Personal Trainers - Worth it?

Zerashen
Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've heard people mention personal trainers as a boon, and I was wondering if it would be a good investment. I need to lose about 80-100+ lbs, and I'm hoping to do at least 50 within the next year. (I have my wedding next march). Problem is I work a varied schedule of 40-60+ hours a week between two jobs. (gotta save for grad school!)

If you have one: Has it helped you more than the gym? Made you more motivated to go? etc.
If you don't: Do you want one? Do you think they're overrated? etc.

(In before someone mentions my diary: I'm slowly trying to adjust my eating habits and get into the habit of logging daily. That's a fault I know I already have. With two jobs I sometimes lose track of time and forget to log. I can't allow myself use of that as an excuse anymore.)

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,989 Member
    Depends on the trainer. There are lots of "broscience" ones out there.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • zillah73
    zillah73 Posts: 505 Member
    I think it's an individual thing. I had one when I got started - he assessed my goals and gave me a fitness plan. After a while I met with him again to reassess, look at progress, etc. I met with him for three sessions to begin. It worked for me. But I know some people benefit from having more one-on-one time. A lot of gyms actually offer a couple free sessions with a trainer when you sign up. Maybe the best option for you is to meet with someone to get you started, then you can workout on your own when it suits your busy schedule.
  • hulahawaiigirl
    hulahawaiigirl Posts: 10
    My doctor is giving me one, I'm sure there are benefits to be found in consult with a trainer. You never ask someone who doesnt have kids how to care for one, well Im sure the same is true for weight loss. One thing I do know is a trainer isnt a cure all, I finally realized I had to change the way I eat and exercise in order for it to work. But I think some time with a trainer is probably worth it.
  • Erica_theRedhead
    Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
    I agree, you need to look around for a good one. Many are possess generic knowledge and are not creative with their styles. I found one though whom I love! I started like you, having a big goal to lose and just needed some motivation. I met with him 3x per week, then 2x per week, now 1x per week. And it helped get me into the habit of working out consistently, and working hard consistently.

    Now, I'm only about 15 pounds away from my goal and I always thought at this point that I would continue on my own. However, my trainer has made may workouts more interesting, because my body can do loads more now. I don't think I'll ever leave him as long as I'm in the neighborhood. Each workout with him is different, and I can tell my body composition is changing in ways that I want it to.
  • CBrook04
    CBrook04 Posts: 107
    Bump. I'm starting with mine tomorrow, I'll see how it goes. :)
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    Your posts have all been interesting. Sounds like maybe visiting a gym and trying one or two sessions might be useful to see how I like it. Thank you! :D

    (feel free to keep posting opinions/etc, btw! :D)
  • Madelinew22
    Madelinew22 Posts: 289
    i got one twice, it was only 15$ a hr for me at my gym. i just used each day to build a routine so i could do on my own, one day for lower body exercises one for upper body, i think needing one for more then a week is unnecessary. learn it the first time and make improvements as u get stronger/more educated.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    Depends on the trainer. There are lots of "broscience" ones out there.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    qft
  • Iwillbeback
    Iwillbeback Posts: 19
    I LOVE my personal trainer, I got him after being involved in an accident and he has helped me so much on my way back to recovery. He has introduced me to heavy weights and I am totally hooked. He has given me so much advice and direction and I would not be where I am now if it were not for him. I only see him every other week, but it has totally worked for me.
  • seafuss
    seafuss Posts: 71 Member
    I had a personal trainer for a year, and the workouts were AMAZING.. BUT I'd be lying if I said it didn't motivate me that he also worked as an underwear model!!! I NEVER missed a session:):wink:
  • kavanaghev
    kavanaghev Posts: 75 Member
    I got a personal trainer and was very straight with him from the beginning: I just wanted to learn how to lift weights properly, use the different machines correctly, figure out what weights I should be lifting, and how to create a lifting routine for myself. I didn't need motivation to show up, I didn't need someone to tell me to do cardio (although he did tell me when he thought I should switch from bike to stairmaster). I did five sessions with him and while his nutrition suggestions were dumb (1200 cals/per day while breastfeeding? no thanks, friend), he did teach me how to feel comfortable lifting at the gym which was EVERYTHING. He also had me lifting heavier than I would have ever done myself and his expectations for what I was capable of (weight and reps) were very high, and I managed to meet them every time. I *****ed and moaned but I did it and I am forever thankful for the confidence that gave me.
  • zillah73
    zillah73 Posts: 505 Member
    BUT I'd be lying if I said it didn't motivate me that he also worked as an underwear model!!! I NEVER missed a session:):wink:

    That was awesome!
  • CoraGregoryCPA
    CoraGregoryCPA Posts: 1,087 Member
    I have a personal trainer in a small group training class. The class is fun and the personal trainer is really great! I've seen her work one on one with other people. I've improved in my strength training but it's because I increase my weights weekly, not because she told me too.

    You have to motivate yourself though. I don't think they are going to babysit you.

    Small improvements in your diary is an excellent plan! As long as you learn from it and can improve today, then that is okay! Don't have to justify or say excuses. Good Luck :)
  • thirstyflea
    thirstyflea Posts: 114 Member
    I love my trainer also- I've been with him since July when I joined my gym. It's a huge investment, but totally worth it. He kicks my butt and motivates me on many levels, and I need as much of that as possible.

    You really do have to find a good match for you, otherwise it'll be a waste of time and money. Mine is an amateur body builder (big dude, and he's really hot...) and I never thought it would work (I'm just an overweight girl trying to get in shape!), but we totally clicked. He's a really good guy and not just a meat head... He's also really good in helping me with what to eat, how, and when. He has been successful where even my doctor wasn't...

    I have progressed so much- there's only so much I can do with cardio alone and I was scared to death of all those machines and weights! Now my body almost craves the weight training!

    Maybe you could just meet with one to get some basics down and try it on your own?
  • huntress86
    huntress86 Posts: 7 Member
    I loved my personal trainer. He helped me lose over 60lbs in 6months, at that time I was working full time and going to school full time. He kept everything interesting and mixed up so I never go burned out on my own routine. I know if I hadn't had my PT then I never could have dropped like I did. Its definitely worth it.
  • Cajunmalakai
    Cajunmalakai Posts: 59 Member
    A personal trainer can be fantastic or terrible if you dont make a smart choice. Look for a trainer with legit credentials.

    Some letters to look for:
    CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist)
    CNS (Certified nutrition specialist) If you want dietary help. Not all trainers are qualified to advise you in this area. for a complete and personalized diet however, it is best to see your doctor.

    NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified.
    ASCM( American College of Sports Medicine) certified.

    Keep in mind, that none of these credentials nor any others automatically makes for a good trainer. It is best to have a holistic approach. Ask questions, do your research, and find a trainer that is both competent and can help you reach your specific goals.
  • funhouse77
    funhouse77 Posts: 179 Member
    Yes absolutely, if I could afford a trainer I'd have one.
  • tenajh
    tenajh Posts: 208 Member
    For me and my mulitple issues, it definitely has been. He specializes in rehab and nutrition for people with health issues and physical disabilitiies, so I am sure I pay him more than most trainers cost, but it is mentally rewarding to know I am not injuring myself and spent much time on research to find one I could count on. I have only had 3 sessions so far, but have learned so much.
  • ChefSchnauzer
    ChefSchnauzer Posts: 29 Member
    When I first lost weight (130# 13 years ago) I needed one. I was fresh out of rehab, in a new town and it made sense. If I were to get a personal trainer again I'd interview them more than the other way around. I would look around for non-franchise trainers. The 2 reasons I am not looking for a trainer new 1) finances and 2) 4 years into a business start-up, I'm exhausted. I'll get to the gym once I have stabilized the food side and get past the 2nd quarter of 2013.
  • christiandjoel
    christiandjoel Posts: 28 Member
    I have a certified personal trainer...notice i said "certified" and not just some trainer dude at the gym that calls himself a trainer. Where I go I workout with TRX system...its not a gym with weights. Your body IS the weight. I see her 1x per week and she gives me homework to do. Shes priceless. Best of luck!
  • Cajunmalakai
    Cajunmalakai Posts: 59 Member
    Also, you said you wanted to lose between 80-100 lbs. There are trainers who specialize in helping clients who want to lose a very significant amount of weight.
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    Also, you said you wanted to lose between 80-100 lbs. There are trainers who specialize in helping clients who want to lose a very significant amount of weight.

    I weigh about 2x what I probably should. I know the number's flexible because I'd rather weigh 130 of lean/muscle than 140 of flabby fatness. So I understand the goal will change. I didn't consider the fact that trainers could specialize like that. Thanks!

    I love hearing everyone's comments. I would reply more often but work is hectic at the moment. So know that commentary is appreciated and read, even if not replied directly to!
  • Cajunmalakai
    Cajunmalakai Posts: 59 Member
    Yes, many trainers specialize. Some in rehab, some in working with the elderly, in sport specific training. It goes on and on. Check out my previous post for tips on picking a good trainer.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I'm currently consulting with one once per week. I only have two more sessions though and I'll be on my own. I find that they can be helpful if you're shifting your fitness goals around, etc...just get you on the right track to achieve the goals you set out for. I don't personally see the need to have one full time.
  • Mamoonie
    Mamoonie Posts: 328
    Personal trainers certainly are worth it... if they are good ones!
    If you can afford one: get one! But chose carefully.

    I'm working out with a personal trainer for over 2 years now. I had 3 free sessions, and just stayed with him and started paying.
    I have a workout session with him every 2 weeks, and he sends me workouts to do on my own between 2 sessions with him, according to the days and times I'm willing to exercise.
    My results have been good and bad.
    I started on MFP in August '10, with a goal to lose 100 lbs, and I was hoping to reach that goal in August '12. That would have been a weight loss of 1 lb /week, so perfectly doable.
    I was down 20 lbs until I started with personal training, well in the time frame I had set. But the change in my workouts changed the speed of my weight loss, slowed it down.
    Now (March '13) I'm "only" down 60lbs (that's the bad result), but I'm down 5 clothing sizes (one of the good results), my self confidence is high, I'm strong, I'm fit, my energy levels are really high. When people estimate my weight, they usually say the number that is my goal weight, which is 40 lbs less that reality :-D
    I'm a lot more happy now with still 40 lbs to lose, than I would be if I had reached my goal weight last summer (and still look fat, but in a smaller version).
    I have to admit, I haven't changed my eating habits at all. I might be nearer to my goal weight if I had worked on that part too.

    If you find a good personal trainer, hire them. A good one will do wonders.. on your body and on your mind!
  • smiles210
    smiles210 Posts: 3
    BUT I'd be lying if I said it didn't motivate me that he also worked as an underwear model!!! I NEVER missed a session:):wink:

    That was awesome!


    This is fantastic!!!!

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