Personal Trainers???

rachdlew

I live on a military post and we have the option to have a personal trainer for free. They will not only help with your exercise routine but they will put together a healthy diet for you also. I went to the gym today to run my mile for TBL and I decided tthat I would go speak to one of these trainers for their opinion about my progress so far. Thinking I would get a pat on the vack for losing 24 pounds and eating around 1700 caclories a day I walked in with my head held high. I walked out with a new diet and exercise plan because I have been doing things wrong. Fron what she told me I should not be working out as much as I do because I could be burning muscle instead of fat and I am not eating the right things.

So my question to you guys is what do you think aabout personal trainers. I want all opinions good and bad. I know in the end this is my decision but I want to know what you guys think I have already talked to one person that did not agree with the trainer and thinks I should stick with what i am already doing.

DannyMussels

I think they're good, if they practice what they preach.

Ones that are outta shape are a joke to most other fitness professionals.

By the same token, all the information they could give you is available online for free. As well as tons more info, studies and exercises. Depends on how much time and effort you wanna put into it.

I personally wouldn't pay for one, but I've researched health and exercise for quite a few years.

ninerbuff

I live on a military post and we have the option to have a personal trainer for free. They will not only help with your exercise routine but they will put together a healthy diet for you also. I went to the gym today to run my mile for TBL and I decided tthat I would go speak to one of these trainers for their opinion about my progress so far. Thinking I would get a pat on the vack for losing 24 pounds and eating around 1700 caclories a day I walked in with my head held high. I walked out with a new diet and exercise plan because I have been doing things wrong. Fron what she told me I should not be working out as much as I do because I could be burning muscle instead of fat and I am not eating the right things.

So my question to you guys is what do you think aabout personal trainers. I want all opinions good and bad. I know in the end this is my decision but I want to know what you guys think I have already talked to one person that did not agree with the trainer and thinks I should stick with what i am already doing.

Without any info on what you do I can't comment. I too have been urged by ACE to do free personal training for military personnel (it's in our Newsletter), but the nearest one to me is over an hour away.
There are many new trainers out there that IMO are not experienced enough to know what may or may not work for someone.

You can burn muscle if all you do is high to intense cardio for exercise and don't eat enough protein to support muscle sparing.

I'm going to say that you're not eating enough after looking at your profile.

MikeSEA

I've liked the personal trainers I've worked with. The problem is that anyone can be bad at their job, and people who are good at their jobs sometimes are wrong. Even trainers. So, if there's something the trainer told you, and you have conflicting information about it, email or talk to them about it and see how you feel about their answers.

EDIT: the best thing I liked about my time with trainers is having someone check my form on lifts and keep me motivated. Having the extra accountability was nice now and then.

VegGrrl

I think if they are well-trained and do not offer advice outside of theirarea of expertise they can be great motivators. I wouldn't listen to any trainer about diet though if they don't have nutritional education. I'd also beware if they push any shakes/supplements, etc on you. Use your common sense - if they tell you to do something that sounds kinda crazy - question it and see if it's science based or just their crazy idea.

I go to a trainer 2/x a week at LA Fitness. He's very well trained about exercise and constantly shows me new thngs I've never done before and pushes me to my limits. He knows my fitness goals and is really motivating. He's the 2nd trainer I've worked with there (the 1st one moved to a different club). My experience has been so positive that I naturally recommend everyone try it at least for a while - or until they find someone they click with.

If it's free - what the heck?

vbowman_morris

I have a personal trainer and he is great. I do alot of research and have some great fitness friends that I get advice from and I always talk to him about whatever I am questioning. Most of the time I see his point and understand but sometimes I disagree. Everybody has an opinion on what works and what doesnt but I dont think it would hurt at all to see a trainer. Most of your weight loss comes from what you eat. Lean meats, veggies, low-sugar fruits, complex carbs, lots and lots of protein...stick to a clean diet and you will lose weight. That part is all on you. They can give you a meal plan but its up to you to stick to it. And weight training is what tones and shapes your body. Believe me, you want those muscles so I saw go see the trainer and get after it BTW, my sister lives in Ft. Lewis too. I was just up there for a visit last month

ninerbuff

If it's free - what the heck?

To provide for the military personnel. A.C.E., AFAA, ISSA and some other organizations want us to volunteer some time to help them as a return of gratitude for all they've done. I'd do an hour a week for them it the base were closer to me.

fromaquasar

Totally depends on the trainer

They can be awesome if you find one who knows what they are talking about, and practises it. I also think it is about finding one who understands you, what your goals are and how to push you.

My PT and I are 100% on the same page about what we are doing to achieve my goals and it's awesome, like having a team mate. But I've worked with crappy uninterested ones too - so really depends

McKayMachina

I'm not a fan. They're too prone to jumping on the gimmick and fad diet bandwagon. They read half-assed fitness articles in magazines geared at SELLING COPIES vs. health education and think it constitutes scientific research. They have 101-Syndrome like a mofo. Meaning, they get a LITTLE bit of knowledge and think they know everything on the topic. Also, keep in mind, most (not all) physical trainers are kinda dumb. And yes, I mean that. They are meatheads who know what works for THEM and assume it's true for everyone else, too.

Just ask yourself one thing:

Is what you're doing working?

Then why change the game plan?

RoanneRed

I have read that after 45-60 minutes of intense exercise your body has to start breaking down muscle, which would generally be counterproductive.

I'll give you pat on the back for losing 24lbs but changing to follow the trainer's advice could help make sure you don't plateau. I'd definitely be taking advantage of any free personal training and perhaps you could implement dietary suggestions progressively and see how they work for you (hard to say without seeing your diary).

rachdlew

This lady really seems to know what she is talking about she has competed for many years as a power lifter then after she got older started to work on lean musxle and not bulking anymore. She does have a nutrition background and seemed comcerned that i was not eating 2000 calories a day when I work out and that I work otu 7 days a week sometimes twice a day. I think i am going to give this iet and exercise program a try. The diet is really strict and she is not pushing any supplement or certin shake but she does want me to have some sort of protine shake 3 time a day (WOW) and the meals are every 3 hours its crazy but we will see how far it takes me. Thank you all for your comments and advice.

bettertracie

Realistically, I don't care if the traning is free or not, if they did not acknoledge what you've accomplished to this point, than they are only interested in THEIR results, not YOURS... And by that, I mean, that sometimes a trainer is so one track minded in his style of regimen, typical client, whatever it is, that they are unwilling to look at the individual physical as well as mental needs of each individual client.

Maybe I am being harsh and this trainer was having a rough day, and if it's free and you hate it, there is nothing stopping you from walking out if you do not like his style!!

I know my friend works out on a military base and she loves talking to others who are truly interested in getting in shape, she's actually on here too and has gone through some MAJOR changes to get where she is now!! Play around on here a little more and link up with some great people with lots of different aspects to consider...

ninerbuff

I'm not a fan. They're too prone to jumping on the gimmick and fad diet bandwagon. They read half-assed fitness articles in magazines geared at SELLING COPIES vs. health education and think it constitutes scientific research. They have 101-Syndrome like a mofo. Meaning, they get a LITTLE bit of knowledge and think they know everything on the topic. Also, keep in mind, most (not all) physical trainers are kinda dumb. And yes, I mean that. They are meatheads who know what works for THEM and assume it's true for everyone else, too.

Just ask yourself one thing:

Is what you're doing working?

Then why change the game plan?

Lol, you know I'm gonna have to agree with you. Thankfully I'm not a dumb meat heat, but a smart one! Right now the "fad" workouts revolve around Bosu and Instability workouts. I've NEVER been a fan of them (although I do include a small amount of work with them) and I stick to good "old school" types of exercises for the majority of my clients.

bettertracie

High protein and small meals are a GREAT thing!!!! Especially if you're going to be pushing your workouts to the limit, it will help with the muscle soreness and recovery, and when I really started adding high quality protein throughout, I really started shredded the pounds and feeling like I actually had a shape!! GO FOR IT!!!!

YoungerNextYear59937

Like anything else, some are good, others not so much. You have to consider if their style and personaility works with yours. Kind of like doctors. If you don't agree with the diagnosis, sometimes you need a second opinion, or maybe ever a third. Don't settle on the first one if you have doubts.

ninerbuff

This lady really seems to know what she is talking about she has competed for many years as a power lifter then after she got older started to work on lean musxle and not bulking anymore. She does have a nutrition background and seemed comcerned that i was not eating 2000 calories a day when I work out and that I work otu 7 days a week sometimes twice a day. I think i am going to give this iet and exercise program a try. The diet is really strict and she is not pushing any supplement or certin shake but she does want me to have some sort of protine shake 3 time a day (WOW) and the meals are every 3 hours its crazy but we will see how far it takes me. Thank you all for your comments and advice.

Actually based on your profile, I'll agree with her on the nutrition. I do believe you're not eating enough and though you're losing now, that kind of deficit will have you hitting stall or plateau much faster.

SallieBeige

Just like any profession in life, I am sure you get good trainers and worse ones.

I see you have lost 24lbs - thats impressive in my book and I think it makes you something of an expert in weight loss!!
Based on that assumption, I would recommend you follow your own instincts - you have proven they work after all.

Perhaps you could still include some of the advice on how or what different kinds of exercises to do.

I am not expert, those are just my thoughts.

mamajohnson8586

I actually just stopped my personal training sessions at LA Fitness because it cost so much! I think Personal trainers are awesome! They push you, motivate you and they know how to work out your whole body other then just the same muscles groups everyday! Back in April, when hubby was at NTC, I lost 9 lbs in one month with my personal trainer and that wasn't including my cardio workout! I thought about getting a personal trainer on post too but at the same time, I dunno! lol! I wish you the best of luck and if you ever wanna talk to or get a second opinion from another personal trainer, let me know! I know of a few in the area that can give you advice!

chevy88grl

For me, I want to do it on my own. I wanted to learn what my body likes and dislikes. I didn't want someone else telling me what I should do for ME.

I've had a lot of struggles throughout my weight loss journey and you know what? I wouldn't take a single one of them back. I wouldn't change any of it. All the struggles led me to a place where I am confident in the knowledge I have gained about my body, I know what works, what doesn't work and so on.

Plus, I do not want someone in my face telling me to do this, do that, push harder, etc. It isn't my style and I KNOW I would tell them to stuff it if they did it to me.

I think everyone is different. Some people like having someone plan out their exercise and food for them. They like the motivation that a trainer gives them.

They just aren't for me.

rachdlew

This lady really seems to know what she is talking about she has competed for many years as a power lifter then after she got older started to work on lean musxle and not bulking anymore. She does have a nutrition background and seemed comcerned that i was not eating 2000 calories a day when I work out and that I work otu 7 days a week sometimes twice a day. I think i am going to give this iet and exercise program a try. The diet is really strict and she is not pushing any supplement or certin shake but she does want me to have some sort of protine shake 3 time a day (WOW) and the meals are every 3 hours its crazy but we will see how far it takes me. Thank you all for your comments and advice.

Actually based on your profile, I'll agree with her on the nutrition. I do believe you're not eating enough and though you're losing now, that kind of deficit will have you hitting stall or plateau much faster.

I was feeling really tired and run down that is why I wanted to talk to someone and I think this will help me. SHe said I did great losing the 24 pounds but for th eresults I want I need to do more weights and eat more lol.

rachdlew

For me, I want to do it on my own. I wanted to learn what my body likes and dislikes. I didn't want someone else telling me what I should do for ME.

I've had a lot of struggles throughout my weight loss journey and you know what? I wouldn't take a single one of them back. I wouldn't change any of it. All the struggles led me to a place where I am confident in the knowledge I have gained about my body, I know what works, what doesn't work and so on.

Plus, I do not want someone in my face telling me to do this, do that, push harder, etc. It isn't my style and I KNOW I would tell them to stuff it if they did it to me.

I think everyone is different. Some people like having someone plan out their exercise and food for them. They like the motivation that a trainer gives them.

They just aren't for me.

I was in the Army for a couple of years and I loved Basic Training I loved being pushed to my limits. I am doing this more for learning more about what I can do. I know absolutly nothing about weight loss I just went with what sounded good at the time and Jillian Micheals dvds which I love and will continue to do. By the way I love your side by side and you have done a great job you look awesome.

krysydawn

Give it a shot if you feel you need a change. You said you were feeling tired and such. Maybe you need a change. BUT then again, Maybe you don't... You have done great on your own so far. I guess maybe just give it a try and see how you do for a few weeks. Good luck girl!