Are Personal Trainers Necessary?

TwistedLiquid

I been driven away from some of the more popular GYMs simply because I am hassled by personal trainers (PT) pushing me into signing up for PT Sessions and if thats not enough. once you do they try and push more and more sessions on you. I personally do not have the budget for a personal trainer and feel that I have enough knoweldge to pursue my weight loss journey, with the combination of some PT and lots of books and articles I have read and of course MFP tool to help me count my calory intake.

How many of you have lost weight without the use of a professional personal trainer?

I hate going to the GYM for this reason alone, but doing this at home doesnt keep me motivated at all. I am now looking for a local Independent GYM where I can find some peace and quite.

Are Personal Trainers absolutely necessary to lose weight? Why do they not leave me the hell alone?!

Hermit4Hire

If you are comfortable using the equipment and understand what you are doing with nutrition and exercise, you in no way need a PT to lose weight. I would guess very few people on this site use a PT (myself included, they are way too expensive).

I know there are many places that it seems like you are there to buy a car, but just tell them "no thanks" turn up your headphones, and get back to work. They will leave you alone.

Good luck.

AWWTOBESKINNY

That is one of the reason's I no longer go to the gym. I hate when you are trying to work out and they are standing trying to get you to do one free session. No there is no need for a personal trainer if you have the knowledge to do it your self. And if you are unable to locate a gym that you are not being pestered at juat tell them to go away. Some times you have to get rude when they just dont take no thank you.

CrystalT

No trainer here and I could probably even have one for free if I really wanted. My BIL is about to graduate with a BS in exercise science. But I do it on my own.

I go to a locally owned gym and the trainers don't hassel anyone that I've seen. I've been approached once in the 11 months I've been going there and that was only because they were giving sessions away, which I've only seen them do the one time.

Why do they not leave me the hell alone?!

It is how they make their living.

CrystalT

opps!

Willow_28

In my own personal experience I have lost weight with and without a personal trainer... I lost 65lbs on my own and then after my second child I gained it all back and decided to try a personal trainer... with the help of the trainer I only lost 40lbs altogether during my sessions but I found out during my training sessions that I was diabetic and when I got my levels under control then the weight started to come off... I did enjoy having someone to talk to and to encourage me during the training lessons but I can't afford the price of it... I actually go to Curves now and they help me whenever I need it and it doesn't cost anything extra, its just part of their job... I was actually going to Curves when I lost the 65lbs and then I switched gyms for a year and then went back to Curves... I honestly don't think they are necessary to lose weight... I have done it both ways... all the trainer did was give me someone to chat with during my workout...

photoman67

A long time ago, before joining MFP, I weighed 280 lbs. Now I weigh 210 lbs. and I did it all with knowledge, proper diet and exercise. I think that personal trainers have there place for people who feel that they need to use them, but if you can do it on your own, then do it.

That sucks that they're hassling you at your gym! Don't we already pay enough in membership dues?!

msarro

Honestly, I have never learned that much from a trainer or a coach. You know who HAS helped me a lot? Other people in the gym. Usually the MASSIVE body builder type guy or gal by him/herself in a corner. He more than likely knows more about how to sculpt the human body into any shape imaginable than 75% of trainers out there.

To this day I learned more from a single afternoon I spent with one of those guys than in 5 years of coached lifting sessions. From supplements to how to order your workouts, to which things really can be worked out daily without injury (hint: you can work your core til you're blue in the face, just make sure you work your back muscles too).

Ashia1317

Oh! I hate that. This is my #1 reason for not going to the gym. I would benefit a lot from a gym, more than the personal one I have at home but I hate the hassle. I know they need to make a living and money, but seriously, all I really want to do is get in and get done.

I don't think they are necessary if you can do it and are making progress on your own. If I had the money to afford one, yes, I just might THINK about it. Possibly more for the motivation, ideas, and knowledge on machines. But I don't want to be bullied into it. I don't like that in the department stores, I don't like that in the gym. And most of the time I find they try and push a diet plan, supplements, drinks etc too.

I'd love the help, but I don't need the "hype".

mdale2

This is odd...I've only ever been "recruited" by one PT (who also taught my kickboxing class) and I politely declined. No hard feelings there and no continued "recruiting." I took classes in college with a registered PT for a few gym credits. It was beneficial for my lifting form, no doubt. I also got a couple free counseling sessions at our company-sponsored gym with a [waste of time] PT. I suppose the only PT I'd honestly pay for advice is one who's Crossfit certified, but that's way out of my budget and not close to where I live. Pipe dream, I suppose!

I was squatting about 100 pounds a couple months ago at the local Y. One of the trainers nearby raised his eyebrow after my set and I thought - "well...either means he was impressed or thought WOW! You have awful form!"

I wonder if the trainers pick on people that do in fact have bad lifting form? Like, how's that work for them - "hey I see you can't deadlift to save your life! Let me help!"

Amy_B

I have lost 85 pounds, not only with no personal trainer but also with no gym. It can be done!

rcarter91

It is down to the individual as to whether a PT is necessary. In many cases they are definatley very knowledgable and can really help with weightloss knowing a few in the profession myself. I've found that they are particularly useful in changing my outlook on fitness and exercise which I can then continue on my own in my own time.

ittybittybadonkadonk

never had a personal trainer .... i am doing this all on my own with healthy food and exercise (before i broke my foot on newyears day) so now i am just eating healthy until i get this darn cast off my leg

pmjsmom

I've managed without either a personal trainer or a gym. (I admit I'd like to join a gym but just can't fit it into my budget right now--hoping to be able to do so this year some time!)

TwistedLiquid

Its good to hear im not alone in that aspect. and yes they do push the suppliments too which i dont think are necessary either simply good ol' fashion proper dieting does the trick for me. I feel very confident about my form with machines and free weights alike. Thanks for chimeing in I was starting to think I could not pull this off without one, they make me second guess my knowledge about working out with those odd stares and constant pestering.

In my expirenced I have had one trainer completely ruin my ligaments for another just to say that the first trainer was doing everything wrong! How in the world am I supposed to trust them when my first expirence was horrifying. Given, the second Trainer taught me well but more than half the things he presented to me I had already read in one place or another thus doing nothing but reassure what I already knew. and yes a lot of times I felt like he was only there for a friendly chat. specially when my workout routine was already established and there wasnt anything for him to do or say except for "good" "good" "one more" "ok good". At one point I was just asking questions like a mad man and getting him to teach me everything he knows to get my monies worth, but eventually I just couldnt afford it anymore and when I told him I couldn't continue he kept calling at home asking me when I could return to doing more sessions. This forced me to quite going to that GYM. Then I joined 2 others that were also a sour expirence.

I feel I need a GYM to keep me motivated as it is supposed feel like a working out enviremont, I just can't muster the energy to do this at home. To be honest its quite frusterating.

Iceprincessk25

I definitely think a PT is a personal luxury. You don't really need one. A ton of people have lost weight without them and without the gym.

If you are uncomfortable using the different machines in the gym then it might be a good idea to use that one time free season so they can show you around the gym.

I'm torn about training. I would love to have someone yell at me to work harder but then I think that it's a waste of my $$ since my degree is in Kinesiology and I already know what to do. :bigsmile:

iplayoutside19

I had worked up a pretty lengthy Blog Post yesterday about why I think PT are similar to financial advisor's, and used car salesman. But I deleted it, maybe I'll post it anyway.

They are all similar in the fact that thier compensation structure forces them to spend 90% of their time looking for and retaining clients. 8% time actually advising or training the clients they do have, and the other 2% on paperwork. You'll notice this leaves exactly 0 time for education, and designing work outs.

I worked in the Finacial Services field for a year and a half...thinking my job would be to actually teach people about investments. Wrong, your job is to push products. Same thing with personal trainers. They get paid by the session, membership, and product sales. A quick google search will tell you there are an endless number of Certifications you can get and then call yourself a PT. The whole things just screams scam to me.

I'm sure there are some very knowledgable PT that are very good at what they do. However, the way the industry is set up I'd rather spend the energy it would take to find a good PT on learning what the PT's know.

If you couldn't tell, I've never used a trainer.

SHBoss1673

Personally, I've never had a PT that I paid for. I have had instructors in college but that was because I played football. But I do understand PT's as I know a bunch. Yes, it's their job to look for new clients, and yes, some of them are annoying. But if you find the right one, and can afford him/her, they can be VERY valuable. A good trainer can spot what your problems are in one or two sessions, a bad one can have you doing the wrong thing for months.

things to keep in mind about trainers:

-The certificate they carry, and the experience they have is very important. Research both, not all PT certs are created equal.
-Ask for references, and not just current clients, ask for references from other gyms as well.
-Trainers are not certified in nutrition, maybe your trainer has nutrition training, but if so, ask for the credentials. Just because someone knows proper muscle groups and form, doesn't make them an expert on nutrition, trust me, I've spoken with many a trainer that knew far less than I do about nutrition, and I ALWAYS preface my advice with the fact that I'm not a registered dietitian (an RD is the only person I'd ever ask for nutritional advice, and yes, that includes my doctor).
-Trainers usually aren't paid all that great (kinda low end to middle of the road usually). They devote their life (unless they are like me and work a job during the day) to fitness, which is great, but it can make them a little jaded towards those of us who aren't in the best of shape.

jclguru

When I joined Bally it came with 4 free sessions with a trainer. Even though they were free, I was still gonna say thanks, but
no thanks. Then I figured, what the heck.

I thought I knew what I was doing, but thanks to my trainer, I found out I was dead wrong. I learned quite alot
from her. She did try to sell my the trainers package after, but I declined. Then when day I found out she was
gone. I was kinda sad on that because she still helped me out after. Plus, I hate it when you build you trust and become
comfortable with someone and poof, they aren't there anymore.

Now her leaving is one of my initiatives to keep going. When she comes back in the summer I want to show her
that even though it was only 4 classes, she gave me the inner strength to keep this not only going at Bally, but
also to setup my own home cardio/weight room so on the days I can't make it to Bally, I can still work out and not
slip.

My personal advice is, if its free, take it. Then take what you learn and apply it afterwards.

Doug

Azdak

Its good to hear im not alone in that aspect. and yes they do push the suppliments too which i dont think are necessary either simply good ol' fashion proper dieting does the trick for me. I feel very confident about my form with machines and free weights alike. Thanks for chimeing in I was starting to think I could not pull this off without one, they make me second guess my knowledge about working out with those odd stares and constant pestering.

In my expirenced I have had one trainer completely ruin my ligaments for another just to say that the first trainer was doing everything wrong! How in the world am I supposed to trust them when my first expirence was horrifying. Given, the second Trainer taught me well but more than half the things he presented to me I had already read in one place or another thus doing nothing but reassure what I already knew. and yes a lot of times I felt like he was only there for a friendly chat. specially when my workout routine was already established and there wasnt anything for him to do or say except for "good" "good" "one more" "ok good". At one point I was just asking questions like a mad man and getting him to teach me everything he knows to get my monies worth, but eventually I just couldnt afford it anymore and when I told him I couldn't continue he kept calling at home asking me when I could return to doing more sessions. This forced me to quite going to that GYM. Then I joined 2 others that were also a sour expirence.

I feel I need a GYM to keep me motivated as it is supposed feel like a working out enviremont, I just can't muster the energy to do this at home. To be honest its quite frusterating.

First of all, trainers are not qualified in any way, shape or form to push "supplements". That's one of those "professional ethics" litmus tests--i.e. if someone does it, they have none.

I'd say go to the management of the gym and complain, but it's THEIR policies and THEIR supplements these bozos are pushing.

BamaRose0107

I could never afford a personal trainer or a gym membership. I have done it all without a trainer and at home. I like it that way though I tend to be extremely self consience when I workout.

Azdak

The problem is that there are a lot of people who could benefit from a trainer, but finding a trainer who is qualified to meet one's needs is a crapshoot--the odds are really stacked against you.

I can say without equivocation, that 80% of the people with no exercise background, esp the ones over 40, who joined our fitness center when I was the manager would have benefited from working with a personal trainer--for those over 60 it would be more like 95%. We were a "high-attention" hospital wellness center with degreed fitness specialists on the floor at all times, so we provided a lot of daily instruction for free.

The biggest problems with newbies was learning proper lifting form, setting a focus for their programs, but, most importantly, not adjusting the training intensity as they progressed. I can't tell you how many times I found that, 3 months later, people were still doing the exact same workloads and exercises they had been shown on day 1.

You can make the (valid) argument that "I am paying all this money for dues, I shouldn't have to pay for a trainer as well" and my belief was always that there is a basic level of service (REAL service) and instruction that members are entitled to at no charge, but you can also make the case for "If you are going to pay all this money for a membership, why not invest a little more and get the most out of your membership dollars?".

There are a lot of people on this website who have had the ability to take the initiative and take charge of their own programs and get the information they needed--I suspect that same initiative is what led them to MFP in the first place. And I agree 100% with those who say, in general, that most people don't NEED a trainer. But that also requires a personal accountability and some intellectual ability to research and find quality information for yourself. I also think that a cursory glance at the topics in this forum on any given day also shows that there are a lot of people spinning their wheels and wasting a lot of time and effort because they haven't got a clue. What's even worse is that some don't want a clue, either.

Bottom line: I think more people could benefit from trainers if the overall quality of trainers was better. But because that is such an iffy proposition, it would be hard for me to tell anyone to go hire one, unless I was making a specific recommendation to someone I knew.

TwistedLiquid

Thank you for that Azdak. I can see how people can easily fall into a plateau thinking they can follow the same regimen they learned the first day with a trainer. I myself have done plenty of research to avoid these types of mistakes and strive to learn more as I continue to lose weight. I just feel like I'm the scum of the earth when trainers walk by and stare me down like I am the anti-christ because I'm fat and not working out with a trainer. This always leads me to quiting time after time. It seems like I work out for 3 months and Im back on the couch for 3 months in a visious cycle. Its a cycle I know I need to break and I can't seem to find a way around it. The minute I jump off the couch and decide to take action I find myself overwhelmed by trainers once again!. This is why I was pondering if anyone had the same problem and if a trainer was absolutely necessary. This topic might just help me break that cycle.

I'm curious to how the other side of the coin looks like. Is there anyone here who absolutely can not lose weight without the help of a trainer?

Azdak

Thank you for that Azdak. I can see how people can easily fall into a plateau thinking they can follow the same regimen they learned the first day with a trainer. I myself have done plenty of research to avoid these types of mistakes and strive to learn more as I continue to lose weight. I just feel like I'm the scum of the earth when trainers walk by and stare me down like I am the anti-christ because I'm fat and not working out with a trainer. This always leads me to quiting time after time. It seems like I work out for 3 months and Im back on the couch for 3 months in a visious cycle. Its a cycle I know I need to break and I can't seem to find a way around it. The minute I jump off the couch and decide to take action I find myself overwhelmed by trainers once again!. This is why I was pondering if anyone had the same problem and if a trainer was absolutely necessary. This topic might just help me break that cycle.

I'm curious to how the other side of the coin looks like. Is there anyone here who absolutely can not lose weight without the help of a trainer?

Your story really sucks and it's a sad testimony on the state of affairs in many fitness centers. Even unemployed as I am, there are some large health club chains that I would never even consider working for because I despise the way they run their business--and it's exactly like what you describe.

It's another reason why I always "hid out" so to speak in the hospital-based side of the business.

havingitall

I worked with a trainer for a bout 4 months until we switched gyms. Although I did know how to use the equipment, he spent a lot of time teaching correct form and pushing those few extra reps out of me. He also assessed how my body moved ( at 47 some of the hinges seize a bit) and realized that I favour my left leg ( due to surgery I had at age 15) He spent time working the legs separately so I wouldn't keep babying it and it has made a huge difference.

My trainer was a clean eater and was able to talk a lot about how the body uses different things you eat. He never pushed supplements or anything. The only thing he pushed was me. I took my time in selecting him as a trainer because a lot of the ones at my old gym spent more time gossiping with their clients than working them. At my new gym, I don't see the same experience that my old trainer had so I am not interested in working with one of them. After all, my old trainer sent me on my way with a brief rundown of what to do and a big hug.