Is a Personal Trainer worth it?
DavidG789
Posts: 28 Member
So, I'm going to start working this week (just signed up for a membership at the gym) and haven't worked out in over a year or more. My end goal is to lose 60 pounds. I know a bit of what I'm doing but have been considering a personal trainer. At this gym I can get three sessions for $140 that last about an hour each. I'm thinking of just doing the three sessions so the trainer can show me how to start. Would you think this is worth it or not? I'm doing 45 minutes of Cardio and 30 mins of some weight lifting but don't really know how to balance it out so I can lose weight and gain muscle. Any advice is appreciated.
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Replies
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If you go in and just ask the trainer for help with form on the lifts, it's worth it to pay for three sessions. Pretty much everything else you need can be found here or through research on the internet. Many times the trainers are only authorized to do circuit routines or specific exercises, so check first to see what the sessions will entail.0
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I think it's very worth it, especially just for 3 sessions. It's great to get feedback and I am learning so much more with the individual attention.0
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Worth if you can find one that actually knows how to perform and teach the big lifts. Sadly, I've seen way too many cringe-worthy trainers.0
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Really does depend on the trainer, can be one of the best investments you'll make if you find a good one. Is there anyone you can ask for a recommendation?0
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Form is your friend, but before you go in with a trainer, you’ll need to define your goals very clearly.
Fat loss comes from what and how much you eat.
Exercise should be focused on other fitness goals (strength, muscle mass gain/retention, endurance, cardiovascular, mobility, balance, speed, agility, etc.)
So, figure out what you want out of a fitness program and get the trainer to help you understand how to lift/train to meet that goal.0 -
It might be a good investment to hire a personal trainer for several sessions, to help you set up a program, realistic goals, and learn how to use machines.
Make sure you're clear about your goals, and that you want a specific, personal, written program, as well as instruction on how to make things harder as you progress. If the trainer can't do that, or isn't willing, find someone else.
There's no reason to have someone standing over you while you exercise, so use the time to learn to do things with good form, not to do all the repetitions you need to count as a workout.
Learn the weight machines, as well as free weights & cable machines, so you have a variety of options.
Also, find out ahead of time what this person's credentials are (degree in exercise science, or a certification as a trainer, and from where), then make sure they're valid.
Here's where you can search for people in your area who are certified by the American College of Sports Medicine:
http://members.acsm.org/source/custom/Online_locator/OnlineLocator.cfm0 -
A good trainer, yes. Here are some perspectives on how to choose a good one:
http://body-improvements.com/articles/industry-articles/how-to-select-a-personal-trainer/
http://www.stumptuous.com/how-to-choose-a-personal-trainer
http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/personal-trainer-break-up-signs/
PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »A good trainer, yes. Here are some perspectives on how to choose a good one:
http://body-improvements.com/articles/industry-articles/how-to-select-a-personal-trainer/
http://www.stumptuous.com/how-to-choose-a-personal-trainer
http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/personal-trainer-break-up-signs/
PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
My PT is worth his weight in gold ... actually more than that .. he's worth my starting weight in gold
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$140 for three sessions seems very high. I did a small group session (three of us) at the YMCA which was $150.00 for twelve sessions, and learned a LOT!0
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$140 is worth it if you can get a program that includes lifting free weights, instruction on how to do the lifts properly, and other advice. If it is just three training sessions, it would be a bit expensive for an intro offer.0
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Mine's £45 an hour session - that's $67 a session
I still think he's worth it
good job I'm old and rich eh? 0 -
AllanMisner wrote: »Form is your friend, but before you go in with a trainer, you’ll need to define your goals very clearly.
Fat loss comes from what and how much you eat.
Exercise should be focused on other fitness goals (strength, muscle mass gain/retention, endurance, cardiovascular, mobility, balance, speed, agility, etc.)
So, figure out what you want out of a fitness program and get the trainer to help you understand how to lift/train to meet that goal.
BINGO!
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So, I'm going to start working this week (just signed up for a membership at the gym) and haven't worked out in over a year or more. My end goal is to lose 60 pounds. I know a bit of what I'm doing but have been considering a personal trainer. At this gym I can get three sessions for $140 that last about an hour each. I'm thinking of just doing the three sessions so the trainer can show me how to start. Would you think this is worth it or not? I'm doing 45 minutes of Cardio and 30 mins of some weight lifting but don't really know how to balance it out so I can lose weight and gain muscle. Any advice is appreciated.
It is when you first start. That way they can teach you how to use the quipment properly and teach you correct formation of exercises. After that you will be good alone. If you need them as motivation, pay for a friend or find a stranger near you and pay for their membership. Thats usually cheaper.
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I was very particular when I was looking for a trainer, I wanted someone with a nutrition background, not just their education in fitness/kinseology/physiology.
Know what goals you want to set for yourself, this makes the conversation with the trainer easier.
When talking with the trainer make it clear if your goal is short term or long term.
Good luck in your decision.
Ps. I paid $206 for 6 personal sessions for my trainer at my local YMCA. Price may vary by location, but stop in and check them out.
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For the three sessions, to learn the basics, absolutely.0
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It depends entirely on your needs and whether or not the trainer you hire can meet those needs.0
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mine charged £140 for 3 sessions plus programme design. He has designed a full cardio and weight training programme for me. Also includes ad hoc consultancy if Ive any questions between sessions. The sole purpose was to design the programme, rather than come along and gee me along, but for me its been worth every penny... Im now on a road specifically tailored to get me the results I want.0
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2 years back i was in the same boat , where i was just asking coach to help me , and not putting my effort, and he gave me a strict diet ( totally 0 carbs and veggies ) lol!!
Then i left him after 1 month and joined a new gym where i can exercise whatever i want and a free coaching0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
Compared to doing no lifting the week before.. absolutely. A good trainer won't do more than 2-3 heavy sets per muscle group the first workout with someone who hasn't lifted in a while.
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Cherimoose wrote: »Cherimoose wrote: »PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
Compared to doing no lifting the week before.. absolutely. A good trainer won't do more than 2-3 heavy sets per muscle group the first workout with someone who hasn't lifted in a while.
A good trainer won't do any heavy sets with someone inexperienced.0 -
That's about the going rate. I know that with people I've done that with, the very minimum you get should be: a workout program (written) to help you achieve the goal your directed to, proper instruction on execution of form, and insight on whether or not more sessions will be beneficial to you. I have clients that are regular (1-3 time a week) and others that I see just once a month to change their workout.So, I'm going to start working this week (just signed up for a membership at the gym) and haven't worked out in over a year or more. My end goal is to lose 60 pounds. I know a bit of what I'm doing but have been considering a personal trainer. At this gym I can get three sessions for $140 that last about an hour each. I'm thinking of just doing the three sessions so the trainer can show me how to start. Would you think this is worth it or not? I'm doing 45 minutes of Cardio and 30 mins of some weight lifting but don't really know how to balance it out so I can lose weight and gain muscle. Any advice is appreciated.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Best approach IMO. A trainer is great to help you reach goals, but if they aren't defined, then it's like figuring out a workout or program off the cuff.AllanMisner wrote: »Form is your friend, but before you go in with a trainer, you’ll need to define your goals very clearly.
Fat loss comes from what and how much you eat.
Exercise should be focused on other fitness goals (strength, muscle mass gain/retention, endurance, cardiovascular, mobility, balance, speed, agility, etc.)
So, figure out what you want out of a fitness program and get the trainer to help you understand how to lift/train to meet that goal.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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THIS. A trainer on the initial meeting would be assessing (along with goal intention) ROM, form, inquiring about previous/current injuries, flexibility, daily regimen (work, hobbies, etc.) to get a more complete idea of the person they are assisting.Cherimoose wrote: »Cherimoose wrote: »PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
Compared to doing no lifting the week before.. absolutely. A good trainer won't do more than 2-3 heavy sets per muscle group the first workout with someone who hasn't lifted in a while.
A good trainer won't do any heavy sets with someone inexperienced.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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My PT is only $20 an hour and he keeps me motivated. He tells me what to do and I do it without having to think of what exercises to combine and all that jazz. I would never push myself solo as hard as he pushes me.0
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Having a certification in nutrition doesn't necessarily mean they are well versed in it. Nutrition certs are usually achieved by passing a test online nowadays. Heck, I could take one now and probably pass it, but I wouldn't consider myself as educated and a Registered Dietician (who actually takes 4 years of college to achieve a license).I was very particular when I was looking for a trainer, I wanted someone with a nutrition background, not just their education in fitness/kinseology/physiology.
Know what goals you want to set for yourself, this makes the conversation with the trainer easier.
When talking with the trainer make it clear if your goal is short term or long term.
Good luck in your decision.
Ps. I paid $206 for 6 personal sessions for my trainer at my local YMCA. Price may vary by location, but stop in and check them out.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Cherimoose wrote: »Cherimoose wrote: »PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
Compared to doing no lifting the week before.. absolutely. A good trainer won't do more than 2-3 heavy sets per muscle group the first workout with someone who hasn't lifted in a while.
A good trainer won't do any heavy sets with someone inexperienced.
It can still cause major soreness. That's why lifting the week prior can help. When i said use a heavy weight, i just meant not easy, like what some cardio bunnies do. It should be challenging.
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Cherimoose wrote: »Cherimoose wrote: »Cherimoose wrote: »PRO TIP: To prevent debilitating soreness, 1 week before you meet, do 1 set of 12 repetitions on the leg press, chest press, and seated row (all machines), using a weight that's heavy. 3 days before, do 2 sets.
Seriously? You think that's going to help? LOL
Compared to doing no lifting the week before.. absolutely. A good trainer won't do more than 2-3 heavy sets per muscle group the first workout with someone who hasn't lifted in a while.
A good trainer won't do any heavy sets with someone inexperienced.
It can still cause major soreness. That's why lifting the week prior can help. When i said use a heavy weight, i just meant not easy, like what some cardio bunnies do. It should be challenging.
For someone who doesn’t have lifting experience, a hard, solo session could lead to injury. A good trainer will work at the client’s level based on their assessment. In most cases, yes, an untrained client will experience some muscle soreness (DOMS). If I were to recommend any activity prior to meeting with a personal trainer, I’d encourage them to just get moving. Walking, some body weight exercises, and learn to do some basic self-myofascial release and stretching (mobility).
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I have a personal trainer that comes to your house with equipment & everything. $20 for 45 minutes. He's certified & awesome. He also come to my home gym & has boot camp for me & my friends for only $8.00 for an hour.
I would never lift again on my own in fear of injuring myself.0 -
For me it's definitely worth it. She gets me to the gym at 5 am and i can't wuss out because I know she is there waiting for me. Along with being more safe, she pushes me to do more than what I would do on my own.
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I signed up with a trainer at my gym because my knees are in terrible shape and I'm facing replacement surgery when I can't take the pain any longer. The benefit of having a trainer for me is that he has excellent credentials and is working with me to help strengthen the muscles around my knees as well as my overall body fitness - note: I'm 66-yrs old so there's a lot of work he has to do! I see him twice a week for 30" each session, but I try to go to the gym on my own 2-3 times a week. Right now I'm just riding a stationary bike for extended periods of time. I've lost about 20 pounds, but am relying on MFP's low carb guidance and have hired a nutritionist to look over my diet records to make sure that I'm eating healthy and in a sustainable way so that I don't go back to my old habits.
- Good luck to you!
- Here's the link that I have found especially helpful: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group0
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