We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Personal Trainer-- Is it worth it?

jgaht
jgaht Posts: 47 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

Like a lot of people on this site, my main work-out consists of cardio exercise. I'm definitely interested in strength training and other forms of exercise, but am not sure how to approach them. I also have some health considerations (e.g., bad knees, syncape). I am considering using a personal trainer to get myself started. I am a graduate student and can access one at a reduced fee.

Two questions.

1) Is it worth the price?
2) How many sessions should I plan on to get myself started?

Thanks in advance! :)

Replies

  • Raynamama
    Raynamama Posts: 480 Member
    I work with a personal trainer so I may be biased ;)
    From my experience, I never work as hard as I do when she is pushing me.
    With that said I also believe you can see great results without. I also work out at home with DVDs from Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels and the Insanity workouts.
    BUT sometimes you just need a push and someone watching you to make sure you're doing the exercises correctly etc.

    I know that probably TOTALLY didn't answer your question! LOL But I do think personal trainers are worth the money - just do your research and make sure you find someone that is a good fit for you =)

    All the best.
  • jrreed1
    jrreed1 Posts: 57 Member
    A personal trainer is totally worth the cost! A personal trainer can help balance your nutrition needs with your exercise needs. A trainer can customize a program taking in to consideration your time constraints as a student plus your different health issues. I say if you can get a personal trainer at a reduced rate, go for it!
  • loseitwisely
    loseitwisely Posts: 7
    Do you have a gym membership? If you do, I would suggest just joining a class or two. The gym I go to has a few strength training classes that I find very beneficial and the instructors are there to help you, push you, and make sure you are doing things correctly.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    I've lost 80 lbs without any guidance from anyone but myself.

    Nuff said.
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    I've lost 80 lbs without any guidance from anyone but myself.

    Nuff said.

    Losing weight and getting fit are two totally different things. I could have just lost weight on my own. My trainer has pushed me physically in ways I would have never, and still don't push myself. I am in WAY better condition than I've been in years. She has been able to find my weak areas and ensure that I do additional exercises that work those areas. She has also become a great friend - we hike, climb, water ski and snow ski together! :)
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    I'd like to think I'm fit. I went from huffing and puffing on the treadmill to banging out sprints like they were no big deal. I can move several tons in the weight room in a matter of minutes. Nobody helped me do that but myself.
  • jgaht
    jgaht Posts: 47 Member
    Hi guys,

    Thanks for the feedback! Dr. BorkBork, I realize that people CAN do it all by themselves. I think there are ample examples of that throughout this website. However, I'm willing to pay some money to help me get there faster and easier (in a way). I just wanted to check and make sure I would get my money's worth. Based on people who have had a personal trainer, it appears that I will.

    I'm going on vacay for a couple of weeks, but when I get back into town I think I'm gonna try out a trainer for a couple of sessions at least.

    Thanks again!
  • Yemaya1129
    Yemaya1129 Posts: 75
    I had a great experience working with a personal trainer. She was fantastic and worth the cost. I can't afford her right now, but if I had the cash, I'd got back in a heart beat.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories