Personal Trainer????

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.

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.

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!

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.

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....

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!

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 know

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.

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!

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!