debating on getting a personal trainer

I've had a few personal trainers. Some through the gym, some independent contractors. I would definitely say stay away from the gym ones, unless they train outside the gym bc the charges are outrageous. They do help motivate you and will help you with strength. But I would advise that your heart really be into wanting to change as a whole, because you will have to train when you're not with your trainer as well. I paid anywhere from $800 for 3-4 months worth of sessions 2x a week through the gym, (yes a rip off I know, I've learned my lesson since then and that was years ago) to 30-45 a session for independent trainers. I would go with the latter if I were you, its very easy to find them and reputable ones will have references and certifications. Hope this helps.

I would totally recommend it. If you can find someone to work out with you, you can generally split the cost of a personal trainer. Granted, it's not completely one-on-one, but it's close enough. My mom and I split the cost of a personal trainer at the YMCA a year or two ago and it was awesome. Our trainer was really positive and encouraging and knowledgeable. He not only showed us different exercises from what we already new, but he also helped recommend healthy meals and snacks. The great thing about a personal trainer is that they can really zero in on what you specifically want to accomplish. Go for it!! )

Find someone who has his/her own gym. Don't go to generic 24 hour fitness or LA Fitness. Their trainers are awful and see way too many people/day.
Get one who will focus with you on your personal goals and who has his own gym and equipment. They are generally more focused.

If u belong to a gym my advice is to watch the trainers....pick up on some of the routines/tips
Also most gyms offer 1/2 free sessions when u purchase a membership (or maybe that is something u can negotiate?)

Good luck, kim

Whatever you do, make sure whoever you are working with understands you, your goals, and your style of exercise. It can be tricky because, on the one hand you need to keep an open mind since a good trainer can push you in some new directions that might be disconcerting at first, but will ultimately fulfill your goals. On the other hand, you need to play an active role yourself and have good communication. I have seen a lot of people who were unhappy with their trainers but never would express their concerns because they had a "trainer knows best" attitude.

There are also a lot of people who put up with a lot of pain and discomfort because they feel that's a sign of a quality workout.

It's not. A good trainer should be proactive in checking with you about how you felt after the previous session. Even if they don't, there is no reason to put up with days of agony after a workout. You aren't getting into shape any faster. Any trainer who thinks that's a good thing should be avoided.

Ask your trainer to give you an overall game plan. The trainer should spend a lot of time in the initial session (if not the whole session) going over your goals, exercise history, medical history and even do some type of assessment. After that, they should be able to give you an overall plan of how they intend to help you achieve your goals. If they don't, ask for one. If they can't or won't, find another trainer.

Avoid any trainer who recommends or tries to sell you any type of supplement or vitamin. They are not qualified to do that, and, in many states it is illegal for them to do that. "Nutritionist" certificates issued by a certifying agency are worthless--they only document that the trainer is a dilettante and unprofessional.

Good trainers can come in all shapes and sizes and all types of personalities. Physical appearance or rah-rah attitude is not evidence that someone is a quality trainer (it's not evidence that they AREN'T, either). Choose a trainer whose style suits you.

I would also avoid a trainer who tries to push one particular style of exercise--e.g. cross fit, or "metabolic training", super slow, HIT, etc. There is no one "style" of training that is best for everyone--anyone who thinks so is putting ideology and usually self-promotion before your needs.