What to ask a Personal Trainer?

November_Fire
November_Fire Posts: 165 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
In a few days I'm meeting a PT to talk about learning to use the free weights (I want to do the Stronglift 5x5 program.) I have never touched a barbell or even been to a gym (I've been working out at home with dumbbells/bodyweight) so while I have questions I'm not entirely sure what Personal Trainers even do. The one I've chatted with said he suggests a few sessions with him to learn the basics and then I can use the weights on my own but there'll be people around to help if needed - OK, sounds about right. Also sounds honest, seeing as I'm sure some trainers out there would insist I saw them weekly and keep paying them :)

But I know people who see their trainer every week, in the gym (so, not running around the park like I see some do.) What do they do? Is that just paying someone to watch you do your workout, or does the trainer keep, well, training you?

I feel like I'd like to see the trainer every month or so as I progress, just to check I'm not messing up the form or developing any bad habits. Is this a normal sort of request? Some trainers' sites say they do your nutrition as well. Does that just mean they give you advice or they make you bring your MFP reports with you? :p

Also are there any important questions I should ask? (like 'will I get bulky? ;) )

Replies

  • EllaIsNotEnchanted
    EllaIsNotEnchanted Posts: 226 Member
    will I get bulky? Do you know the answer to that? if you do, do not ask. You are paying. Do not waste your payment.


    I am also going to see a PT about my form for starting strength.

    You know what I did?

    I printed out the program.
    I gave him the program and said- I want to know set up, I want to know form, I want to know break-down.


    If you're looking for more feedback about the program. Read over the Starting Strength program and if any questions pop up. Write them down. Hand them over to your PT and BOOM- effective session!
  • November_Fire
    November_Fire Posts: 165 Member
    I was joking about the 'will I get bulky' thing :) I have already assessed the trainer's attitude to women lifting!
  • JCLondonUK
    JCLondonUK Posts: 159
    I started with my personal trainer about 3 months ago, and was planning to just have a few sessions with him to learn how to use the free weights and good form etc. But he has been so effective I am still seeing him once and often twice a week, and don't intend to stop any time soon.

    What does he do? Yes, he is still training me - checking my form and correcting mistakes, assessing what weights I should be using and when, incorporating various routines (I don't know all the names, but things like pyramids where I lift up to as heavy as I possibly can with longer rest periods, followed by reducing weights and shorter rests, etc.), teaching me new exercises, and much more. He is very encouraging, and genuinely excited about helping a woman with strength training - he says most only want cardio motivation and are afraid of bulking :smile:

    What to ask about? Well, I didn't want help with nutrition (although I may do when I get to maintenance, and think about perhaps bulking) so initially we discussed my goals and how he thought the best way to proceed was. I was very clear that I could do cardio myself, and wanted help with free weights. He introduced the idea of functional training, which I hadn't heard of, so sometimes we mix things up and aren't always heavy lifting. Maybe I got lucky, because I think he's great, and I've made great progress working with him. A lot depends on their attitude I think, and my guy is young and keen and enjoying working with someone equally keen.

    Have fun!

Categories