I have an opportunity, and I would like your opinions
overground55
Posts: 4
Hi all, I am new to the site, so hopefully this is the proper place to post this, if not, then Moderators, feel free to move/delete this. Otherwise, I have a question for the folks here on myfitnesspal.To sum it up, he is offering me 150 sessions (3X/wk) for 130$ a month because I am a friend/acquaintance. He will work with me at the gym, take me shopping to find the proper foods if I want, go on runs, whatever I need to meet my personal goals. His normal rates are $270 per month. The catch is that I am committed for a year. My personal goals are to gain weight, and build muscle because currently I am a lanky, stick-like fellow. If you guys were in my shoes, would you consider taking this opportunity? I really am tired of being so skinny, and this seems like an opportunity I should take, I just don't know if the cost would be worth it in the end, so let me know your personal opinions. Thank you.
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Replies
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Did he set a date you have to take the deal by for it to be valid??
If not, I'd stick around MFP for a month or two. Read the forums, join the group Eat Train Progress and learn.
Its very possible for you to do this on your own. So id try for 2 months to eat above maintenance and lift heavy weights (look at Stronglifts 5x5 or Allpro or Blaha 5x5 or Starting Strength)0 -
Hi all, I am new to the site, so hopefully this is the proper place to post this, if not, then Moderators, feel free to move/delete this. Otherwise, I have a question for the folks here on myfitnesspal. I know the guy who runs this website here at http://oneyearfitnesschallenge.com/. To sum it up, he is offering me 150 sessions (3X/wk) for 130$ a month because I am a friend/acquaintance. He will work with me at the gym, take me shopping to find the proper foods if I want, go on runs, whatever I need to meet my personal goals. His normal rates are $270 per month. The catch is that I am committed for a year. My personal goals are to gain weight, and build muscle because currently I am a lanky, stick-like fellow. If you guys were in my shoes, would you consider taking this opportunity? I really am tired of being so skinny, and this seems like an opportunity I should take, I just don't know if the cost would be worth it in the end, so let me know your personal opinions. Thank you.
NOBODY needs a personal trainer for 150 sessions, that's absurd. A personal trainer can be useful to teach you the ins and outs of weight lifting and weight lifting programs, but to have a personal trainer 3 times a week for an entire year is absolutely ridiculous. Feel free to do what you want, but there's so much information about fitness and exercise on the internet now that if you're willing to take the time to do a little bit of research and watch youtube videos on proper weighlifting technique, there's no reason you can't save yourself the $1560 you were going to spend and teach yourself. If you are going to get a personal trainer, do not get a year long commitment.0 -
he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.0
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he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.0 -
he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.
I would have to agree with Lishie. You do not need to spend that sort of money to get your desired result, and in the end, you will feel much more accomplished if you can reach your goals by yourself. I also second the suggestion to join the Eat, train, progress group on this site, as the people there have helped quite a few to move towards their goals.0 -
he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.
I would have to agree with Lishie. You do not need to spend that sort of money to get your desired result, and in the end, you will feel much more accomplished if you can reach your goals by yourself. I also second the suggestion to join the Eat, train, progress group on this site, as the people there have helped quite a few to move towards their goals.
You tell me to do it on my own, and yet in your very next sentence, you tell me to do it with a group of people here on the site. I'm not quite sure that I understand your logic. Can you explain further for me?0 -
he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.
I would have to agree with Lishie. You do not need to spend that sort of money to get your desired result, and in the end, you will feel much more accomplished if you can reach your goals by yourself. I also second the suggestion to join the Eat, train, progress group on this site, as the people there have helped quite a few to move towards their goals.
You tell me to do it on my own, and yet in your very next sentence, you tell me to do it with a group of people here on the site. I'm not quite sure that I understand your logic. Can you explain further for me?
She's saying save your money and use the free resources here at MFP0 -
he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.
I would have to agree with Lishie. You do not need to spend that sort of money to get your desired result, and in the end, you will feel much more accomplished if you can reach your goals by yourself. I also second the suggestion to join the Eat, train, progress group on this site, as the people there have helped quite a few to move towards their goals.
You tell me to do it on my own, and yet in your very next sentence, you tell me to do it with a group of people here on the site. I'm not quite sure that I understand your logic. Can you explain further for me?
They might be advising and guiding you, but they won't be holding your hand around the gym.
Good grief. I shall not waste my time advising someone like yourself again.
Do whatever the heck you want.0 -
sorry, I didn't mean to come across as rude or offensive, I was only trying to get a better picture on why you view one more appropriate than the other. Its a big investment though on the part of this trainer, and I guess Ill have to really rethink this all. Thanks for the feedback.he hasn't set a date, but ideally, I would have some sort of answer by early March. I have been doing starting strength, but not having much success. I think part of it is I am not consistent, and my metabolism is so high, that I can't gain any weight unless Im 100 percent determined. It would be nice to have someone who is supporting me along side that, even if he is just a trainer.
He wont always be there to hold your hand.
If you want this, you need to have the mental toughness to do it on your own.
I would have to agree with Lishie. You do not need to spend that sort of money to get your desired result, and in the end, you will feel much more accomplished if you can reach your goals by yourself. I also second the suggestion to join the Eat, train, progress group on this site, as the people there have helped quite a few to move towards their goals.
You tell me to do it on my own, and yet in your very next sentence, you tell me to do it with a group of people here on the site. I'm not quite sure that I understand your logic. Can you explain further for me?
They might be advising and guiding you, but they won't be holding your hand around the gym.
Good grief. I shall not waste my time advising someone like yourself again.
Do whatever the heck you want.0 -
Have you put in an honest effort here at MFP? You have everything you need right here.0
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Just remember one thing... Trainers are in to make money, it's their job... And their main priority....most people on here are happy to help because of their passion, payment free!
All you need to do is eat more and lift heavy ****... You have to do that, there's no magic that a trainer can do... They can support/motivate but essentially it's all you!0 -
I think it's very worthwhile to hire a trainer for a month to make sure you learn proper form. Personalized attention and immediate feedback is pretty valuable so if you can afford it, do it. A trainer will be able to spot flexibility issues, muscle imbalances if you have any and help correct them. It's easy to learn poor form, which can lead to lack of progress or worse, injury.0
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It's all cost versus reward. This "Opportunity" will cost you $1560 per year. Below are additional realistic (IMO) costs for first 12 months:
Increased food intake: $1200
Vitamins / supplements: $300-$1800 (Depending on what and how much)
Gym Membership: $360
Gym gear and clothes: $600 (Don't buy cheap stuff... Really...)
Additional Travel / Fuel: $624 ($4 per trip, 3X Week. Reduced if you train on way to/from work, etc..))
How much is it worth to you? I spend the money on most of these as it stands and have occasionally hired a trainer. Though I am noticeably larger than before I began this journey, I do not feel that I have achieved anywhere close to my personal potential. Play with the numbers and see what you are comfortable with. If you have the money, go for it. If you do not, maybe see if he will do 3 months at $150 instead...
Personally, I have never considered hiring anyone for more than 12-15 sessions. Maybe if I did, I would be achieving more, but I am comfortable with current cost vs reward.0 -
Hey Dude,
Here are my thoughts as a fitness pal. Trainers are great, I have been training for many years off and on. When I began I battled with gaining aswell. I do not claim to know everything, do not trust anyone who tells you they do. I still use a trainer to this day. However, my trainer is an IFBB pro, 40 years experience, charges 50 per 1/2 hour. Why do I pay him ? Because I know that true masters of any art will know that there is always something more to learn. I will make a commitment to you for free to help you out. Send me a friend request or a message and we can chat about your options and goals. I am not trying to sell you anything, I do not want anything from you. There are some secrets that I do know which I will not devulge out in the open here. BTW, you trainer friend is NESTA certified. NESTA has changed hands and names and is an online program with no real in the field training. I am very intimate with that outfit and can tell you that it is more of a certification mill than a stand up association. that does not mean your boy does not have the goods, but I am offering you an opportunity for free. Hit me up and lets talk.0 -
Hey Dude,
Here are my thoughts as a fitness pal. Trainers are great, I have been training for many years off and on. When I began I battled with gaining aswell. I do not claim to know everything, do not trust anyone who tells you they do. I still use a trainer to this day. However, my trainer is an IFBB pro, 40 years experience, charges 50 per 1/2 hour. Why do I pay him ? Because I know that true masters of any art will know that there is always something more to learn. I will make a commitment to you for free to help you out. Send me a friend request or a message and we can chat about your options and goals. I am not trying to sell you anything, I do not want anything from you. There are some secrets that I do know which I will not devulge out in the open here. BTW, you trainer friend is NESTA certified. NESTA has changed hands and names and is an online program with no real in the field training. I am very intimate with that outfit and can tell you that it is more of a certification mill than a stand up association. that does not mean your boy does not have the goods, but I am offering you an opportunity for free. Hit me up and lets talk.
^^^ this^^^
When someone with more mass than you, who has spent this kind of $$ on dedicated training offers to help in the way he just did. Take them seriously and show up to go to work.. That is all... LOL!!0 -
bheathfit, I hope you are being sincere and if so I appreciate it. I am really trying to help this dude, I do take this pretty serious. Why should he spend the money when I am offering him support for free. That is the idea and spirit behind this site. We are here to really help eachother. Maybe you can help me, maybe I can help you in your journey. I do not understand the LOL! There is nothing funny about helping someone with their dreams and goals.0
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I wouldn't commit for a year... that would be $1560... no way man! Maybe try 2 months and see where it goes!?0
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Fitness does not have an expiry date. It is a life-style change that needs to become as natural (though requiring more effort) as brushing your teeth in the morning.
Personal trainers can produce amazing results for those who lack discipline and need the constant motivation. The downside is, a large percentage of people fall to pieces once the PT has gone away.
Ultimately, there are far too many people who have achieved amazing success from personal effort, and without the huge expense.
Also, clearly from the feedback on this site...you have plenty of support here.
You are correct however, consistency is key.
Stick to it, make it your favourite hobby - it is a mind-set...and once you have it you won't look back.0 -
One year commitment is crazy. I would never do that. If you really need guidance until you figure it out on your own or you have no clue on how you start your weight loss journey, hire a PT for a couple month or so. Also, there is enough information (diet, training plans etc on the web) for free. In my opinion.... PTs are a waste of money.0
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Watch the following movies:
Forks Over Knives
Hungry For Change and Food Inc.
These will help you figure out what to eat and purchase for $1.00 on Netflix.
Also I [ay only $70/month at my local YMCA and can use their trainers for free!0 -
What he sad.bheathfit, I hope you are being sincere and if so I appreciate it. I am really trying to help this dude, I do take this pretty serious. Why should he spend the money when I am offering him support for free. That is the idea and spirit behind this site. We are here to really help eachother. Maybe you can help me, maybe I can help you in your journey. I do not understand the LOL! There is nothing funny about helping someone with their dreams and goals.0 -
$130 a month for 3 sessions a week (12 sessions a month)
$10.83 per session
People who think this is expensive work in a job where somebody pays their wages, for a freelancer this is cheap. The only scary part is having to do it for a year?
If you don't think you can stick to this for a year or you think you can do it alone, that's the question for me, not if it is expensive or not. It's not expensive.
You know how vulnerable you are. Ask if you can don one month as a trial for a little bit extra money to see if it's right for you? Would that work?
It's up to you.
My point that I really want to SHOUT is that this is not expensive.
EDIT: that said, I doubt that this is a geniune post, it seems more like a sneaky way to spam, just in case I am wrong I leave my well meant advice and go back to enjoying my Saturday :-)0 -
Hi Overgard, have you really already made a decision and just looked here for justification? There are a few ways of looking at this firstly I would not be paying up front, maybe a month in advance if you did go ahead with it. Ultimately it is you that have do the work and be committed, if you genuinely believe that you will commit and this PT can help you focus and get the results you want then just do it. In reality is the $1,560 a real concern you would spend that on a new TV or even some on a laptop or mobile phone they may or may not really use. People spend hours, years in developing their knowledge into fitness if you believe this guy has information and keeps on the forefront of knowledge is willing to mentor and share these with you and you are inspired to learn and apply then just go for it otherwise if he seems interested in "show me the money" then I would walk away.0
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You can reach the same goals by doing research and building a good, supportive friend-list here on MFP. You can do that for free.
OR you can pay this dude to help you.
Up to you.
Either way, you have to be accountable for what you eat and your exercise.
I'm tight, though, so I would choose the free option every time.0 -
Don't normally look in the weight gaining section as I'm shredding the lbs however what a great offer and I know I would be taking him up on it had it been offered too me as you only have to look at the guns to see he knows what he is talking about0
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Giving you the benefit of the doubt that this is not, in fact, cheap spam, why not counter offer the trainer? Say, same workout terms, three motnhs only, and $150/month. He gets the business and you get a head start with some guidance and some time to develop discipline and cultivate your own, ongoing resources...0
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I don't mind the idea of someone feeling they will do better with a trainer (they will). I don't mind the idea of someone training for a year (that's a bit long, but it works for many). What I do mind is the idea of committing to something you've never tried for an entire year (that's nuts).
What if you hate it on day one? What if your personalities don't click? Being buddies is one thing but a working relationship is an entirely different thing. What if you find out that he doesn't know what he's talking about? Or you move or lose your job? Or get to the point where you're comfortable and prefer to do it on your own? Or your schedules don't mesh.
His pricing is very reasonable but I'd pay a higher rate for a shorter commitment.
Last thing, paying a "buddy" is fine, as his time is valuable, but a buddy forcing you to commit to a year long contract seems ridiculous, IMO0 -
A hell of a lot of money.
If you've got tens of thousands lying around, then sure, go for it.
I haven't so while I wouldn't consider a personal trainer to check form etc a bad thing, I'd prefer to save my money.
Ok, I'm cheating a bit, but my month costs for exercise are:It's all cost versus reward. This "Opportunity" will cost you $1560 per year. Below are additional realistic (IMO) costs for first 12 months:
About £4 for running with the local running club on their main weekly club runs (social/other runs aren't charged.)
One off costs:
£230 for Olympic weights (165kg total) with bench and home made power cage.
I have the opposite problem to the OP, so my food costs didn't increase.
So I'd certainly go with the majority - do your research and use sites like MFP to work out a decent plan.
When you haven't been seeing results; were you definitely eating enough calories and getting enough protein?
I'm afraid that 98% of the people that "have a fast metabolism" in reality just don't eat as much. Even if you metabolism was 300 calories faster (quite a lot in the grand scheme of things), say; that's a medium chocolate bar a day extra. So, to make up for it, all you need to do is to have said chocolate bar and you're back to the level with others.0 -
bheathfit, I hope you are being sincere and if so I appreciate it. I am really trying to help this dude, I do take this pretty serious. Why should he spend the money when I am offering him support for free. That is the idea and spirit behind this site. We are here to really help eachother. Maybe you can help me, maybe I can help you in your journey. I do not understand the LOL! There is nothing funny about helping someone with their dreams and goals.
I was being sincere. I had someone help me out once when I first started and I would never have continued without that assistance. They didn't hold my hand or anything, but just having someone to ask questions to and get advice from is PRICELESS!! the fact that you are willing to do it at no cost to him is why I responded so directly. The LOL was due to the "That is all..." statement I had at the end. Meaning I am off my soap box and done giving advice. It is up to the OP to take it.
Sometimes meanings and nuances are lost in the written word. I think it is Great that you are willing to help him and it will likely change the course of his health, fitness and possibly other things in his life from this point on. That is also why I told him to be ready to go to work!
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QFT^ Also committing to a one year contract, you may find down the track this trainer to be abrasive, a bad fit, bro-science etc.You can reach the same goals by doing research and building a good, supportive friend-list here on MFP. You can do that for free.
OR you can pay this dude to help you.
Up to you.
Either way, you have to be accountable for what you eat and your exercise.
I'm tight, though, so I would choose the free option every time.
Honestly try these links...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1069278-acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
Join this group...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
Read these posts...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read
eg...
Weight Lifting
Weight Lifting - Form /Technique
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/852401-proper-form-and-technique-sources
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1018359-do-you-cave-in-when-you-squat
Strength Training - the basics
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/850719-strength-training-the-basics
Barbell routines - when you only have dumbbells
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/902569-barbell-routines-when-you-only-have-dumbbells
Get your hands on books like Starting strength, new rules of lifting etc
Subscribe to some reputable YouTube channels Such as Dave Tate, Mark Rippetoe etc
Check out these links...
www.alanaragon.com
www.weightology.net
www.bodyrecomposition.com
www.body-improvements.com
I would join a gym and get enough personal training sessions to correct your form you most probably do not need a year of supervision if you film your lifts and have them critiqued on this link...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/911984-form-critique-thread-post-your-videos-here
If you have the desire and consistency combined with common sense and education I think the program you are considering is over kill and pricey, but it is your decision and you maybe one who thrives in a program such as the one you described but my opinion not necessary.
good luck OP0
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