ARE PERSONAL TRAINERS WORTH THE MONEY$

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  • minnesota_deere
    minnesota_deere Posts: 232 Member
    so i was thinking about getting a personal trainer but its a bit pricey! here in my town its $480/month for one on one training sessions 3 times a week. and $180/month for a group training session with about 5 pple in it. 3 times a week. is this expensive? would u consider it? or waste of money?

    if you don't read and learn on your own than hire the trainer, I spent $$$$ on trainers, with little or zero results (my fault though), went to one of those fat clinics and they charged by the pound it came to $1400.00 plus all there stupid nutrition junk food, I did not sign with them, felt like it was a used car lot. than i found MFP and finally learned what needs to be done to stay fit, thin and healthy, its a choice, a mind set, for me, nothing else would have worked as well as MFP. side note the group training is fun, did a boot camp for 16 weeks, met some great people.
  • sisterlilbunny
    sisterlilbunny Posts: 686 Member
    Yes and no. My husband and I are on a package deal where we both see the trainer once a month for $45. We've both worked out (lifted, cardio, that stuff) in the past and with out boring you, we do technically know what the heck we're doing. And I also read a lot of workout stuff so I know what to throw in.

    However, it is nice to have someone push us and remind us why we're in the gym. He changes it up every time so we aren't bored. He's also busted my *kitten* on poor form more than once so that alone is wonderful! (Seriously, squats aren't so bad now that I keep my darned head up and quit using my back!)

    Really, it's what you are comfortable with. Research and make sure you're getting someone who is certified and keeps up their training education as well. LOL if you're in Omaha or Lincoln, I can recommend ya a few good ones. :D
  • NoxDineen
    NoxDineen Posts: 497 Member
    Can you buy a session or two to just try it out before committing to longer term/more $$? I'd spring for a trainer if the gym near me wasn't so dirty and gross.
  • sandiburn
    sandiburn Posts: 149
    you should check out your local rec center. They are a lot cheaper and they have the same qualifications as someone at the gym. I take 2 classes at my local rec. Boot camp on Mon, Wed and a toning class on Tues, Thurs. There are only 8 people in our class, so it is almost like having a personal trainer. Its $50 for both classes for 6 weeks. Check it out!!!!!:bigsmile:
  • Kymmy81
    Kymmy81 Posts: 168 Member
    I work with a personal trainer and he is well worth the money. For form instruction and correction and for confidence (to lift heavier or to row/ride faster than I think I can).

    The point on form is a big one for me - correct form adds effectiveness and prevents injury.
  • Penelope2Plyr
    Penelope2Plyr Posts: 166 Member
    I am 66 years old and have never exercised at a gym in my life before other than treadmill, so yes, my personal one on one expensive trainer is well worth the bux to me. He has done it professionally for 15 years and he is very knowledgeable about the training, the nutrition you need while you are training, and how to stretch properly so that much soreness is avoided. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

    I would say you need to thoughly check out who you want to use tho, and talk to people he has worked with. I asked him this very morning about how much schooling etc. personal trainers need and he said for $70 and a little bit of time on the computer, he could even get me a certification. Not THAT would NOT be worth the bucks at all. Do your homework before you sign up for more than one session for sure.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    I suppose there are untrained trainers out there. But mine had her degree in (sorry I forget the word) but it's a study of the body and how it works plus nutrition minor. She was truly amazing. It think the previous poster makes a good point that you need to ask about their training level.

    That would be kinesiology. And yes, I would consider that a good indication of a starting place for an educated trainer. But even with that, their programs are decades out of date in terms of training methodology. though I will say when it comes to sports biomechanics they are top notch usually. So I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

    But if you read my link, you see the underlying problem with the industry in general. Training in a gym setting is not about training, it's about sales. I was a dam good trainer and spent years training people for fun for sports and for friends before I decided to make a go at it professionally... But I was a terrible salesman. So I had enough and left after a year. And thats the problem. Trainers are taught to sell training. I was encouraged not to be too good at teaching them, as by doing that they will learn enough to not need me. I mean, there are starter templates out there like SS, WSFSB3, NROLFW, 5/3/1 that are FARRR better than most every template I've seen from any trainer. But what good does it do for a trainers pocketbook handing a client that template, basically saying here you go, now you don't need me anymore...

    I agree that the typical heatlh club model is a poor one and that may not be the best place to find a quality trainer. From what I've read, you consider yourself a fairly knowledgeable guy and felt that you were a very effective trainer and well studied. Did I misunderstand?

    So then, how can my statement be false that "some trainers" are very effective and some took years to learn what they know?Would that not be the case with you? I totally agree that there are many ineffective trainers who lack knowledge. There are also some who were like you. Knowledable and effective. "Top notch" as you said.
  • meeka472
    meeka472 Posts: 283 Member
    Getting a personal trainer is definitely worth the investment. You get a motivating trainer that will help you get on track and really meet your personal fitness goals. I have a trainer that I see twice a week and I have really seen some results from doing that. Having a trainer also takes the accountability piece up another notch because you'll have another eye looking at your exercise and eating.

    I'd say pairing up a trainer with MFP is a winning combination...
  • sxysantos
    sxysantos Posts: 41 Member
    be your own trainer
    I agree! There is so much information on workouts everywhere now that are free that you can follow on your own. It is hard to find a GOOD trainer. Most of them don't know what they are doing.
  • cpsoroff
    cpsoroff Posts: 22 Member
    I agree that you should see a personal trainer to help you with your form. I used one for that reason.. Some people need the motivation of a trainer. If they are paying for it, they will show up. Group session are cheaper and sometimes they can be more fun. As misery sometimes enjoys company!
  • linda1243
    linda1243 Posts: 166
    I got a trainer and I love it but I needed someone who would push me and checks to make sure i go to the gym on days i don't meet with her. I was upfront about not having a lot to spend so we settled on 1 day a week and she gave me a copy of the workout which I would do two other times during the week and then 2 days of cardio. I love it. You could always buy one or two sessions and see if you think it would be worth it.
  • nwhitley
    nwhitley Posts: 619
    I think it depends on what your reasoning is for going. If you want to learn some exercises you can do on your own or learn how to use the gym equipment- then yes it might be worth paying for a month or 2. If your just going so someone can motivate you- then no it's not worth it. I just started a boot camp class that meets once a month for $40.00 a month. I am only going for 2 months. I am only going to learn some new exercises to add to my current workout. But, I can't see paying the amount of money you are talking about to have someone watch me workout and tell me what to do. Not worth it.
  • TheFitFireman
    TheFitFireman Posts: 185 Member
    I would say no, and for one very good reason, you can educate yourself easily with online sources on what you need to be doing. I don't ever see trainers pushing and motivating someone to get one more rep while working out so basically all they are there for is to tell you what to do next. Save yourself a ton of money and read up online on what kind of exercises you should be doing.
  • Nataliaho
    Nataliaho Posts: 878 Member
    Having a trainer is definately worth it... IF (and its a big if) you get the right trainer. It is irrelevant if many or even most trainers are crap, because you only need one.

    Depending on you current level of fitness, motivation, confidence, I think a trainer can be an awesome thing. Don't listen to the shamers who tell you should be able to do it alone. If you can't, get some help. Be real with yourself, everyone has their faults and not being able to motivate youself to get into the gym isn't the massive character flaw that people would have you believe. Four years ago when I started with my trainer I was lazy, scared and ashamed, I only got to where I am because of her. I don't feel any shame for that, I got the help I needed!

    If you are already reasonable fit and motivated bnut want to take it to the next level then I would advise you to look for coach/trainer for that specific sport/discipline. I do my lifting at a powerlifting gym with a strength and conditioning coach... I would challenge anyone who thinks reading SS is the same thing :noway: I do my crossfit and oly lifing with a trainer who is qualifed in those things and who has been quite successful at both in her own rights. Don't expect any old trainer to be a strength coach, its a specialty.

    HTH
  • marymickaela
    marymickaela Posts: 190 Member
    I started with a trainer last September and it has been worth it. Not only has he introduced me to exercises and equipment I never would have tried, he also guided me on the correct form and yes he pushed me to do more sets and reps. I only have two sessions left and I'm going to miss my trainer. It was a great motivator knowing I had to meet someone and once getting there having that extra push to do new exercises at a level I would never do on my own. I'm really trying to psych myself up that now that I'm almost done I'll do it own my own. I can do it. Still, it's going to be scarry going to the guys side of the gym or what I consider the guy's side.


    I don't want to sound stupid, but what is SS?
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