Do I need a personal trainer?

thatsnumberwang
thatsnumberwang Posts: 398 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I wanna start lifting heavy. Yay me! :drinker: The problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing. At all. I don't know what a "squat cage" is, let alone how to use one, and I don't want to hurt myself or (worse!) use bad form. Will NROL4W give me enough information to get me started on my own, or would it be better to get a personal trainer for a few sessions to show me the basics? Any advice would be appreciated!

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I say go with a personal trainer for a few sessions to show you proper form.. and then NROL4W should suffice once you get the basics down.

    I have a personal trainer who I love.. and while I don't do any barbell lifting, I know that the lifting I'm doing on my own is being done properly because I was taught proper form.
  • thatsnumberwang
    thatsnumberwang Posts: 398 Member
    That's helpful, thanks.
  • deekaydee
    deekaydee Posts: 158 Member
    I say go with a personal trainer for a few sessions to show you proper form.. and then NROL4W should suffice once you get the basics down.

    Totally agree with this. I was not a stranger to the gym when I started heavy lifting, but didn't know a power rack from a smith machine. I used a personal trainer for four sessions to introduce myself to the weights and to ensure proper form. I started NROLFW after that.

    The descriptions in the book are helpful, but IMO it is much easier to get proper form mastered when you have someone actually talking you through it.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,043 Member
    I wanna start lifting heavy. Yay me! :drinker: The problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing. At all. I don't know what a "squat cage" is, let alone how to use one, and I don't want to hurt myself or (worse!) use bad form. Will NROL4W give me enough information to get me started on my own, or would it be better to get a personal trainer for a few sessions to show me the basics? Any advice would be appreciated!
    Yes if you don't have any idea on how to perform the exercises correctly.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    I would interview several trainers to find one that works for you and be sure to check credentials. You do need one so you don't hurt yourself, but you don't need one who is full of him or herself.
  • itgeekwoman
    itgeekwoman Posts: 804 Member
    I would suggest you get a trainer. I started working out with a trainer to ensure that I had someone teaching me the correct approach to lifting. It's really important that you lift correctly in order to ensure that you do not injure yourself. I see so many people at the gym that are using the machines or lifting incorrectly and it really isn't a benefit. More importantly, the trainer will help you change things up so you are working out all of the muscles in the muscle group to ensure that you strengthen evenly.

    Just go for it. If you can find a friend, some gyms will allow you to double up and work out together, which can give you double the time with a trainer.

    Good luck!!!
  • Nopedotjpeg
    Nopedotjpeg Posts: 1,805 Member
    Just be sure to check credentials and if they tell you to do half-ROM squats, run for the hills.
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    get a PT. People tell me that they dont need one cause they dont need to be told how to lift weights, but i see it that they show you how to lift weights correctly and to maximize your time lifting so you can get the best results in whatever amount of time you have.

    i normally do a lot of my strength training during my lunch, so i have only 30-40 minutes to spare. My PT taught me routines to get the best workout i can in that short amount of time.

    I love my PT and he's the one who told me about this website. he's no longer training at my gym, but he's taught me a lot and will never forget it!!
  • thatsnumberwang
    thatsnumberwang Posts: 398 Member
    I don't think I've EVER seen such a strong consensus on these boards. :laugh: OK, PT it is, thanks everyone!
  • summer827
    summer827 Posts: 516 Member
    Well, you've decided, but I agree!! You'll feel much more confident. Yay!! I'm loving the weights and hope you do, too.
  • jhardenbergh
    jhardenbergh Posts: 1,035 Member
    I say go for it, it has been very helpful for me to have a personal trainer, not only can they show you proper form, but also put together a workout regiment and schedule that you can follow. I need a little direction when it comes to what to do. I'm the type of person that just needs a little direction and then it's on like Donkey Kong.
  • MaximalLife
    MaximalLife Posts: 2,447 Member
    The problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing.
    A huge YES!
    I see value in asking for help just starting out. Actually, you are at an advantage in that you don't bring to the table a bunch of stuff to unlearn. Most people are clueless and don't realize it.

    Those are the dangerous ones.
  • adross3
    adross3 Posts: 606 Member
    lifting heavy is great for gaining muscle size. having the right technique is more important than trying to lift as much as you can. isolation of the muscle for each exercise will give you quicker gains in size and strength. It's not about looking cool, it's about form and function.

    1. don't jerk the weights. if you are it's too heavy
    2. what muscle are you actually working on. try to isolate that muscle ONLY in your minds eye.
    3. start slow and light. if your too sore, this will dismotivate.
  • Halothane
    Halothane Posts: 69 Member
    Definitely contact a few trainers and talk to them! They will want to know your wants, goals, what you're currently doing, etc. so that they can devise their plan for you. Make sure you pick a trainer that you feel comfortable with and that you feel is going to take the time to teach you what you need to know. Don't feel bad about firing a trainer if you don't feel like that one is benefiting you. Different trainers are for different people. They should be on time, not constantly on their cell phone texting, and not constantly chatting it up with other people. They should be focused on you and keeping you safe! Good luck!

    I've been with my trainer 2-3 days per week since October and have seen amazing changes in strength, endurance, and body composition. Sadly, I am moving to San Diego in 10 days and only have 3 more sessions with him. Not looking forward to finding another trainer that I mesh well with.

    My trainer motivates me and pushes me further than I would ever push myself.
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