Personal Trainers - Worth the $$$?
dubble818
Posts: 132 Member
I recently finished 7 sessions with a personal trainer. I've learned a lot about proper form and gotten some pretty good ideas for lifting routines, etc. I have to admit that the workouts have been fantastic and that missing sessions is way less likely when you're paying in advance to see them.
I'd be looking at about 5 grand to continue working with him for a year. Which means no vacation, but totally doable. Would you do it?
I'd be looking at about 5 grand to continue working with him for a year. Which means no vacation, but totally doable. Would you do it?
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Replies
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No, but I don't have an extra $5000 to burn. I also would not spend that much on a vacation, but I'm pretty cheap.5
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$5k seems a lot but when I add up what I pay it's not far off that amount. I find it best not to tally up the total amount cause that freaks me out. I make it work within my budget because having my awesome trainer is a must for me. You need to be really clear about your goals as it is a lot of money.3
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I personally have the ability to show up and do the work. I might pay for a trainer once a month to freshen up my routine but not weekly or biweekly sessions1
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Depends on the person and the trainer. Some trainers are glorified rep counters, others will actually help you accomplish your goals.7
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Personally, no.
I can take what I learnt and build on it.
A year is a long comitment. Is that what you have to do?
I would consider an 8-12 week term, or a monthly/bi-monthly consult.
It really depends on you. Are you an anilitical self starter, or someone who likes guidance. Both are good, you just have to know you.
Cheers, h.1 -
Depends on my fitness goals.
I wouldn't pay that much for general fitness. I can figure out that much on my own, or in a couple of week's worth of sessions if there's a form issue I need fixed.
If I'm gearing up for an competitive event and I'm serious about it, I might. But only if I thought there was useful info that isn't easy to find, or equipment that I get access to that otherwise I wouldn't, or that I needed the extra push for motivation. I'd need to see $5000 worth of benefit in the deal.
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A year plan seems like a very long time, but you don't state your fitness goals.
When I restarted this journey I paid for a professional body builder to coach me on proper form and what to focus on. She stressed the perfection of form and we practiced with broomsticks for the first few sessions before advancing to weights - the idea being that bad form is often hidden by weight. In my case this was absolutely worth it. I still follow up with her from time to time when I hit a snag. Very pleased with the results and have minimized injuries and on a solid progression.3 -
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A year plan seems like a very long time, but you don't state your fitness goals.
When I restarted this journey I paid for a professional body builder to coach me on proper form and what to focus on. She stressed the perfection of form and we practiced with broomsticks for the first few sessions before advancing to weights - the idea being that bad form is often hidden by weight. In my case this was absolutely worth it. I still follow up with her from time to time when I hit a snag. Very pleased with the results and have minimized injuries and on a solid progression.
IMO, for someone working out for general fitness this is the way to go. The trainer should "teach you to fish", as opposed to giving you a fish. Great to learn from someone that is knowledgeable but after a while, couple months maybe (I would think in most cases less than a year) a trainee could go on their own and check back in on a monthly or semi-monthly basis for progressions, program suggestions.
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My $16 a week gym membership is the only commitment I need to keep me motivated. I am like Jenny, I don't have a spare $5k per year and I can't afford holidays. For my $832 yearly investment I get free classes, free advice from the floor staff and 24 hour access to the best gym I have ever joined. I have a friend joining me now and we alternately pick each other up everyday so we can not sleep in and skip a session. If you can afford to blow $5k on trainers then go for it. You are keeping someone else in a job which is never a bad thing1
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I personally think they are worth every penny...IF you get the right one.
Sometimes just feeling them out to see if they are the right fit first is important though.1 -
It depends on what your future goals are. If you aren't going to be, for an example, a powerlifter or weightlifter, then do your workouts on your own and save the $$ or if you feel you need to, have a training session once/week. I'm a competitive powerlifter and because I'm older (I'm 58), it's critical for me to work with a trainer because I need a spotter for benching and squatting. I probably spent more than $5K but he's worth every penny because if it wasn't for his diet advice, programming, etc. I wouldn't be as successful as I am today0
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I would never give up a vacation for a trainer. Traveling is my favorite thing in the world.
Personally, for me, there is more than enough information available in books, videos, and various websites to make a routine for myself that suits my goals. I have had a few sessions at various points, but I never felt they added that much. Or, maybe it is more accurate to say that I got benefit from a couple of sessions (to help improve form, mainly), but after that it was definitely diminishing returns. Perhaps you can work on your own and just buy a series of three training sessions every few months to help change things up. I know many people who do that type of thing and are very happy with their results.5 -
Shawshankcan wrote: »Depends on the person and the trainer. Some trainers are glorified rep counters, others will actually help you accomplish your goals.
I agree depends on the person, if you are motivated, do you own research, learn your body, execute with precision (nutrition / workouts) there is no reason for a personal trainer.
if you lack two or more of the above qualities, you more then likely need someone to help learn the foundation.
Also to elaborate on the motivation factor, some mean well, really well, but just need that guiding hand to help them achieve their goals. If you are this category I'm sure you would probably spend what ever you had to achieve your success.0 -
Caution this is a tale of it going wrong. The credentials need to be on point, I did work with a personal trainer at a gym and it was horrible. One the gym staff were not competent with their billing, and after repeating that billing information 6 times, they still messed up and nearly ruined my sisters credit (we were doing partner personal training). They ruined my entire experience at the gym by not informing her of the issue, and then informing me about her outstanding balance, not because she wasn't paying it, but because they could not do their accounting right or contact her. Extreme laziness and that made me uncomfortable. They had a rotating door of front desk workers as no one was a long term employee at that desk except senior staff who only worked day shifts. Absolutely all forms need to be filled out correctly with you having copies, with dates and payment plan in advance. Now for the actual trainer, I did my sessions, and I made a folder in the beginning with my weight and measurements, the facility lost it. It took 2 months and me asking at 3 sessions for it to be redone, and it was. Then it was hard as hell to get good times to do our training sessions, as my sister cancelled/I had a one week of work outside the country/or my trainer had vacation. Which was cool we were managing but really I lost a month of service, and my partner in this training sucked, but I still went and put in the work. I asked basic questions about how many calories, even an estimate, for what he was asking me to do, he did not know the answer. I asked him to look at my food logging and I was packing on muscle and gaining weight but how could I track that if my measurements weren't recorded? I asked to speak with a nutritionist which would use one of my sessions, which I agreed too, the nutritionist was out sick for 3 months with herpes zoster which ok I understand but no replacement after all that time? And I brought all this up with him about the banking at the front desk, calories for workout, repeat measurements from month to month to track progress, food logging, nutritionist visit etc. I asked questions, no response, didn't bother to follow up or anything at all. I have a health science background essentially I was utterly wasting my time with this system and louse of a trainer, it was total preying on people for using a personal trainer when they didn't need one. I joined because it was a good deal and my sister agreed to pay for it for me but it was a waste and became a nightmare situation just because they were asking me to fulfill absolutely every role in the gym which was the customer, the trainee, an information resource for questions relating to muscles and injuries for the trainers, and accountant as most of the people doing the front desk paperwork were so incompetent that towards the end I was directing them where the forms were, and how to fill them out, as well as ensuring it was done correctly and with receipts. If your trainer is good it is worth it. If it is a gym pushing it on you run, run faster and further then you ever have before in the opposite direction.
This was long. I am sorry about that.1 -
But free doesn't always mean correct. I've dealt with people who spend a year or more in the gym with little to no results, then get with me for 6 months and change significantly.My $16 a week gym membership is the only commitment I need to keep me motivated. I am like Jenny, I don't have a spare $5k per year and I can't afford holidays. For my $832 yearly investment I get free classes, free advice from the floor staff and 24 hour access to the best gym I have ever joined. I have a friend joining me now and we alternately pick each other up everyday so we can not sleep in and skip a session. If you can afford to blow $5k on trainers then go for it. You are keeping someone else in a job which is never a bad thing
One doesn't have to see a trainer each week either. I have clients I see once a month, put a program together for them and then reassess and change it next month. $50-60 a month isn't a killer to learn new programs and techniques.
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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IMHO worth every penny I spend on him.
I could not have progressed from hospital rehab to where I am now without one. That was four years ago but I still take an hour a week with my PT. Probably always will.0 -
As a fitness professional myself, it really does depend on you. Yes, $5,000 a year is a lot. But often times, if we re-evaluate our budgets, we spend a lot on things we don't need. (Takeouts all of the time, tshirts and more clothes we never wear, random things around the house, spontaneous purchases, precooked foods) By cutting back, we probably will save $5,000 a year anyway. A little less than $100 a week. We really only have one body. Invest in your health before a brand new sofa.
Now that the traditional speech is out of the way, long term personal training isn't for everyone. A bulk of sessions for a while followed by a biweekly session with a fantastic program would do the trick. If you need the motivation and accountability (which makes it a service industry) then stick to personal training. That is more valuable than most think. Often times I suggest bootcamps and group fitness because it is within budget. Or online training if you just want programs. Personal trainers are great. Try them out consistently and stick to the program for at least 6 months and you won't regret it.5 -
People who usually think PT's are a waste of money are people who are pretty much already in shape. Lol, why would they need a trainer?As a fitness professional myself, it really does depend on you. Yes, $5,000 a year is a lot. But often times, if we re-evaluate our budgets, we spend a lot on things we don't need. (Takeouts all of the time, tshirts and more clothes we never wear, random things around the house, spontaneous purchases, precooked foods) By cutting back, we probably will save $5,000 a year anyway. A little less than $100 a week. We really only have one body. Invest in your health before a brand new sofa.
Now that the traditional speech is out of the way, long term personal training isn't for everyone. A bulk of sessions for a while followed by a biweekly session with a fantastic program would do the trick. If you need the motivation and accountability (which makes it a service industry) then stick to personal training. That is more valuable than most think. Often times I suggest bootcamps and group fitness because it is within budget. Or online training if you just want programs. Personal trainers are great. Try them out consistently and stick to the program for at least 6 months and you won't regret it.
People that do need them are people who can't seem to figure it out and aren't getting anywhere after spending time (or lack there of in the gym because of no guidance) in the gym.
And cost and worth is subjective to each and every person. I'll spend good money on gym clothes, but not on jeans or dress up clothing because it's not important to me.
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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People who usually think PT's are a waste of money are people who are pretty much already in shape. Lol, why would they need a trainer?As a fitness professional myself, it really does depend on you. Yes, $5,000 a year is a lot. But often times, if we re-evaluate our budgets, we spend a lot on things we don't need. (Takeouts all of the time, tshirts and more clothes we never wear, random things around the house, spontaneous purchases, precooked foods) By cutting back, we probably will save $5,000 a year anyway. A little less than $100 a week. We really only have one body. Invest in your health before a brand new sofa.
Now that the traditional speech is out of the way, long term personal training isn't for everyone. A bulk of sessions for a while followed by a biweekly session with a fantastic program would do the trick. If you need the motivation and accountability (which makes it a service industry) then stick to personal training. That is more valuable than most think. Often times I suggest bootcamps and group fitness because it is within budget. Or online training if you just want programs. Personal trainers are great. Try them out consistently and stick to the program for at least 6 months and you won't regret it.
People that do need them are people who can't seem to figure it out and aren't getting anywhere after spending time (or lack there of in the gym because of no guidance) in the gym.
And cost and worth is subjective to each and every person. I'll spend good money on gym clothes, but not on jeans or dress up clothing because it's not important to me.
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 totally agree,
Most people don't really have the time to spend learning all the nutrition and workouts. It takes tons of time to develop such knowledge and really practice the science, we must respect the trainers. Trainers have invested a lot of energy / time to help others around them succeed.
However I was really poor growing up and when I was overweight originally I had to learn everything on my own from Flex Magazine (LOL) and talking to other gym rats. I just ate, trained and monitored how my body responded got tons of notebooks filled to the brim from statistics (weight, progressive 1RM's and such) It wasn't easy but I feel after about 4 years I really knew how my body reacted. My point of this boring story is that if you cant afford it you can still achieve your goals with motivation, hard work, and the scientific method haha.2 -
ninerbuff, that is a fair comment but the trainers we have show technique first. Honestly I am getting the results I want for my lifestyle. I am fitter and stronger now in my 50's than I was in my 20's. The trainers work in the gym and you can book them for PT sessions as part of the membership. I think they give 3 free sessions with our membership and then you can pay for more if you want to. My daughters gave me 3 sessions with a PT at a different gym a few years ago. Worst gift ever. Explained my limitations by she still insisted I do exercises that demolished my knees and left me unable to sit down for weeks. In fact I never went back for the 3rd session for fear of being crippled0
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I think it all depends on the trainer and yourself. All trainers are different and have different ideas on how to achieve a persons goals. I had a personal trainer last year and I would say it's totally worth it but I didn't have to pay $5k for it, it was only £250-£300 for me here. If I had the money I would do it all again.1
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Sorry you got a bad trainer. I do really well because as a 50+ year old, I understand the issues of injury and aches and pains. So I really take into consideration the issues that people convey to me. My direction with people 50 and older is QUALITY of life from there on up. So I work more on things like balance, how to get up off the floor correctly, strength training with careful attention to movements, etc.ninerbuff, that is a fair comment but the trainers we have show technique first. Honestly I am getting the results I want for my lifestyle. I am fitter and stronger now in my 50's than I was in my 20's. The trainers work in the gym and you can book them for PT sessions as part of the membership. I think they give 3 free sessions with our membership and then you can pay for more if you want to. My daughters gave me 3 sessions with a PT at a different gym a few years ago. Worst gift ever. Explained my limitations by she still insisted I do exercises that demolished my knees and left me unable to sit down for weeks. In fact I never went back for the 3rd session for fear of being crippled
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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Thank you so much for all of the responses!
I'm relatively new to lifting weights. My goals are to achieve a balanced physique, put on 15 pounds of lean mass and lower my bodyfat percentage to 15% from 22% over the course of a year . I suffered a sports injury years ago and have a pretty significant muscle imbalance in my shoulders as a result. My left arm is also considerably weaker than the right.
A year is a very long commitment, and after reading all of the responses I'm thinking I'll go with 6 months. I won't suffer any financial hardship by paying for a personal trainer and my finances are in order. He has tailored the plan to help me meet my goals and I trust that I'll get the results I'm looking for with him.
Thanks again!4 -
Youtube and Google are my personal trainers. They haven't failed me yet!3
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When I started with my trainer, I worked with him once per week. I started working with him for a couple of reasons...for one I had some experience with Oly lifting in my youth, but it had literally been decades and I wanted to get back into it, and Olympic lifting was one of his areas of specialty...and secondly, I wanted to improve my cycling and do some things in the gym specific to that...I worked with him once per week for about 3 or 4 months and then cut back to every couple of weeks, then once per month.
I rarely do one on one sessions with him anymore...every once in awhile if I need a kick in the *kitten* or something. He is still available to me though and we're really good friends so he evaluates my programming regularly and makes suggestions and adjustments for me.
For something different I'm considering doing a power lifting meet next spring...if I do, I will most likely contract with him for a few months specifically to train for that. I personally don't think I'd drop $5K for a year of training for general fitness...but that's just me.0 -
I love personal training because I am not fond of lifting alone, and I don't really have the discipline to do so. I am not ashamed to admit I need the accountability -- so yes, I think training is worth it. However, I do think that the amount you are paying is a little steep. You might want to see if you can find a trainer who will give you a discount if you are a continuous customer...or has a loyalty program. Shop around. You want to make sure that the person you have is qualified, of course, but you also want to get the best bang for your buck
I have a trainer who was charging me $15 a session if I bought more than 5 sessions at a time. He was able to charge so low because this was supplemental income for him, and he knew I would be a consistent customer. I went 2x a week, so that's $30 a week or $1560 per year. He recently started his own business, so he is upping his rate to about $17-20 a session depending on the package -- and it is JUST an introductory rate for everybody else. Because he has been training me for so long, he will keep me at the introductory rate for as long as I want it. So even with an increase I will be paying only $2080 a year at the most.
Also, if you know that you are a self-starter, you might want to only go 1x a month. During that visit, you can get a new workout and get form correction. Then for the rest of the month, do the workout he teaches you, adding weight and progressing where you can.1 -
They can be great but you don't necessarily need to be 1:1. There's so many great classes out there where you can do anything from HIIT to power lifting in a group environment. As much if not more motivation from competition, much lower price, and you can take a variety of classes to work in a variety of tools. If your goal is to learn about proper form, there's great books and youtube videos where you can do it for nearly free. If you want motivation, that's a lot to pay just to get yourself to show up at the gym.0
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Most of them - No. This is based on my observations at commercial gyms and being nosy when people are working with PTs.
A decent coach is worth his or her weight in gold though!0 -
I'd say no. They may be worth it for a few sessions to make sure you have proper technique but once they have taught you that, their presence should be unnecessary.... Unless you need someone there to spur you on. Then maybe.
I would say that lifting should be like most sports. It depends on your level and your goals. I would hate to have a coach with me on a run or everytime I played a game. Same would go for lifting. It would get old fast. JMO.1
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