Personal trainers?
Replies
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If you told me 3 months ago that I'd adore my PT, I'd think you were nuts. A small fitness/training center opened across the street from my office and I met the owner at a health event that my employer held. I was TERRIFIED to walk in there, but he set me up with my PT who really took the reigns for me and got me in there. After I pretty much failed 90% my PF test, I reluctantly gave him a 3 month commitment for PT sessions 2x/week. I'm almost at the end of my commitment and I told him that I'm not ready to end it. I've picked up a lot and made "crazy fast gains," but I don't feel ready to be on my own in the bro-gym. He not only helps me on the physical side, but in gaining the confidence as well. Our personalities mesh well, he's ridiculously knowledgeable for a younger guy, and he laughs WITH me and not AT me when my weaknesses show.
If you can find THAT in a PT, they're worth every penny.0 -
How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Are you going working out on a regular basis?? If so and you need some pointers find one on a monthly basis, but do not sign up for one with a year contract, they may be preying on the new years resolutions people that will pay for a year, go for a month and be stuck in a contract!! For me I have use one but it was only for core strength exercises,and it was free, (my job paid for it), She was the only one I've meet that weren't trying to sell themselves by telling you how you're doing it wrong, and they can show how to do it right with a few sessions at a price (LOL)0 -
A seasoned personal trainer is more than likely much more experienced that someone who's a trainer in college. It's more than just about lifting weights and doing cardio in your 20's.ariana_eatsandlifts wrote: »I guess I'm lucky because my husband was a personal trainer in college. I've learned a lot from him, but I don't know if it would be something I would pay money for. Most of it you could probably research on your own.
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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A seasoned personal trainer is more than likely much more experienced that someone who's a trainer in college. It's more than just about lifting weights and doing cardio in your 20's.ariana_eatsandlifts wrote: »I guess I'm lucky because my husband was a personal trainer in college. I've learned a lot from him, but I don't know if it would be something I would pay money for. Most of it you could probably research on your own.
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
This is exactly why i said "The only trainers I would work with are ones that do this for a living by choice (aka not just biding time while they are in school or moving on to something else), who have a real passion for fitness, who have a good reputation with proof to back it up, and who have an open mind (or don't think they know everything) and are constantly striving to learn more and more." earlier on in this thread. I couldn't agree more!0 -
This isn't uncommon. While I get that people really don't want to pay money for expertise on something so trivial as moving resistance around, the reality is that many people are uneducated on what they really need to work on. I am used to seeing guys at the gym talk a good game about them being able to train anyone, but 90% of the time the workout they recommend.............is the one they are doing. That's not training, that's just getting a gym partner.stacey_marie_08 wrote: »I would have never paid the money for a personal trainer until I was given a free session when I joined my gym. I always thought it was for professional athletes or stars. Not for someone like me, just a typical obese individual. BUT after my free session with her, my legs were killing me (in a good way). And it was the first time my legs were sore like that without the added knee pain. She watched as I did a squat and noticed my heels were going up so we did a different exercise. She modified a plank because I've got back issues and it was nice to be able to actually to a plank exercise for longer than 10 seconds. I will continue to see her because where I'm at right now, I need instruction. I want to do this healthy lifestyle for good and if I injure myself, I'm more likely to quit. So all in all, for me, it makes sense to pay for a PT because I'm new at this working out thing again and I'm obese. I can only speak for me and this is a new thing. I've only met with her once but I can't wait to meet with her again on Thursday.
Honestly, sometimes my obese clients are the best because they are the most WILLING to learn. They know they need help and are looking for direction. Sometimes clients who just want to lose weight for an event can be pains in the butt because their expectations of a trainer is "train me" and viola......instant physique.
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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There is a time and place for a trainer- it's not right for everyone- but a good trainer is worth the investment if you need the help.
A regular gym trainer is typically not something I would personally reach out to- but I have and do reach out to specialized trainers for my goals and I don't consider that a waste at all.0 -
I don't. My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.0 -
So you're basing your "I don't" answer on one trainer that obviously had little experience and that he was dismissive? You do realize that there are actually really good trainers out there that you've probably never spoken to right?
I don't. My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.
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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I have a trainer and he owns his own small gym. He's a retired bmx pro who's won pretty much everything there is to win in bmx. he retired and went into coaching and coached team USA in the Olympics. He still coaches a number of bmx pros and amateurs as well as road racers and a variety of other amateur and professional athletes. I started working with him when I got more serious about cycling and I will start competing in actual races this coming year...at 41 I have an uphill battle and can use all of the help I can get. He appeals to me also because the Olympic lifts are a foundation of his training programs for all of his clients and my programming is geared towards being a better cyclist.0
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I agree with all that's been said above, you need to find a good one. I've had a good one, a bad one and am now with one who isn't just good but is also knowledgeable about running, which is my chosen sport. I think that's the key for me, having one who knows my sport and knows exactly what training I should/shouldn't do. He's been invaluable as I've recovered from an injury.
Plus, I have to say, he's never pressured me to train with him more often so he would make more money - he knows I can only afford one session every 2 weeks, so we workout/run together fortnightly and he sets me 'homework' in the form of a training plan for the next two weeks. In fact, I sat with him today and, rather than using the hour to train, we mapped out the next 4 months of training to fit in all the races and events I want to do. That's been really helpful, as he definitely reigned me back from what I thought I should be doing. I probably would have ended up injured without him. So yeah, one who makes the best use of the time you have is also something else to look out for.
Don't let anyone who has had one bad one put you off. You just need to find one that's right for you and they can be absolutely invaluable to your training.0 -
HA- I totally read that as
"I have a trainer and he owns his own small gun..."
apparently I'm mixing threads in my head.0 -
I have a trainer 2X a week because I just won't do anything w/o the accountability. That's sad, but it's a fact, and I think it's always better to deal with reality.0
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Lies. That's the trainer you want.............HA- I totally read that as
"I have a trainer and he owns his own small gun..."
apparently I'm mixing threads in my head.
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
0 -
Yes. At least I'm honest, right?
I don't. My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.
So you're basing your "I don't" answer on one trainer that obviously had little experience and that he was dismissive?
Of course I realize that there are good trainers out there but if I had that kind of disposable income I think I'd put it towards travel instead. 160x12 = 1920 which is more than enough for a plane ticket and accommodations for a week in London.You do realize that there are actually really good trainers out there that you've probably never spoken to right?
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My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.
To see what the opposite end of the spectrum is like, watch a few good trainers on Youtube, like Brent Brookbush or Elliott Hulse ("strengthcamp" channel). If you learn anything new, keep in mind that's not even personalized info. Getting personalized feedback from an experienced coach can be invaluable. Of course that's true for anything requiring skill - martial arts, flying a plane, sports, etc.
To anyone considering hiring one, here are some perspectives on choosing a good trainer:
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/
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stacey_marie_08 wrote: »I want to do this healthy lifestyle for good and if I injure myself, I'm more likely to quit. So all in all, for me, it makes sense to pay for a PT because I'm new at this working out thing again and I'm obese. I can only speak for me and this is a new thing. I've only met with her once but I can't wait to meet with her again on Thursday.
THIS.
I got to be 80 lbs overweight in the first place partly because of chronic injuries, which in turn were caused mostly by my fundamental ignorance of proper exercise form (and total lack of coordination). I've been with my trainer for two years now, and while it hasn't been completely smooth sailing -- I'm 57 years old, and it's a long road up from atrophy -- with this guy's guidance for literally the first time in my life I feel like exercise can be part of my daily routine. The skilled oversight is HUGE: I'm plenty motivated, thank you very much, and have no problem pushing myself; but I need expert guidance to ensure that I push myself in the right directions.
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This isn't uncommon. While I get that people really don't want to pay money for expertise on something so trivial as moving resistance around, the reality is that many people are uneducated on what they really need to work on. I am used to seeing guys at the gym talk a good game about them being able to train anyone, but 90% of the time the workout they recommend.............is the one they are doing. That's not training, that's just getting a gym partner.stacey_marie_08 wrote: »I would have never paid the money for a personal trainer until I was given a free session when I joined my gym. I always thought it was for professional athletes or stars. Not for someone like me, just a typical obese individual. BUT after my free session with her, my legs were killing me (in a good way). And it was the first time my legs were sore like that without the added knee pain. She watched as I did a squat and noticed my heels were going up so we did a different exercise. She modified a plank because I've got back issues and it was nice to be able to actually to a plank exercise for longer than 10 seconds. I will continue to see her because where I'm at right now, I need instruction. I want to do this healthy lifestyle for good and if I injure myself, I'm more likely to quit. So all in all, for me, it makes sense to pay for a PT because I'm new at this working out thing again and I'm obese. I can only speak for me and this is a new thing. I've only met with her once but I can't wait to meet with her again on Thursday.
Honestly, sometimes my obese clients are the best because they are the most WILLING to learn. They know they need help and are looking for direction. Sometimes clients who just want to lose weight for an event can be pains in the butt because their expectations of a trainer is "train me" and viola......instant physique.
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
This happened to me when I first started . I didn't know anything and needed help so paid for a trainer at my gym. I told him my goals and told him I needed help achieving them and didn't know where to begin. He said, " no that's not a good goal, you need to do what I do. My girls are all size 0/2 and weigh under 120lbs. Look at the blonde on the treadmill, that's my girlfriend. She was 160lbs but with my program ,she is now 107lbs and a size 0/2. You need my guidance !"
I said, but I want to gain muscle, I don't care how thin these girls are. He again told me I was wrong and should just follow what he was doing.
I asked for my money back. I told the manager that I wanted to learn all about weight lifting and needed help because I knew nothing. I told him the trainer wanted to put me on a treadmill instead and told me about his extremely thin girlfriend. The manager said , well we don't get a lot of women with this request . I knew it wasn't the place for me . I found a new gym .
( I also messaged @ninerbuff 49947 times asking him every question I could think of and also started doing research on my own )
So not every trainer is a good trainer, not every trainer will be a good match. Just because someone has a few certifications hanging on the wall doesn't mean they are good at what they do. Through the years now, I've met a few good ones and lots of average ones! So do your leg work ( pun intended) while finding a trainer and make sure its one of the good ones before paying any money .0 -
Lies. That's the trainer you want.............HA- I totally read that as
"I have a trainer and he owns his own small gun..."
apparently I'm mixing threads in my head.
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
I'd certainly pay for gun training- lol I'm super rusty.0 -
How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
I have one. We wor out 3 days a week, sometimes 4 if we just happen to be there at the same time and he doesnt have a client. He helps me out alot, with out him I'd never reach the heights that I have in the past 1.5 years. It's totally worth it, personally. When I "worked out " alone, I wouldn't even dream of doing the things he has me doing. I think after this year I will let him go, I can get a new car with the money I'll save. Once I understand how to lift and get proper form in my weight training I think I'll be good.0 -
I've used one - I was training for a long challenging hiking holiday and wanted to be sure I was fit enough. For me personally, I think being absolutely clear on the aims and what I wanted to get out of it was key ( being able to hike at altitude with a pack for 7-9 hours across rough terrain). I did the cardio myself - but he worked on my power/ strength and flexibility.
For me - and this is specific to my personality - saying I want to lose weight/ tone up wouldn't work as its too general. Saying I want to hike X/ lift Y etc is far better.
I'm considering using him again as I want to train to be fit but currently defining my goals before I talk to him.0 -
Yes. At least I'm honest, right?
I don't. My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.
So you're basing your "I don't" answer on one trainer that obviously had little experience and that he was dismissive?
Of course I realize that there are good trainers out there but if I had that kind of disposable income I think I'd put it towards travel instead. 160x12 = 1920 which is more than enough for a plane ticket and accommodations for a week in London.You do realize that there are actually really good trainers out there that you've probably never spoken to right?
Where's that like button (LOL)0 -
I meet with one around once a month, first time to get introduction to lifting and now to make sure my form is good and get pointers on what I should work on. Especially the first session was really valuable.0
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Deartrebor wrote: »I am a qualified personal trainer and if our services meet your needs depends person to person.
The most valuable aspect to having a trainer is their knowledge, a lot of trainers like to keep the trade secrets secret to make you keep coming back. I personally find this a shameful tactic.
It also depends on what your ultimate goals are, if you're just after weight loss a time will come where you've picked up enough to drop your trainer but if you have more long term training goals trainers start becoming more useful for form checking and kicking your butt if you start slacking off.
A lot of the clients I've had really just like having someone who is isn't in their social circle. Someone they can complain about their partners/kids/work or to expose their body in a way no one else gets to see it without being judged
Long story short, I think everyone should see a personal trainer at least once, and really smash out some questions. Make sure you get what you're paying for and if something comes up that you're unsure of see if you can sauce a trainer for just some consultation, it's usually a lot cheaper than a session. Good luck.
Just curious, what are your qualifications? I ask because unfortunately some PT certifications are a 2 day course and a 50 question multiple choice test or something similar.
Not picking on you, but just the industry in general.0 -
I could see me getting specialised coaching at some point in the future to improve in a sport, but "personal trainer" is not what I'm looking for.
I think there's a big difference.0 -
I've had a trainer for 18 months. It's worth it but it is expensive, and I had to cut back to once a week this fall and pick up some classes. He does the perfect job of pushing me just right to let me be successful and progress continuously. There is lots of variety in the exercises and equipment, I don't just lift barbells all the time. I started with no fitness and 150 lb overweight. I would not have started on my own or with classes, so it's been perfect for me. He offers several different packages with different levels of savings, so I'm currently on a 20 session package which is about 15% off the single session price. Fortunately my trainer is really really good because there aren't a lot of choices near where I live. No way would I be where I am today without him.0
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I have been using a personal trainer once a week for about 10 months - after injuring myself in my new running program. I let them know that I wanted to work only on strength and keeping myself injury free. It has definitely been worth it to me. I use the example that I do not go to weight watchers to lose weight - because I would never want to spend the time (going to set meetings) or money on something that I can track myself on MFP. I get my cardio by running - and well you have to get home, so I don't really need someone pushing me there either.
On the other hand - the opposite works for me with weight lifting. I would be too intimidated to go the free weight section of my gym and lift by myself (at least I would have been). I also do not really enjoy it and I tend to slack off and not push myself as hard. So paying someone to be there at a certain time and have a routine that he rotates to make sure I am hitting all the areas, makes me do it. Also, I am a direction follower and pleaser - so I push myself much harder when he is telling me to do something that is at the edge of my ability than I would if he were not there.0 -
I forgot to mention though, that I would NOT sign a one year contract for personal training without a fairly long trial period.0
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I use one and its not because I dont know how to work out. I just prefer someone telling me what to do Whatever gets you in the gym.... 0
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I've been exercising for over 40 years. I have some very specific issues and I go to an individual who is a Dr of Physical Therapy and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Guy writes for national publications and trains therapists and trainers. I saw him 4 times last year, will probably go a couple times in 2016. Each time he would evaluate me and give me progressions to work on. This level of expertise isn't cheap, about $175 per session (plus a 400 mile round trip drive), but his help was invaluable.
That being said, I have also seen personal trainers at my gym that had people doing stupid if not dangerous things with poor form. Have also seen some pretty good trainers at my gym.
I would ask friends for recommendations and would not be pressured into a long term deal.0 -
One doesn't have to train every week or two. I have quite a few clients that pay $50 for an hour, get specific program, and they do it for a month or two. They just usually work on increasing resistance, sets or reps. Another month or two we do another program with their specifics still in mind.
Yes. At least I'm honest, right?
I don't. My only experience with a personal trainer is a free 'fitness assessment' that they do when you sign up for a new gym membership. Essentially the trainer did everything in his power to wear me out then tell me I was in bad shape and needed to pay him an additional $160/month for his help. He lost credibility with me the instant he dismissed a tried and true novice strength routine. Plus everything he had me doing was for speed, not form.How many of my MFP friends use a personal trainer?
Do you like it? Is it worth the money?
Do you feel like you have more progress with a trainer rather than alone?
Did I like it? No.
Is it worth the money? Not a chance.
Progress? I'd have made none with that guy. Probably would have torn a ligament.
So you're basing your "I don't" answer on one trainer that obviously had little experience and that he was dismissive?
Of course I realize that there are good trainers out there but if I had that kind of disposable income I think I'd put it towards travel instead. 160x12 = 1920 which is more than enough for a plane ticket and accommodations for a week in London.You do realize that there are actually really good trainers out there that you've probably never spoken to right?
I digress though. People "waste" money all the time on little things they don't even think about on a monthly basis even if there was a more than suitable option.
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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