Personal trainer, worth it?

I have no idea what the going rates for personal trainers is (and I'm sure there are huge regional variances......) but here's an article that suggests there are measurable differences in results observed between gym attendees and those using the services of a qualified trainer...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/will-i-get-a-better-workout-if-i-hire-a-personal-trainer/article4268225/

It would depend on the individual trainer and trainee. It would also depend on your specific goal\s. I personally have never used one and feel like I have done fine. Others might benefit from having one.

I think there is a lot of benefit to getting one if you are just learning your way around the gym. When I first joined the gym a few years ago, I did pay for a trainer and loved working with him. What he taught me about the basics of weight lifting has been super beneficial to me, but now that I am more knowledgeable in what to do in a gym, how to work out safely and effectively, I don't find the need for one. I am self motivated and don't need someone yelling at me for me to push my hardest. When I started working out again this time (ended up with a pretty big injury that put me out for a couple years and then I got lazy), I did meet with a trainer for a complimentary assessment and even he agreed that I did not need a trainer to reach the goals that I had put forth.

My friend and I do joint training. We each pay $60 a month(total $120) for 4 30 minute sessions a month. My trainer and I have a love/hate relationship. He pushes me harder than I'd push myself if I exercised on my own. He pushes me through the pain, but at the same time understands my limits. If I could afford to do the trainer longer than my contract, I would.

I used to work out with a trainer and LOVED it. I couldn't skip workouts (at $45 a session hell no would I miss!) and it took the thinking out of it. When you have a specific goal, you can get their on your own, but you have to be committed to the planning. I liked that I could just show up, listen to him, and walk out. It's also a great way to learn new techniques, but the main thing about finding a trainer is making sure your personalities don't clash, and that they actually know what they are doing. They should be able to push you and motivate you to try harder than you would on your own, but not to the point where it's unhealthy. Make sure you actually meet the person before you fork over the cash. Also check out their refund policy so if you aren't happy with the trainer, you can get your money back for the unused sessions.

Yes, if you can afford it, it's worth it. If you are new to gyms and lifting you can get a lot of benefit without the trial and error that many of us went thru. I would suggest spacing it out tho. Go over your goals with him/her and have them design a routine for you. Then train with them once per week and two times per week go by yourself. Maybe the first week you train with them all three session and if you're comfortable with the routine you meet with him/her once per week for 9 more weeks.

Re: the price, I wouldn't put to much stock into what other people pay. Here in LA, I know people that pay more than that and people that pay less. Pricing is very regional. Trainers will also charge more or less based on how many certs they have earned. Another thing is that established trainers with a full book of clients will raise their prices thru the roof for new clients. The price was low to get started but new clients have to pay more because the trainers time if becoming more and more precious. A PT that's starting out may be more flexible with pricing while they try to get their biz off the ground.

edited to add: Remember, you're paying the trainer a lot of money, so make the most of this. The trainer will not be making your meals, and will not show up at night to slap the slice of pizza out of your hand. Lose weight by being disciplined with your diet, improve your body's shape with your trainer.

The price doesn't seem completely out there from what I'm used to (55$ for an hour or 30$ if I only see her every 6 weeks, yours works out to 60$ per session) however, the more I buy the cheaper it is. Is there a way you can buy just one session? Because if you don't like the trainer or their style then that would suck.

I love my trainer. I only see her every 4-6 weeks and she gives me a new routine and works on it with me. I love it because I don't really know my way around free weights so I have her to make sure I have proper form and that I'm doing things that will help me reach my goal.