Personal Trainer????
BaileyKat52
Posts: 461 Member
I need some help with this please!?!? I joined the gym a few months back and finally got around to doing my "fitness assessment". So I have 35.6% body fat! I knew that it would be high. Now my question is this....do I need this personal trainer? They talk the big talk with what they'll do to help you and all but it's really quite expensive. I'm just wondering if anyone is using a trainer or if you're managing on your own? Any suggestions?
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I went the first 8 months last year working out on my own and eating better and lost 60 pounds. I then met a trainer at my gym. Figured it would be a good idea to take it to the next level and learn more about nutrition and exercise so I signed up for twice a week PT sessions. Lost only 40 pounds the last half of the year. However, I feel more fit and my stamina is a lot better and my core is stronger. I have lost inches in different areas.
I have had the same thought the past couple weeks as it is about that time to renew for another 6 months and not sure if I am recouping the cost. Although everyone tells me not to focus on the scale, that is by far the most important thing to me on this weight loss journey.
I would try it out and see how it goes, hopefully you don't have one of those crappy gyms that makes you commit to one year at a time. I got sucked in to one of those a few years back and lost a lot of money.0 -
The purpose of a trainer is to assist you on issues you can't seem to fix on your own. As a trainer myself, I then take it upon myself to create a program I know you will be able to do and continue with the rest of your life. I don't WANT to keep you forever. I would hope that after 6 months, we would be done unless you have more than 50lbs to lose.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I
my trainer. He's awesome. Kicks my *kitten*. I knew I needed guidance when I started lifting weights and doing heavy strength training, and I was completely unfamiliar with it. Even if you just get 2 or 3 sessions to get you started and learn proper form, I'd say it's worth it. 0 -
I work out with a trainer once a week. I met her through church and we use the fitness center at the church. She has helped my strength and stamina and I always learn a new exercise or two each week. It is also a way to make sure that I do a really good workout at least once a week - especially if I haven't been motivated to work out.0
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I get a fitness assessment done every 3 months or so to check my progress (I don't really rely on the scale, I care more about body fat % and inches), and about every 6 months or so I'll sign up for a couple training sessions at my gym. I know how to work out, and I have a really good repertoire of exercises that I do, but it never hurts to get some input from an objective source. Plus, every time I have a training session I add a few new exercises to my list so I'm always changing it up at the gym.
A really good trainer will assist you in achieving your goals and set you up with a plan that you can do on your own. I know that with my gym membership itself, paying for a trainer once a week would be WAY too expensive, so I just take the advice they give during my few sporadic sessions and incorporate it into my regular work outs.
I say sign up for a couple sessions, don't commit to some big package they'll undoubtedly try to sell you (I know at my gym the trainers are given special incentives for how many packages they cal sell etc, don't buy into it), but get a couple sessions and be very clear with your fitness goals. And be picky about your trainer, they are not all created equally
Good luck! 0 -
I joined Lifetime Fitness last summer. I had a goal to lose 150 lbs and had never been in a gym before. I was very intimidated by the equipment and hadn't a clue how to use any of it. I decided that a trainer was necessary for me to learn the ropes.
She's been awesome - very supportive and the scheduled appointments kept me focused when it would have been easy to wander off. We met twice a week at first, now once a week, and eventually it will be once a month then none.
To me, it wasn't just the money (which was intimidating, too, but we made it work) -- but an investment in myself and WELL worth it.0 -
I hate my trainer - her workouts kick my butt. Wait? What? That's what she's supposed to do?
Seriously, though, she's helping me focus my training for a marathon I want to do in September in Switzerland (Jungfrau) that will be very challenging. I'm really happy with what she's giving me to do and I'm seeing results - getting stronger, more fit, my mile times are getting faster, etc. Before, I was just running miles, now my training has more of a purpose.0 -
Statistics show that you are more likely to achieve your goal with a trainer or partner. How much they can help is usually dependent upon a few qualifications. 1.) How well you do in the kitchen. 80% of the fight is with what you eat not your exercise. 2.) How devoted you are to the goal at hand. 3.) The trainer.
IMHO, if you are not up to the first two, you can have the best trainer in the world and all you will accomplish is exercise.0 -
I have a personal trainer and well lets say i get better workouts and feed back from the group weight lifiting classes i take... but i am glad i did get one, they helped alot, i am just having an issue with the one i have, i do however get a different one this friday so i hope he works out better.. check at your gym for group classes, i was terrified at first but they help alot.. maybe you wont need one....0
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I had to commit to mine for a year. $140.00 a month plus my gym membership of 29.99. I struggle to pay for it but I'm glad I am seeing him. It does help. If you can swing the payment I so go for it.0
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LOVE my trainer!!! She has helped me set goals, figure out what foods to eat, helps me fine tune my work out plans and pushes me like I can NEVER push myself! She hands me heavier weights with a smile and increases my reps when I'm least paying attention, LOL!!! I have worked with her for a few years now not always one on one, but even taking the classes that she and some of the other trainers hold at my gym. My core strength is so much stronger and there are so many things I can do easily now that I struggled with before (v ups!) My form is GREAT which is key to not hurting yourself and the funniest thing is that I hear her in my head when I am working out alone. I know what I need to do. But I know that I can't do it by myself for too long. There's always something new and different to change things up and help shock your body.
But you need a trainer that you click with and like working with....cuz it's a hate/love relationship!!! I think you should try it and see what you think. And don't be embarassed to switch trainers if you don't feel comfortable with your first one. Some gyms offer a once a month free training session, maybe try that at first.
Good luck!0 -
I used a trainer and loved it, it gave me the basis to continue on my own.
My gym also offers group training and it only costs $30 a month on top of the monthly gym fee - this service is hosted by a trainer with anywhere from 6-20 people in the class and they change the routine every week.
We may also want to look into partner sessions, this way it will cut the cost of a personal trainer in half.
Good luck to you0 -
I've always just done things on my own...and lost 70lbs that way
but I'm the type of person who likes to research everything...
so I looked online and in magazines (Woman's Health is my fave)
I found cardio and strength training exercises I could do to lose weight
I've just recently started lifting heavier weights and using more of the gym than just the cardio area
so I just started talking to other people in the gym and asking them questions
eventually I figured out what I needed to know0 -
I need some help with this please!?!? I joined the gym a few months back and finally got around to doing my "fitness assessment". So I have 35.6% body fat! I knew that it would be high. Now my question is this....do I need this personal trainer? They talk the big talk with what they'll do to help you and all but it's really quite expensive. I'm just wondering if anyone is using a trainer or if you're managing on your own? Any suggestions?
I started doing cardio only and lost weight but my body fat% was not much different, I wanted muscle because just cardio made me weaker, I got a trainer and said I wanted to focus on strength training and I would take care of the cardio on my own time.One month in and I think it is worth it, I have lost 5% body fat in one month and it's good to have someone saying "Do 5 more" when I'm at my limit and would stop. You won't regret it. It's also good to see yourself get stronger, I went from doing 260lbs on the leg press to doing the max @ 415lbs in 1 month.0 -
I really loved having my personal trainer, but it's not absolutely *necessary* to achieve your goals.
Benefits:
- Someone to hold you accountable
- Someone to show you moves and adjust your form
- Someone to help put you on track
- Someone to mix up your routines for you
- Someone to ask questions, bounce ideas off of, etc
Cons:
- Cost
If you can afford it, I say try it out for a few months. I started out without a trainer for about a year, then had one for almost a year. I loved her! She definitely showed me more efficient ways of doing things and gave me TONS of ideas for new moves and ways to mix up my routine. Now I go to the gym and mix it up every few weeks. Definitely worth the money, in my opinion.0 -
I love my trainer and it's money well spent IMO. Not only does he keep my workouts new he pushes me to take it to the next level and helps to keep accountable.0
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I love mine too, she keeps me motivated, switches things up constantly, makes me use the machines/weights I had previously thought were just for "boys" and gives me a reason not to cancel on the gym. I only see her once a week but she is the perfect motivation for me since I've started and quit SO many times. I locked into 15 weeks and that keeps me going. Good luck to you on whatever path your journey takes you!0
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I don't have a trainer, I have a coach. BUT please make sure that if you do hire a trainer, make sure that they are not only certified, but also have a background in exercise physiology or kinesiology or the like. ANYONE can take a few classes and be certified as a trainer. But it really helps if they know the WHY's of what you are trying to accomplish.
Check their credentials. Any trainer worth their salt will have continuing education, be certified in various things, and have a well rounded knowledge of their field.0 -
For me personal trainers are expensive (so is a gym membership) for my budget, but if I could have one I would. I tried working out at home on my own but didnt feel pushed enough, so for me, I work out to DVDs, Jillian Michaels, she is upbeat, pushes you and kicks butt, I have so far been successful with her. Good luck!0
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The purpose of a trainer is to assist you on issues you can't seem to fix on your own. As a trainer myself, I then take it upon myself to create a program I know you will be able to do and continue with the rest of your life. I don't WANT to keep you forever. I would hope that after 6 months, we would be done unless you have more than 50lbs to lose.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
^^Awesome and someone that loves what they do Apparently! Kudo's!0 -
Thanks for all the input. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a personal trainer, it's the cost that is my big problem. They are asking me to pay $300 down and $186 bi-weekly for 14 weeks to have a trainer twice a week for 6 months. I don't know about anyone else, but that seems like an awful lot of money to me. Can anyone who has a trainer tell me if that is a reasonable price?0
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Thanks for all the input. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a personal trainer, it's the cost that is my big problem. They are asking me to pay $300 down and $186 bi-weekly for 14 weeks to have a trainer twice a week for 6 months. I don't know about anyone else, but that seems like an awful lot of money to me. Can anyone who has a trainer tell me if that is a reasonable price?
I don't know if that's standard, but I pay around $45 for a 60 minute session (when I buy a larger package of sessions that I can use when I like).0 -
I used a trainer and loved it, it gave me the basis to continue on my own.
My gym also offers group training and it only costs $30 a month on top of the monthly gym fee - this service is hosted by a trainer with anywhere from 6-20 people in the class and they change the routine every week.
We may also want to look into partner sessions, this way it will cut the cost of a personal trainer in half.
Good luck to you
My Y has a similar program. $95 for 3 months, with 2x/week sessions. Group size varies from about 5-10. It's the best investment I ever made. My trainer, The Sadist, pushes me to levels I would never have thought possible and wouldn't have done on my own. And now I can push myself much harder outside of our small group classes, too, but I still keep going because she kicks my butt and I love/hate her for it with every bead of sweat.
I couldn't financially swing the cost that some of you are paying so I'm thankful to have this great, lower cost option.0 -
The purpose of a trainer is to assist you on issues you can't seem to fix on your own. As a trainer myself, I then take it upon myself to create a program I know you will be able to do and continue with the rest of your life. I don't WANT to keep you forever. I would hope that after 6 months, we would be done unless you have more than 50lbs to lose.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
^^Awesome and someone that loves what they do Apparently! Kudo's!
i agree 100% as a trainer as well, i take my job seriously in setting up a program to help you get to where you want to be. i think they're great ideas especially if you're new to the gym setting. proper form, workouts, they give you the tools to help you be successful long term. as stated we dont want you for forever, (not because we dont like you) but because it is our job to help you to get successful on your own!
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im curious b/c i've been thinking about doing this at my Y- how does your personal trainer work with groups? Does the trainer spend some time with everyone, or do you actually do sit ups, etc all at the same time?I used a trainer and loved it, it gave me the basis to continue on my own.
My gym also offers group training and it only costs $30 a month on top of the monthly gym fee - this service is hosted by a trainer with anywhere from 6-20 people in the class and they change the routine every week.
We may also want to look into partner sessions, this way it will cut the cost of a personal trainer in half.
Good luck to you
My Y has a similar program. $95 for 3 months, with 2x/week sessions. Group size varies from about 5-10. It's the best investment I ever made. My trainer, The Sadist, pushes me to levels I would never have thought possible and wouldn't have done on my own. And now I can push myself much harder outside of our small group classes, too, but I still keep going because she kicks my butt and I love/hate her for it with every bead of sweat.
I couldn't financially swing the cost that some of you are paying so I'm thankful to have this great, lower cost option.0 -
I just got a trainer - but I shopped around first. I had heard a 'trainer' at my mom's gym tell a woman that she really needed to change her white wonder bread to the honey wheat kind if she wanted to lose weight faster - and he had her doing things that even my fat, untrained brain knew were bad form. Don't be afraid to talk to a few different people and find out if they're certified and what their experience is!
I did a lot of learning on my own too - I suggest the New Rules of Lifting for Women - I learned a LOT. And then got a trainer anyway - but the book cost $9 used on Amazon, which gave me time to save up the $$ for my new guy.
Edit: clarify sentence0 -
Its very useful to hire a trainer, even if it is just a for a few sessions. It helps you to understand equipment and make sure you're using proper form at the very least!
edit: I agree with anyone who said to shop around for the right trainer. Check their background, certifications, philosophies, etc.0 -
I would watch the trainers at your gym for a while to see who is worth it. At my gym there's one really good trainer, another that I think would be ok (hasn't been there long enough to tell) and several others that teach improper form. I had the consultation/sales pitch and the trainer asked me why I would want to lift heavy weights with my husband. That was when I stopped listening to him.0
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If you really feel like you can't do this on your own then I suggest you try shopping around the area and look for a lower price. If not then nothing is wrong with getting a personal trainer. I am a pt and we know our clients aren't permanent clients. Our job is to help you get on your feet. If anyone you trust can recommend one to you, all the better. There are people who know what they're doing and there are some who don't.0
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