personal trainers

johnlewismodel
johnlewismodel Posts: 44
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Before you all start - i'm not one and would'nt want to be one.
But I may want one.

I'm losing focus and need someone to drive me and am thinking about getting a personal trainer?

Anyone got one? Are they that good?
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Replies

  • Shredded2011
    Shredded2011 Posts: 109
    I have a trainer but not a personal trainer.
    So I train with them one day a week and 2 days on my own.

    Both mutual friends they do competitions and I very occasionally do.

    Pros:
    Can sort your diet out for you
    They have experience of what not to do and what to do?

    Cons:
    Makes you keep going to the gym
    Can cost probably :sad:
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    Anyone else?
    I just want to tone up a bit and lose fat.
  • DoubleE615312
    DoubleE615312 Posts: 173 Member
    I have one, meet him 2x a week for strength/circuit training (30 minute workouts). He also does my measurements every 6-8 weeks. He also ask about how I am doing and my food and how my weight is going....He also sets goals for me. At first I was uncomfortable with the thought of going to a personal trainer (especially a male), after talking myself into it, probably one of the best decisions I've made.
  • ShannonMpls
    ShannonMpls Posts: 1,936 Member
    I see mine every other week for an hour. He gives me a new weight/circuit training routine which I repeat on my own three times a week until our next session. I've found it incredibly helpful - very motivating and I've made incredible progress.

    That said, if you already know your way around the weight room it might not be as necessary and you might be able to find programs online that would suit your needs without incurring the cost of a trainer. For me, I'd never ventured into the free weights and I didn't want to risk an injury due to bad form. I also am not sure I'd have maintained my motivation this long without someone to keep me moving forward and accountable.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    most suck
  • Russellb97
    Russellb97 Posts: 1,057 Member
    The best thing about a great trainer is they will push you and control your workout so all you have to do is focus on the job at hand. It's nice to have the workout and pace planned for you.
  • moxette
    moxette Posts: 104 Member
    I am one, have been for 12 years... My best clients (the ones that see the most results) are the ones that know what they want and use me for a resource rather than a crutch. I can't do it for you, I can't make you want it... but I can give you ideas on making sure that every minute you spend working out is working towards your goals. That in itself is motivating right? knowing that you aren't wasting time going through the motions and what you are doing will actually work. Good trainers will show you what works and what doesn't and can be a great sounding board for all of the media crud out there that will just slow you down. Find one that has other clients with goals similar to yours or one that you aspire to look like. Most trainers train their clients in a similar way that they train themselves. Most of my clients are also my friends on MFP so I can keep track of them when they aren't in the gym. They just can't escape me! ;-)
    Good luck and find someone you like!
    "like" me on facebook... PURENERGY Fitness I occasionally post videos and other workouts for free.
  • PepeGreggerton
    PepeGreggerton Posts: 986 Member
    I think it's better to have a good workout partner that will push you. I've seen my fair share of personal trainers in the gym and I've never been that impressed and their nutritional knowledge is usually lacking at best. Not saying there aren't good ones out there...
  • andreae13
    andreae13 Posts: 239 Member
    I can say, without a doubt, I would not be this far without mine!!! I meet with him 3X a week for an hour and he kicks my butt from one end of the gym to the other. Along with the amazing workouts, he also provides motivation, nutritional help/advice and endless funny stories. He is worth every penny of the $1,500 a month my hubby and I spend on him! The key is finding a trainer that understands your goals and takes them personally. You want them to be just as invested in you as you are. You might need to work with a few trainers before you find the right one but when you do, you will be amazed at the progress you can make! Just as an example, I have lost almost 90lbs, 6 sizes, 40+ inches and almost 10% body fat. I can also run a 5K, do full push ups, hike 3500' and 8 miles, do assisted pull ups, dead lift 225lbs and a million other physical things.
  • moxette
    moxette Posts: 104 Member
    one more thing, find one that has been doing it for more than 4 years if you can. It is a business that weeds out the bad ones on it's own. I recently toured a huge gym in a big city in prep for buying equipment for our new gym. I was depressed at seeing the trainers on the floor. Most looked like they were working in their sleep. Find a "training studio" in your area that does group classes for an extra fee. These trainers are at the top of their game and it is worth every penny. You can attend training at their studio and then take it back to your own home or gym and use the knowledge you learned.
  • hongruss
    hongruss Posts: 389 Member
    I think it's better to have a good workout partner that will push you. I've seen my fair share of personal trainers in the gym and I've never been that impressed and their nutritional knowledge is usually lacking at best. Not saying there aren't good ones out there...
    I partly agree, I have had experience of personal trainers & you would think these guys would have their nutrition locked in! BUT it really is an area (imo) that they lack knowledge. That said & done, it helps to have someone focus you & keep you accountable with w/outs that challenge you past what you may have chosen yourself.

    Russ
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    Any in Cheshire ?
  • EmmaNem0
    EmmaNem0 Posts: 6
    I have one! She is amazing and definitely helps keep me motivated and excited about working out. It's super hard of a workout, but I feel so much better knowing how good I am getting at conditioning afterwards. It is a bit costly, but my parents pay for my sessions (once a week for 30 min-1 hour). I think meeting with a personal trainer once ever 2 weeks would be fine as you could get them to write out a workout plan for you the days you are not training with a personal trainer. Best of luck to you!
  • Shredded2011
    Shredded2011 Posts: 109
    Any in Cheshire ?

    My trainers in Congleton mickproffitt@gmail.com

    He doesn't charge me so I don't know whether he'd train you or not. Possibly?
    :noway:
  • lexibelk
    lexibelk Posts: 83 Member
    Find one who does it on their own, not at a gym (unless maybe it's a mom and pop kind of place).

    Unless you find a diamond in the rough, like I did for 6 months, they usually suck. The gym doesn't pay them enough and they always have something better to do like check their cell phone or look at the hotties walking around.

    Call me crazy, but I think a trainer should be paying attention to what you're doing so you do it right and don't hurt yourself.

    I would love to be one in the future, but I could never work at a gym.
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    I can say, without a doubt, I would not be this far without mine!!! I meet with him 3X a week for an hour and he kicks my butt from one end of the gym to the other. Along with the amazing workouts, he also provides motivation, nutritional help/advice and endless funny stories. He is worth every penny of the $1,500 a month my hubby and I spend on him! The key is finding a trainer that understands your goals and takes them personally. You want them to be just as invested in you as you are. You might need to work with a few trainers before you find the right one but when you do, you will be amazed at the progress you can make! Just as an example, I have lost almost 90lbs, 6 sizes, 40+ inches and almost 10% body fat. I can also run a 5K, do full push ups, hike 3500' and 8 miles, do assisted pull ups, dead lift 225lbs and a million other physical things.

    Yours sounds superb!
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    Any in Cheshire ?

    My trainers in Congleton mickproffitt@gmail.com

    He doesn't charge me so I don't know whether he'd train you or not. Possibly?
    :noway:

    6 miles away from me.
    I want to trim fat and get toned
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    Find one who does it on their own, not at a gym (unless maybe it's a mom and pop kind of place).

    Unless you find a diamond in the rough, like I did for 6 months, they usually suck. The gym doesn't pay them enough and they always have something better to do like check their cell phone or look at the hotties walking around.

    Call me crazy, but I think a trainer should be paying attention to what you're doing so you do it right and don't hurt yourself.

    I would love to be one in the future, but I could never work at a gym.

    Well any advice from you would be great. Yes i've seen those gimps in the gym.
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    I think it's better to have a good workout partner that will push you. I've seen my fair share of personal trainers in the gym and I've never been that impressed and their nutritional knowledge is usually lacking at best. Not saying there aren't good ones out there...
    I partly agree, I have had experience of personal trainers & you would think these guys would have their nutrition locked in! BUT it really is an area (imo) that they lack knowledge. That said & done, it helps to have someone focus you & keep you accountable with w/outs that challenge you past what you may have chosen yourself.

    Russ

    You may both be right. I need bullying round the gym a bit - sorry alot.
  • fasttrack27
    fasttrack27 Posts: 324
    As you are seeing here everyone has different needs and personalities. You'll need to decide for yourself. That said, I personally have benefited from group classes at the Y. I was intimidated at first, especially being a guy. I dont care for dancy type classes but do more cardio sculpt/strength/boot camp kinds. I'll tell you what, those gal instructors can kick my butt!!! . I've become friends with most of the instructors (they are all trainers as well so sometimes I get free advise/tips after class) as well as regular classmates. That all helps keep me motivated to (a) show up and (b) push harder than I'd ever push myself. Best thing is - its included in my membership fee - no extra dough! My best gym friend is actually a gal who can out run and out lift me. She's a physical therapist so she helps keep tabs on my form (shoulder problems). All as a result of getting involved and meeting people. Good luck!
  • aWashCloth
    aWashCloth Posts: 198 Member
    I have my personal Trainer certification through BCRPA and don't mind answering any questions you have to the best of my ability.
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    I made the Plunge & signed up with a PT about 3 weeks ago. He contracts through this small gym. This is gym where your main focus is to get in there & work your *kitten* off. I call them a "man's gym". Nothing frilly or foo-foo about them. Very small, but has the equipment to do the job. I pay a monthy membership fee to the gym (very minimal) & I pay my PT a monthly fee.
    I didn't know what to expect from my PT - well, let me tell you...by the time I get there & changed, he has everything set up for "high interval circuit" & he stands right beside me the entire time, pushing & encouraging me, counting my reps & making sure my form is correct. He does not have his phone on him, he doesn't text or email or gawk at himself in the mirror ...the whole 60-90+ minutes is all about me. He stays in constant contact via email or text checking on my "after workout" status.

    He competes in body building & was on the Olympic BB Team for several years.

    I don't know if I lucked out by chance or if this is the way most PT's are.

    Hope this helps...
  • madameduffay
    madameduffay Posts: 166 Member
    Before you all start - i'm not one and would'nt want to be one.
    But I may want one.

    I'm losing focus and need someone to drive me and am thinking about getting a personal trainer?

    Anyone got one? Are they that good?

    I have one. I have learned so much and would not have achieved half my success without him. The board is mixed on whether PTs are worth it (from what I've seen). I think a good one is (I've had four and this one is the one I click with).

    I think part of the reason I am happy with my PT is that I found someone who is really into boxing, which I enjoy immensly. Find someone who is good at what you are interested in and don't be afraid to meet with a few.

    There are some amazing PTs out there, but there are also some bad ones.
  • Misiaxcore
    Misiaxcore Posts: 659 Member
    Last year I got a personal trainer. Kind of a waste, really. I had two different ones in my paid sessions because the first one didn't have time half-way through. Neither of them helped with my diet, which was what I actually NEEDED. They just said to watch my portions and cut out the fat, you know, really generic advice, no concrete stuff. The first one worked me really hard with circuit training and I felt that I was getting a little tone, but adding fat because I still ate like crap. The other one didn't push me as hard but I still got decent workouts in.


    I guess all they did was help me burn some calories and slow down my progress towards getting fatter for the few months I trained with them.

    I should also note, both my trainers were HK students (I used the gym on campus since it's cheaper than going to another gym) one was a semi-professional hockey player, the other one I'm not sure.
  • lindalee0315
    lindalee0315 Posts: 527 Member
    I've used personal trainers in the past. I've had two really awesome ones, and one that was so-so, and one that downright sucked. The first one I used was through my health club and he was great. I initially met with him 3x a week, just for a couple of weeks. Then, he set me up with a program and I met with him every 6 weeks to change it up. The changes in me were tremendous. I worked with him for about 6 years, until he moved away. He was constantly changing things up and trying new exercises that he had learned about. He nagged me about my nutrition, and was very knowledgeable.

    After he left, I tried another one through an entity called Fitness Together. The first woman I had was great, but then without explanation, I walked in one day and she was working with someone else, and I had a "new" trainer who obviously didn't know anything about me, as she was handing me weights that were too light, etc. Since training with that place was super expensive, I was irate.

    Finally, I used another person in Eastown. I liked him a lot, but he used equipment and moves that wouldn't be easy to replicate on your own, and frankly, I just don't have the budget for a 3x/week personal training session--I mean that's about $1000/month.
  • johnlewismodel
    johnlewismodel Posts: 44
    Expensive:glasses:
  • inlander
    inlander Posts: 339 Member
    I think they're awesome if you need that extra kick in the pants. I never wound up signing up for one because I wasn't that committal at the time and didn't want someone to kick my *kitten* if I didn't want to put forth the effort.

    I think it's especially important to find a personal trainer you click with. A training session can be like a therapy session if you get along with your trainer and feel comfortable with them. There is a trainer at my old gym that would talk and talk and talk.... and for some people, that's awesome; for others, it might be frustrating.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    I've had two personal trainers since March --

    One was for a Kickboxing/striking program that was 6 months long, two days a week for an hour. LOVED IT, and miss kicking so I'm thinking about getting my own wavemaster!

    The other I still have..... Started out two days a week, about a month ago I went down to one day a week..... I like having him because he pushes me and although I work out ALL THE TIME on my own, he gives me great ideas to incorporate into my workout and helps keep it fresh.

    *When I had both my trainers, I was paying my gym about $700 a month including my membership fee* - ouch pricey - but it's an investment in myself and I don't regret it one bit!

    You could just get one for a few sessions, to help get ideas and see if there's something that may work better for you -- and then if you like it you can resign for more sessions..... It really can't hurt (Unless you pick a crappy one) so make sure you choose one who seems to understand your goals. I know my gym offers free consultations with the trainers, and there are some that I wouldn't want to train with (although they are very nice people) just I don't think they'd work for me....
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    I've found they are really great when I've hit a slump (I'm trying to lose weight) or if I've become bored with my workouts. They are really great for accountability and motivation. They can push me harder than I would push myself when I'm feeling lethargic. If you are feeling yourself becoming a little lazy, it might be a good idea to pay for a couple of sessions/wk for a month or two just to get yourself pumped back up mentally.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I've had two personal trainers.. My first one sucked and my current one is awesome.

    It's really about you, and what you want to spend and what your goals are. No one can really tell you yes do it, or no don't.. You just have to try it out and see.

    You need to find someone that you are compatible with and that you trust. If you don't, then you're not going to benefit from it at all.
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