Personal training too hard?

heyasdf
heyasdf Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently graduated from college and moved back with my parents. Having more time, I decided to sign up for a gym membership and 25 sessions of personal training. During college I gained about 25 lbs. I'm overweight and pretty out of shape (5'5 175 lbs). So far, I've had training sessions with 3 different trainers. I do 5 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes strength/weight training with the personal trainer, and another 15-20 minutes of cardio.

During the training sessions, I have a hard time lifting weights and can't complete the things the trainer want me to do. I have intense muscle soreness/pain lasting two-three days after each session. I understand that working out means that I will be uncomfortable and sore, but I can barely get up, walk, or sit. I've never enjoyed intense weight training and exercising, but now I dislike it even more.

I really wanted to change my lifestyle and incorporate exercising into my life. Are the trainers pushing me too hard or is this normal?

Replies

  • jillmarie125
    jillmarie125 Posts: 418 Member
    being sore for 2 to 3 days after, when just starting out, is normal. well it was for me. but if you really are not enjoying the routines, ask them to do something else. What kind of routine are you looking to do with the trainer? And why 3 different trainers?
  • sfbaumgarten
    sfbaumgarten Posts: 912 Member
    Sore is good, pain is bad.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,864 Member
    they should be pushing you hard...they should not be pushing you to the point of failure on everything every-time you lift.

    Why are you working with multiple trainers...I find that unusual. I have a trainer/coach that I work with...just one. Having one, he's gotten to know me...know my weaknesses and the things I need to work on and he knows how far to push me without going too far...but again, a lot of that is because he's worked with me for awhile and only him...
  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    Why so many trainers? I have worked with the same one for over 1 1/2 and never anyone else. My trainer knows my abilities and where I need challenges. She designs a plan geared to me only and my fitness level. She pushes me but not the the point I am in pain or can't finish a set. It should be challenging but not painful.
  • heyasdf
    heyasdf Posts: 2 Member
    I just started last week and I wanted to see which trainer I liked the best. The training sessions are first come first serve on an online app. Sometimes, the trainer you want won't have any available time slots.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Your trainers are covering the fact that they don't know what they're doing by overworking you. There's a good chance you're headed for injury, I would quit working with them immediately if I were you.
  • epido
    epido Posts: 353 Member
    I know there are varying opinions about working to failure, but no matter what you think about it, I think most would agree doing so consistently is bad. If you are disliking your sessions that much, speak up and let them know what you are wanting to try so they can work on coming up with a program you find more enjoyable.

    It isn't unusual to be sore when you first start a new program, but to be in pain is something all together different. Soreness can be considered good, but pain is always bad.
  • jillmarie125
    jillmarie125 Posts: 418 Member
    heyasdf wrote: »
    I just started last week and I wanted to see which trainer I liked the best. The training sessions are first come first serve on an online app. Sometimes, the trainer you want won't have any available time slots.

    I'd ask for a refund then. I worked with the same trainer for over a year. The first month was basic, we spent the time learning where i needed the most help. I don't see that happening for you if you never have the same trainer.

  • epido
    epido Posts: 353 Member
    heyasdf wrote: »
    I just started last week and I wanted to see which trainer I liked the best. The training sessions are first come first serve on an online app. Sometimes, the trainer you want won't have any available time slots.

    I'm going to venture a guess and say you are going to a large, chain gym. I know it isn't uncommon for you to have to work with different trainers, based upon who ever is available, in those types of gyms.

    I would suggest trying to find one that you like, and do your best to schedule every session with that one trainer. You may have to be a little bit flexible about how ofter you can meet with them, or what time you do it, but if it means you can have the consistency of working with only one person, it will be well worth the effort.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,147 Member
    This is totally normal at first, it will go away. I would stick with one trainer, who knows what they've already covered.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,864 Member
    edited February 2015
    I would also say that DOMs...the soreness you are feeling is totally normal at first. They will subside after a couple of weeks of regularly lifting. It is also likely that you are simply not used to pushing yourself as hard as you are actually capable of pushing...some of what they may be doing is trying to find that threshold.

    I would definitely try to pick one though...
  • Holly92154
    Holly92154 Posts: 119 Member
    Being sore is normal but there are things you can do to minimize your transition into fitness.

    First and foremost #1- active recovery. An easy walk, daily stretching and yoga fall into the category of active recovery. I workout 10-12 hours a week and even on my off day I still do a short easy walk to aid in blood flow.

    #2- "working out the kinks" daily self massages also aid in blood flow, will ease tension and really help with soreness. I use a foam roller after stretching. Magnesium Sulfate from epsom salt can also be beneficial.

    #3 Remember that gains in muscle happen during recovery so getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water and maintaining proper nutrition will make or break your rebound time.

    #4- pre and post workout nutrition. You need to replenish within 10 minutes of finishing a workout. You don't have to go out and buy expensive protein shakes. A glass of chocolate milk immediately afterwards is just as beneficial.

    #5- water. I can't stress it enough. Drink it.

    As far as your choice in gym or trainer... I don't really know enough to have an opinion. I would strongly suggest sticking with one primary trainer.

    P.s. Most people don't have a foam roller so... When in a pinch, you can use a cylindrical object (1.5-2 inches in diameter) like a hairspray bottle. Apply lotion to your skin and use the bottle to massage.

    Hope that helped!
  • AHelwick
    AHelwick Posts: 1 Member
    Yep totally normal. I started with a trainer in August and it took a while before I could finish a workout. It will get better. You will still get sore sometimes, but it won't be as bad as it was in the very beginning. I would agree with the other posters who said to pick one trainer and stick with them. They will get to know you and your limitations/abilities. It is much easier when you have a relationship with your trainer. They will still push you hard, but you know it is because they care and want you to reach your goals! Good luck and hang in there!
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