ARE PERSONAL TRAINERS WORTH THE MONEY$

prettyblack69

so i was thinking about getting a personal trainer but its a bit pricey! here in my town its $480/month for one on one training sessions 3 times a week. and $180/month for a group training session with about 5 pple in it. 3 times a week. is this expensive? would u consider it? or waste of money?

lilmzzgreeneyez

thats expensive but it may be worth it if you can afford it. its not bad per session here i think i was quoted 35 dollars a session by a trainer at my gym. but it was during a promo i think so it may cost more now.

dad106

I see a trainer.. whom I adore, so I always say it's worth it.

At my gym it's roughly 50 dollars per session and you decide how often you want to see them(once a week, twice a week, etc).
I currently see mine once a week, for three weeks a month and then we take an "off" week, where I do programs he set up for me strictly on my own.. and then go back to him with questions/concerns.

I recently bought 30 sessions(and these are private 1 on 1 sessions, that last for an hour) and I had to put 441.00 dollars as a down payment, and then I pay 179.50 dollars a month for 6 months to pay off the remainder of my balance. So totally after all the payments plus the downpayment, I'm paying 1,470 dollars.

So yes, it is a big chunk of change.. but the benefit I get from it is priceless!

Carol_s

I've only just taken the plunge and found a personal trainer. I started 2 weeks ago, and already know it was the right decision for me. I find his help and support so encouraging, and even though I have only seen him twice I feel so motivated to do other things through the week now.

It's great to get direction from someone who knows what they are talking about, and I've found it beneficial to have someone to push me that bit further than I'd have pushed myself.

I've never been fit, and I have a lot of weight to lose, but I already feel so much better about myself now that I've taken the first step.

My sessions are £30 an hour and I see him once a week. I can buy bulk sessions though for a reduced price, and have just bought 5 for £110.

I'd recommend one session and see what you think. Good luck with your decision.

africaa

I would say no......why can't you workout by yourself? Many people do it and do great

taunto

My personal trainer used to change up workouts every week (I used to do a 1 hour session per week). She was well worth it. It is great if you're starting out I think. If you got the coins, take up once per week for about a month or so so learn the stuff, specially if you're heavy lifting so you don't mess yourself up via bad form or anything

Yanicka1

I see my trainer once a month and he is worth each $$$

Llorraine11

i think it is very worth it.... .. but i dont stay with the same one.. i have had several trainers and have all brought something wonderful to my life... i have been lucky...but the only person that has lost weight is me .... everything has been up to me.... they r only there to help.. they cant do it for u...

i once weighed 310 .. i am weigh 140 no surgery just diet and gym.. everyday.. and yes i have had binges and hard days but i always keep a pix of what i once looked like ,... that keeps me going...

xoxoxoxoxoxox

LifeChangingExp

so i was thinking about getting a personal trainer but its a bit pricey! here in my town its $480/month for one on one training sessions 3 times a week. and $180/month for a group training session with about 5 pple in it. 3 times a week. is this expensive? would u consider it? or waste of money?

I do group 4x a week at $300 pp, per month.. so thats good. Personally, I think it was worth every penny, given u can afford it. Taught me a lot. By far the best thing i have done for me.

LesaDave

YES THE PERSONAL TRAINER IS WORTH IT!!!! I didn't think I would need one...or even want one. The price TOTALLY put me off. But...I tried it and was TOTALLY happy. Was amazed with the things that he came up with for alternatives for me. And things that I have NEVER thought of.

I have had a few sessions, and EVERY TIME he comes up with something different!!

Yes, it is pricey. Ask if there is a way that maybe you can watch. Or a reduced trial day. But the trainer can LOOK at you and see what you are doing...help if you are moving too quickly (example--working bicepts, bring the weight up and SLOWLY let the weight back down. Or even the position of your hands. Like, when the weight is down, the palm of your hand faces the leg. When you bring the weight up, the palm turns so that it is facing up.)

Plus (at least with me) going by myself, it is easy to quit. But the trainer somehow (I don't know how) knows that you really CAN do more.

I don't know how to explain it, but YES, having a trainer is pricey but WORTH IT! Ask some of their students to help you choose which one.

minkakross

I only see mine once a month and her primary job is to help me develop exercise routines that reach my goals. She charges only 50 per session. I know some see her more often but I don't need that much one on one.

shamr0ck

Mine is, absolutely. I pay him more than i pay on my mortgage every month. LOL I pay $55 an hour and see him 8 hours a week.

mmapags

I'd say it depends on your goals and it depends on the trainer. There are few trainers I've met at my gym that would be worth it but there are a couple on these boards, Ninerbuff and TrainingwithTonya, to name a couple, that would be more than worth it!

Kryxx

All the information you need can be found if you put in the time to research it. If your discipline is truly awful then it may be worth it just for the support and encouragement, but then again thats the sort of thing you can get from MFP + a gym buddy

TyFit08

I had a trainer years ago and I did have great results. It was much less money then. I would say go for it if you are new to exercising and you need the foundation. I still apply a lot of what I learned even though it was almost ten years ago. If you have been working out for years and you need the motivation, then I'd say maybe. That is a lot of money to spend just for motivation, you might be better off finding that with a friend or a workout buddy or even one of those outdoor bootcamps. If you do go with a trainer, do your homework. Not all trainers are created equally and for that kind of money you want someone who will get you results and move you forward. Good Luck

mmapags

All the information you need can be found if you put in the time to research it. If your discipline is truly awful then it may be worth it just for the support and encouragement, but then again thats the sort of thing you can get from MFP + a gym buddy

No disrespect but I don't agree with you. Many (not all) trainers are well educated and trained. They know things it would take you years to learn. That's what it took them!

AussieRachG

Try kicking your own *kitten* first - I would only invest in the money if you can't keep up a regular workout or you feel you're injuring yourself. Find a gym that has plenty of fun classes to choose from and you'll find you'll get to know the regulars pretty quick and you'll have automatic gym buddies who notice when you're not there ;-)

I've tried a couple personal trainers over the years, but I've never felt they kicked my *kitten* and much as I do myself... I think they target those who are coming from a no-exercise background and I've been a regular gym chick since I start full-time work and started spending 8 hours a day in front of a computer!

If you've never been a regular exerciser, I would see if you can find your own niche before spending so much money. They are worth it, if you have it and if you can't get yourself to do a decent workout without them. But ultimately, unless you're mega rich, that's not a sustainable approach to exercise, and finding a way to incorporate regular exercise into your life, for the rest of your life, should be the ultimate goal!

Jynus

As a former trainer, I can say with full confidence that 99% are worthless... Maybe even more than that. A template like SS will do far more for you than most any trainer can.

Jynus

All the information you need can be found if you put in the time to research it. If your discipline is truly awful then it may be worth it just for the support and encouragement, but then again thats the sort of thing you can get from MFP + a gym buddy

No disrespect but I don't agree with you. Many (not all) trainers are well educated and trained. They know things it would take you years to learn. That's what it took them!

This is false. vast majority of trainers are not well educated at all. They do know more than the average person, but that is meaningless as knowing a bit more than nothing still isn't saying much.

they don't know things that take people years to learn, they know things that take people hours, if not days to learn on average. Read SS and you'll know more about resistance training than vast majority of trainers for example, as most anything they are taught is still decades old research and far behind the times..

edit: more info if you're considering training

http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/u9mwb/im_a_personal_trainer_and_heres_a_few_things_to/

citydwellers

I paid $150 for 8 sessions in a small group setting. I loved it! I could use the sessions whenever I wanted and I typically went 2 times a week. Unfortunately I couldn't afford to keep it up and I miss it terribly!

myjourney2

Absolutely a personal trainer is worth it!!!

citydwellers

All the information you need can be found if you put in the time to research it. If your discipline is truly awful then it may be worth it just for the support and encouragement, but then again thats the sort of thing you can get from MFP + a gym buddy

No disrespect but I don't agree with you. Many (not all) trainers are well educated and trained. They know things it would take you years to learn. That's what it took them!

This is false. vast majority of trainers are not well educated at all. They do know more than the average person, but that is meaningless as knowing a bit more than nothing still isn't saying much.

they don't know things that take people years to learn, they know things that take people hours, if not days to learn on average. Read SS and you'll know more about resistance training than vast majority of trainers for example, as most anything they are taught is still decades old research and far behind the times..

edit: more info if you're considering training

http://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/u9mwb/im_a_personal_trainer_and_heres_a_few_things_to/

I suppose there are untrained trainers out there. But mine had her degree in (sorry I forget the word) but it's a study of the body and how it works plus nutrition minor. She was truly amazing. It think the previous poster makes a good point that you need to ask about their training level.

MustangSally74

My sister is a personal trainer and she does it in her home, so she is not too expensive. Maybe see if there is one that works out of their home instead of going to a gym and using their personal trainer. Just a thought

seamaiden1000

I would say Yes and No.

First the NO.
I believe in empowering and disciplining yourself first. There is PLENTY of free on line help to get you onto a fabulous start and that you can access as often and whenever you like to keep yourself on track and motivated. Based on another MFP pal's comments I looked up scoobysworkshop and found an excellent starting point for me there. At the gym I do whatever classes I need and ask the instructor questions if I have any. The gym equipment is very explanatory with its images. My attitude is to have fun first and something is always better than nothing to begin with. Eventually you will naturally progress to your own pace and when you are psychologically ready. I found that when I allow others to 'push' me before I am really ready I seem to rebel on some level. I need to own my own progress and delivery of information via the web helps me pick and choose and take real responsibility and ownership.

Yes! Perhaps. Depends on how satisfied I am with my own results and where else I wish to go with things. However by this stage I would have taught myself commitment and disciple earned a few stripes on my very own, plus I would be coming from a much more learned and aware place to really engage with my instructor so that I get the best value for my money. The baby steps and kindly school training and discipline you should do yourself unless you have heaps of cash to through around...

callherbeautyxo

be your own trainer

itgeekwoman

I started working out last August and decided right off the bat to get a personal trainer because I was recovering from rotator cuff surgery and have knee issues. I didn't want to hurt myself and wanted to be sure that I was getting a proper workout.

I have 3x week with the trainer. My daughter added in 6 times a month so we put them together and we have 2 1 hour session each week with the same trainer doing supersets and weight training for the most part. I have an extra workout day, but now my husband has also signed up for 3x week with the same trainer. Once he gets to the point where we are lifting the same, then I'm hoping I can add another 1-2 1 hour sessions in.

I love working out with the trainer. He shows me how to lift properly. He works with me to balance the workouts and ensures that I'm not hurting myself. I tend to push through pain and he is the one that stops me and pulls me back. It's fun and very rewarding. If you can afford it, I highly recommend you look at a trainer.. even if it's only 1-2x a month. It keeps you focused.

Bobby_Clerici

It depends on your needs.
I would not, because I know what to do and don't ever go to the gym to workout. I play sports and do calisthenics at home every day. Again, it just depends on what you want and how much help you need.
And I know plenty of people who love their trainers and work toward stellar results. Others truly need somebody to push them while some need instruction and education.
Good Luck:flowerforyou:

Anomalia

No.

marycmeadows

I have had trainers for over a year - just had my last session this week and am not resigning because I have learned soooo much from them!! I totally think they were worth the money. Pricey - yes. My one personal trainer was $50/session. then I had another trainer for partner training - a kickboxing program - $36 a session. For a while I had them four days a week - for like 6 months.... $700/month PLUS gym membership ($67.95/mo)..... BUT Now I know everything I need to know..... and I've lost over 100lbs.

rumpusparable

I've tried using 3 or 4 over the past 15 years... not one was worth the money. They didn't know anything more than what I already knew and the only thing they did that was any value was spot me - which I can get a friend or my husband to do for me for free.

Total waste of cash.

Jynus

I suppose there are untrained trainers out there. But mine had her degree in (sorry I forget the word) but it's a study of the body and how it works plus nutrition minor. She was truly amazing. It think the previous poster makes a good point that you need to ask about their training level.

That would be kinesiology. And yes, I would consider that a good indication of a starting place for an educated trainer. But even with that, their programs are decades out of date in terms of training methodology. though I will say when it comes to sports biomechanics they are top notch usually. So I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

But if you read my link, you see the underlying problem with the industry in general. Training in a gym setting is not about training, it's about sales. I was a dam good trainer and spent years training people for fun for sports and for friends before I decided to make a go at it professionally... But I was a terrible salesman. So I had enough and left after a year. And thats the problem. Trainers are taught to sell training. I was encouraged not to be too good at teaching them, as by doing that they will learn enough to not need me. I mean, there are starter templates out there like SS, WSFSB3, NROLFW, 5/3/1 that are FARRR better than most every template I've seen from any trainer. But what good does it do for a trainers pocketbook handing a client that template, basically saying here you go, now you don't need me anymore...