I "Might" Need A Personal Trainer

HorrorChix89

I've been trying to avoid this as much as possible, but as time goes on and my patience thins, I think I might need to find a trainer. Problem is, I can't afford one. Three sessions a week at $40+/session...yeah ain't happening. I can't even afford food on most days let alone a guy to force me to do things I really don't want to do.

I'm following this strength plan at my gym called ActiTrax. I print out the daily workout and do a short warm-up with cardio then about 20-30 minutes of weight training followed by 20 minutes of cardio. This is 3-4 days weekly with a split between lower and upper body workouts.

1. I'm not sure I'm doing the free weights right. The machines are fine...you can't really mess them up unless you just don't pay attention. But free weights are evil. I usually just stick to dumbbell curls and weighted squats (which I'm sure I'm not doing right)

2. Squats are the devil

3. I have no idea if I'm setting the weight limit right. Am I suppose to be able to do 20 reps without my legs/arms shaking? (the weight limit is set on my workout sheet and if I change it, it gives me some freaky warning about how it'll mess everything up).

Helloitsdan

Download Stronglifts 5x5 or Starting Strength and do a program that actually works.

Also

Dont hire a PT thats skinny fat.

=D

Also

Please be sure you are eating close to 2k if you are 5'5" or close to that height.

mfanyafujo

You don't need a personal trainer for weeks and weeks. But, if you hire one for 2 or 3 sessions, they can teach you about all those free weights and how to do the exercises properly, and answer all of your questions. You could even set up a schedule - maybe 1 or 2 sessions a month to check your progress and learn new things. I know they're expensive, but the good ones really know their stuff and can make the workouts interesting.

lizard053

Perhaps a once in a while session with the PT? Just to make sure you're doing the weights right? If they force you to do more, they are taking advantage of you! They are supposed to help not bankrupt you.

Don't know what gym program that is, but 20 reps is a lot more than you should be doing in a set. It's wasting your time! 5 sets of 5 (5x5) or 3x8 is better. Max out your weights. Go as heavy as you can. Won't bulk you up, unless you're one of those REALLY rare women with the proper genetics to do so or are taking testosterone.

HorrorChix89

Download Stronglifts 5x5 or Starting Strength and do a program that actually works.

Also

Dont hire a PT thats skinny fat.

=D

Also

Please be sure you are eating close to 2k if you are 5'5" or close to that height.

I'm 5'1" but believe me I can easily eat 2000 calories in one meal :laugh:

I looked up StrongLifts and got some site that looked like a scam. I'll keep looking...maybe.

dad106

I use Activtrax too and heres my experience with it.. I like it and think it works.

Don't pay attention to the warning.. if you need to up/lower it, thats the point.. so it knows for next time that it needs to drop the weight down. What it's telling you is that the actual weight(the max rep weight) won't change unless you go in and change it.

As far as the 20 reps things go(I'm assuming you mean when it says best on the sheet) you are not supposed to do 20 reps unless you can. The point with those is too do as much as you can, to see where you stand with that weight.

As far as free weights go, take your sheet and ask a PT thats just standing around. "My sheet says X and I'm doing X, but I'm not doing it right.. Can you show me?" most will show you and not make you pay... but if you really want to learn free weights, then hire a PT. Nothing says you have to see them 3 times a week.. You can see them one. You also don't need them for eons either.. I just have one because I really like personal training and can fit it into my budget.

Nopedotjpeg

I have no clue what the current program you're on does. I'm sure you could ask someone about the programming/progression of the plan without having to pay them. Stronglifts 5x5 is legit though the website isn't the prettiest.

galegetsthin

Most gyms will have someone help you or even give you a free session with a trainer. maybe inquire into that?

thekarens

Not sure where you go to the gym, but our gym has a free session with a PT. Maybe ask if there's a free session at your gym and they could make sure you're properly using the free weights.

HorrorChix89

You don't need a personal trainer for weeks and weeks. But, if you hire one for 2 or 3 sessions, they can teach you about all those free weights and how to do the exercises properly, and answer all of your questions. You could even set up a schedule - maybe 1 or 2 sessions a month to check your progress and learn new things. I know they're expensive, but the good ones really know their stuff and can make the workouts interesting.

My gym uses Custom Built Personal Training and the only way to work with a trainer is to set up a program. Sadly they charge monthly and charge you for the 1st and last month at sign-up. I had to cancel my contract after realizing I just spent $400 with a $140 monthly charge for a full year.

I'm not really sure where to find another trainer, I could try craigslist but people are shady there.

Nopedotjpeg

"My sheet says X and I'm doing X, but I'm not doing it right.. Can you show me?" most will show you and not make you pay... but if you really want to learn free weights, then hire a PT. Nothing says you have to see them 3 times a week.. You can see them one. You also don't need them for eons either.

This is 100% accurate. My income is intermittent, so I schedule my sessions with a trainer when I can. Right now I'm broke so I told him I can't afford it for a little while. No pressure what so ever.

Cindym82

First, you need to figure out your BMI and TDEE, make sure you set your weight loss goal to .5lbs a week since it looks like you are only tryin to lose 10 more lbs. The last 10lbs are the hardest. Next, make sure you eat with about a 250 calories def. from your BMI. To see results from weights etc takes roughly 3 weeks. To change eating habits it takes about 2-3weeks. If you use weight machines you run a greater risk of causing injury because they can actually make your body move in abnormal ways. You tube is great to watch how to do things. Try deadlifts, squats, lunges, dumbbell rows with a squat. Personal trainers are not always the answer and you only would need about 1-2 sessions to know what to do. As far as what weights to use, it should not be too easy but also should not be a struggle. Start off with 3 sets with 10 reps each and rest about 30 seconds inbetween sets. Also, slightly increase the weight with each set, so if the first set you do 15lbs, than next set try 20, than 25...etc. You should feel the burn but not be in a whole lot of pain. Also, make sure to eat a lot of protein on hard workout days. Try to get it from your food and if not than buy protein powder, walmart and target sells 2lb buckets of them for under $20. Also, Jillian Michael's 30DS is awesome!! $9 at walmart, lost 13inches from it. Make sure to measure yourself before you begin your journey, iches lost are always better then lbs!!

HorrorChix89

I use Activtrax too and heres my experience with it.. I like it and think it works.

Don't pay attention to the warning.. if you need to up/lower it, thats the point.. so it knows for next time that it needs to drop the weight down. What it's telling you is that the actual weight(the max rep weight) won't change unless you go in and change it.

As far as the 20 reps things go(I'm assuming you mean when it says best on the sheet) you are not supposed to do 20 reps unless you can. The point with those is too do as much as you can, to see where you stand with that weight.

As far as free weights go, take your sheet and ask a PT thats just standing around. "My sheet says X and I'm doing X, but I'm not doing it right.. Can you show me?" most will show you and not make you pay... but if you really want to learn free weights, then hire a PT. Nothing says you have to see them 3 times a week.. You can see them one. You also don't need them for eons either.. I just have one because I really like personal training and can fit it into my budget.

Glad to see I'm not the only one using ActivTrax. I had to adjust the weight a few times especially for the back. For some reason it had me using 90lbs on back extensions. I couldn't even move the bar back! As for the 20 rep thing, sometimes I get 14-20 on my sheet and I go to 20 unless I just can do it. And on BEST it's the same, if I can go to 20 then I do.

Should I be adjusting my weight if I can go to 20?

I rarely ever see a PT that isn't working with a client. The people at the front desk are busy answering questions from newbies or the chicks wanting to jump in the tanning booths. I did email the manager (since I get emails from him weekly saying "If you have questions, ask...so I asked). I'll see if he responds.

HorrorChix89

Most gyms will have someone help you or even give you a free session with a trainer. maybe inquire into that?

Not sure where you go to the gym, but our gym has a free session with a PT. Maybe ask if there's a free session at your gym and they could make sure you're properly using the free weights.

I go to 10Fitness and they have a free session with the PT manager. It's really just a motivator to make you sign up and spend money. He took me into the weight room, had me do different things until I literally couldn't breathe, then attempted to talk to me about signing up. Next thing I knew I was out of $400 and had to rush to the post office the next day to cancel my contract.

Other than that they have a free strength test, but it's mainly for setting up the ActivTrax account.

amuhlou

To add to what others are saying, check youtube for videos demonstrating the proper form for your free weight exercises. Since not everything on youtube will demonstrate good form, I might watch 2-3 different videos of the same exercise to look for commonalities.

BruteSquad

I would suggest this link.

http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/08/09/infiltrating-the-empire-how-to-workout-properly-in-a-commercial-gym/

If you read through the page it has links that demonstrate proper lifting technique. If you need more info, PM me.

mfanyafujo

You don't need a personal trainer for weeks and weeks. But, if you hire one for 2 or 3 sessions, they can teach you about all those free weights and how to do the exercises properly, and answer all of your questions. You could even set up a schedule - maybe 1 or 2 sessions a month to check your progress and learn new things. I know they're expensive, but the good ones really know their stuff and can make the workouts interesting.

My gym uses Custom Built Personal Training and the only way to work with a trainer is to set up a program. Sadly they charge monthly and charge you for the 1st and last month at sign-up. I had to cancel my contract after realizing I just spent $400 with a $140 monthly charge for a full year.

I'm not really sure where to find another trainer, I could try craigslist but people are shady there.

Hmmm... well, you could inquire at other gyms - some of them may have PTs who bring in customers who are not actually members of the gym, and a one-time use of the gym could be included in the PT's fee. That's really unfortunate though, that you can't arrange whatever you want.

I used to work at a gym on the equipment floor, mostly just setting up machines for members, but I also had to learn a lot of free weight exercises in case someone asked. It was like being a PT but without any of the benefits. Any people like that floating around your gym?

cecejoy

If your gym has free group classes try to ask the instructor about your form

dad106

I use Activtrax too and heres my experience with it.. I like it and think it works.

Don't pay attention to the warning.. if you need to up/lower it, thats the point.. so it knows for next time that it needs to drop the weight down. What it's telling you is that the actual weight(the max rep weight) won't change unless you go in and change it.

As far as the 20 reps things go(I'm assuming you mean when it says best on the sheet) you are not supposed to do 20 reps unless you can. The point with those is too do as much as you can, to see where you stand with that weight.

As far as free weights go, take your sheet and ask a PT thats just standing around. "My sheet says X and I'm doing X, but I'm not doing it right.. Can you show me?" most will show you and not make you pay... but if you really want to learn free weights, then hire a PT. Nothing says you have to see them 3 times a week.. You can see them one. You also don't need them for eons either.. I just have one because I really like personal training and can fit it into my budget.

Glad to see I'm not the only one using ActivTrax. I had to adjust the weight a few times especially for the back. For some reason it had me using 90lbs on back extensions. I couldn't even move the bar back! As for the 20 rep thing, sometimes I get 14-20 on my sheet and I go to 20 unless I just can do it. And on BEST it's the same, if I can go to 20 then I do.

Should I be adjusting my weight if I can go to 20?

I rarely ever see a PT that isn't working with a client. The people at the front desk are busy answering questions from newbies or the chicks wanting to jump in the tanning booths. I did email the manager (since I get emails from him weekly saying "If you have questions, ask...so I asked). I'll see if he responds.

if you can go up to 20, you can adjust the weight or it should do it the next time for you.

When you go to enter in the workout, if you do the simplifed entry it will have three options:too light, just right or too heavy.

Maybe try entering it that way so it doesn't yell.. or just ignore it like I do

ipotakis

I try searching credible websites (like "women's fitness magazine.com" or whatever fitness magazine.com or whatever iloveworkingout.com you prefer) for new exercises that have pictures of how to do it and instructions. usually you have to "sign up" which is free." I'm the weirdo in the gym reading her printouts before doing her free-weight/non-machine workouts. works for me.

HorrorChix89

You don't need a personal trainer for weeks and weeks. But, if you hire one for 2 or 3 sessions, they can teach you about all those free weights and how to do the exercises properly, and answer all of your questions. You could even set up a schedule - maybe 1 or 2 sessions a month to check your progress and learn new things. I know they're expensive, but the good ones really know their stuff and can make the workouts interesting.

My gym uses Custom Built Personal Training and the only way to work with a trainer is to set up a program. Sadly they charge monthly and charge you for the 1st and last month at sign-up. I had to cancel my contract after realizing I just spent $400 with a $140 monthly charge for a full year.

I'm not really sure where to find another trainer, I could try craigslist but people are shady there.

Hmmm... well, you could inquire at other gyms - some of them may have PTs who bring in customers who are not actually members of the gym, and a one-time use of the gym could be included in the PT's fee. That's really unfortunate though, that you can't arrange whatever you want.

I used to work at a gym on the equipment floor, mostly just setting up machines for members, but I also had to learn a lot of free weight exercises in case someone asked. It was like being a PT but without any of the benefits. Any people like that floating around your gym?

Not sure who is who at my gym. I tend to avoid people (I have people issues). How would I be able to pick someone out? They PTs are easy to notice since they all wear red shirts that says "TRAINER" on the back.

There are a few guys that workout together and seem to know what they are doing. They are nice enough to move out of the way when I attempt to workout on the jungle gym. Most of the women just sit on the machines until they notice I'm wanting to use that machine, then they pretend like they were working out the entire time, so they're no help.

HorrorChix89

if you can go up to 20, you can adjust the weight or it should do it the next time for you.

When you go to enter in the workout, if you do the simplifed entry it will have three options:too light, just right or too heavy.

Maybe try entering it that way so it doesn't yell.. or just ignore it like I do

Lol yeah I hate when things yell at me. I haven't tried the simple input, I'll try that after my next workout.

mjbrenner

Download Stronglifts 5x5 or Starting Strength and do a program that actually works.

Also

Dont hire a PT thats skinny fat.

=D

Also

Please be sure you are eating close to 2k if you are 5'5" or close to that height.

I'm 5'1" but believe me I can easily eat 2000 calories in one meal :laugh:

I looked up StrongLifts and got some site that looked like a scam. I'll keep looking...maybe.

Stronglifts.com is not a scam, but it sure can look like one. The guy who runs it makes his money by getting you to fall in love with the free programs and then seeing the advertising on his site as well as hoping you pay $10 per month to use his forums. He writes like an infomercial salesman. The program is free, however, and it works well. I am thrilled with my progress so far.

Good luck!

HorrorChix89

Okay that is the site I found. I downloaded something and read through it (by reading through it I mean I scrolled down until I saw something interesting). My guess is it's not a Set by Set program but one you have to make up yourself. If I have the patience I'll do that but right now I need more guidance. One reason why I like using ActivTrax.