Personal trainer- Is it worth it?

weight is lost in the kitchen...a personal trainer is for exercise....two very different things....

When one has a lot of weight to lose, cutting calories in general while trying to build muscle will work, as long as you're still eating enough protein. If you need more support, as long as the trainer is reputable and knows what she/he is doing, then go for it. Don't assume every trainer is good. Do your homework, ask for referrals, ask about their philosophy to make sure it aligns with yours.

At some point, you will need to taper up your calories towards maintenance so you can continue to build muscle.

I started using a personal trainer in November, and it's made a massive change to my attitude to food and exercise. I feel more committed to making better food choices and keeping to a calorie deficit, in fact joining MFP was his suggestion. I've started doing different classes at the gym, we do lots of weight training in our sessions and I wouldn't have thought this was something I'd enjoy but I love it. If you can afford it then I'd recommend it. My trainer offers sessions for two people for only £5 extra on the normal charge, which means you can cut the costs. And it means that my sister and I are both getting healthy.

If there is a good trainer available to you and you can afford it then totally worth it. If you can afford to see someone regularly then you can at least learn how to use the equipment, get a plan, and then have a later session to evaluate progress/adjust.

I do understand about saving that for later though due to the expense. I haven't worked with a trainer in a very long time because of the cost. Like SingingElvis said some trainers will train 2 people at once to reduce the cost. Ages ago mine did half hours because I really didn't need someone to work with me on cardio warm up/cool down/stretching.

Wish I could find someone to do that now...I'm not lacking motivation, I'm just older and have stuff going on w/my wrists and knees so that it would be really nice to have someone to spot or help me modify.

For weight loss I don't think it's worth it. You do that on your own with your food. Add a bit of whatever cardio you like if you want to eat a bit more and for heart health. For weight training-it's absolutely worth it. I invested some money in a trainer to help me lift. I was broke for a quarter of a year but it was worth it. I've learned a technique I will have forever and it's changed my life.

I agree with rabbit. I only see mine for 30 mins a week, but I practise the stuff he shows me during the week. It gives me variety and keeps me accountable.

As a trainer for almost 20 years, I can honestly say that most believed the time with me was conducive to their overall fitness and helped them to fix or learn correct exercise techniques. Nutrition and eating was secondary because I had no way to monitor them and verify it, so I left it up to them to be honest with themselves about CICO. Thing is many trainers are limited in their actual knowledge. Some are great at functional training, but know little about heavy lifting (compound) and vice versa. And some are great at cardio/circuit, but are limited in say balance or sports specific training.
If you select a trainer, make sure they are knowledgeable in what you're specifically trying to do and get some references. Basically their clients should be their best advertisement. If you see a trainer with a mix of many clients, likely they are good with people. If you see a trainer with just fit clients, they may be just good with people who are already fit, but NOT good with people who are trying to lose a lot of weight and get fit (lack of patience or inefficient at modification).
All in all find out as much info as you can about the trainer.

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

If u have the money then give a go. I had one I worked for about 18 months. I started as I wanted some advice after a shoulder injury and he was a sports injury specialist. We got on well and I then decided to have a concentrated push for the last 10lbs so we met twice a week. He advised on nutrition when I asked for it, we discussed goals and what I wanted from the sessions. I was okay with cardio but wanted help with strength and core. Once I reached my goal, I continued to work with him, but dropped to once a fortnight. I found it really helpful to session arranged and keep me getting to the gym when we had changes to the family and I was struggling physically and emotionally. He left a year ago, and I don't feel the need for it at the moment (and couldn't afford it!) but glad I did it then.
Ask around for recommendations, and think about you goals and what you want from it - eg do you want to be pushed hard in your sessions, do you want programmes to do yourself between, do you want gym based or outdoor? What approach do you want? I've watch a lot in my gym and there a couple I know are good, but wouldn't work for me. Don't tie in to a long contract, have a trial first to make sure their approach works for you.
Hope you find one that works for u.

rchlthompson wrote: »

I'm wondering if anybody has or had a personal trainer? I've got about 60 pounds to lose and I'm wondering if this would be beneficial. I'm thinking I'd like to lose another 20 on my own first, but I just don't know. I have about $200-$300 a month to spend if I choose to do this. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

I took a six session small group class with a trainer and it was worth every penny. Because this was a (small) group class and at the Y, it didn't cost very much. Because of what I learned, I am comfortable going into any gym and using the equipment.

I definitely recommend taking a few sessions, and if you can afford it and find it motivating, continue.