct form) for what muscle group. I would have hired him, but I couldn't afford it.

CharlieBeansmomTracey

here is a video that tells you what to watch out for when it comes to trainers https://www.fitnessblender.com/articles/top-10-signs-of-a-bad-trainer-10-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-personal-trainer

jdhcm2006

I purchased 6 sessions from my trainer (I take classes at her studio, so I had a general idea of her teaching style). In the first lesson, she asked me what my end game was, what I wanted to accomplish by the end of those 6 weeks. Since she knew what my skill level was already, she already had an idea of what she thought we should work on, but wanted my input. Luckily, we were both on the same page. This is how we start every session, we make sure we're on the same page, and then we get to work.