Why get a personal trainer?

Based on your post I think you could benefit from one. If you were going balls to the wall and not getting the results you wanted you may not have been training for your goals or eating for them. A trainer is also good to help you learn proper form so you do the exercises correctly for the intended results. So many people doing bad form don't realize they are getting bad results or injury for that very reason. Even if you hire one for 2-3 months it is beneficial.

But it's up to you and your goals. If motivation is a factor then of course having someone who keeps you accountable is a nice added bonus.

best of luck

I'm considering having a personal trainer help me with my form.

i think they are a waste of money.

Agreed.

Trainers are like everything, there are good ones and "not so good ones". Makes sure you find a trainer who is not going to cookie cutter a work-out for you. You want one who has experience with people who have reached the same goals that you have. Make sure he or she listens to what you want. I actually have two different trainers, one for lifting and one who is more focused on functional/medibolic exercise.

I find that I train MUCH harder with them pusing than when I did it alone. They also work with me on nutrition as well. I am SO GLAD, I hired them. It has been a great experience and while it has been a long road getting to my goals, I know they are in it for the long run.

If you just accept the first trainer you find, it might not be the right fit.

It's always an ongoing quest to find motivation.

For some people, having a weekly appointment with a PT is motivation. You've paid, so you're not going to miss the appoinment. Then the PT gives you feedback on technique, teaches you some new stuff, helps you clarify your goals - all helps with motivation. And then they give you homework; you surely don't want to come in next week and tell him/her that you haven't been back to the gym since last week. So yes, it can make a difference. If you think this sounds like it would motivate you, it would likely be worth your while.

As an alternative that is similar, and has some of the same advantages, I have found great motivation and enjoyment being in my multisports group. There are coaches who know what we are up to and what our goals are, can help with planning and technique, so you get some of the same PT advantages. But we also have the group dynamic, we go to run events, swim meets, triathlons, etc., together.

But overall my message is Connection is Huge.

If you can connect with a PT one-on-one, that is good. If you can connect with a group, in my opinion that is even better.

You've already said,

for motivation and results.

I haven't used a PT but I think it's a great idea. They'll be able to help you design a workout routine and nutrition plan to help you meet your personal goals. I also like the idea of a workout partner. Workout partner will obviously be cheaper than the PT, but the PT will be able to improve your form, etc.

I use one for motivation. If it helps you - go for it! You can always try it for a while and then change if you don't like it.

So you can achieve with them what you cannot seem to do alone. That would be the main reason.

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

Ask the trainer for a "fitness consultation"

Tell them what you have done, and what you are trying to do and what exercises you like or might be interested in and what your goals are. They should be ablet o come up with a different workout for you, that you will enjoy and will be different.

Fitness consultations should be free of charge.

I just did this and the trainer introduced me to plyometrics and agility drills. I love it!

Secondary I feel a little lost in the gym,

This is my exact issue. I run, kickbox, zumba, bodycombat, compound lift, targeted lifting, hike and play sports. My workouts were all over the place and not as challenging as they need to be. PT gave me direction, told me when to do what workouts so I don't over do it and hurt myself and gave me different workouts that would better help me with my goals.

I wish I could afford a trainer, but I can't. i have to rely on fitness consultations and free appointments and free seminars and offers to get them. I also pick their brains as often as I can get away with.

My gym offers a fitness consultation with a trainer every 6 weeks to review your goals and then to develop a workout plan for you as well as a quarterly appointment for measurements.

This is a really nice thing to have but I really like having a trainer. For one thing I have paid weekly for my trainer so that ensures that I am working hard to have more to give and learn in my sessions. The other advantage is new training ideas and someone to push me a bit harder. She gives me workouts I can do during the week on my own and they change as my fitness level and goals do.

I would reccomend trying it for a month to see if that does motivate you anymore and if you are learning from it. A month isn't a ton of money (at least at my gym) and gives you a good idea of how well you work with personal training and if it is right for you.

[/quote] the reason could be related to any or all of the following or others
> motivation
> accountability
> team work (2-3 people together)
> someone pushing you
> someone giving you a reason to be better through the week
> giving you different work outs than your old tired routine
> giving you feed back on form
> teaching you new lifts
>coaching you through a training program

if you can do it on your own- great- do it on your own. but if you are struggling -find someone who will help you achieve your goals.
Trainers aren't for everyone- but knowing the amount of crap and fantastic 'form'/exercising at the gym- more people than not could use a solid coach.
[/quote]
^^Well said.

Most gyms will give you one personal training session for free. I used this one to have them check my form on exercises I wasn't sure I was doing correctly. Most times, like at 24 where I work out, the trainers are happy to help if you say "hey will you critique my form real quick on this deadlift?" and they'll give you a minute.

I use workouts from bodybulding.com- they are free and they have 100s of them to choose from according to your goals. For me, this takes care of needing to have someone build a workout for me. I read a book called Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto, which gives diet and exercise advice. MFP helps you get a baseline for where your calories should be (you need to move it up or down from there according to the results you are getting).

I motivate myself and keep myself accountable. I have written out SMART goals, and I keep them in front of me. I give working out the importance of showering (sometimes if I'm too tired, I'll just take a quick one, but won't skip for too long). I have found various workout buddies, and I have friends on here who will call me out if I haven't worked out for a while.

All that to say, you have to decide if hiring a trainer will be worth it to you. Don't put up with them spinning your wheels though (the mistake I made years ago when I had trainers). Make sure you are assertive and let them know what you feel is helpful or not helpful. Give them your measurable goals and milestones, and decide if their help is giving you enough of a boost to get there.

All the best! :flowerforyou:

I have been working with a trainer for the last 6 months. I'm the type of person that if I take a class or try to work out with a dvd at home I injure myself. My trainer makes sure that all exercises are done properly. She also makes it fun, every work out is different. We maybe working the same muscles but using different tools and techniques. She is totally worth it! I have never really liked to exercise. Ok I'll admit it just the thought of exercising was horrible. I now love to go to the gym. She pushes me to do more than I think I can do and is always encouraging when I have an off day. Most gyms will give you a free tryout session or at a reduced cost for the 1st time. Give it a try you won't regret it!