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Posted: 8/24/2009 8:43:08 PM | No. Back when I was starting out (16 years old), simply couldn't afford it.
23 years later, don't see any need for one: am already quite happy with my body and comfortable with my own knowledge/experience level, plus strength training is now secondary to running for me. | |
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Posted: 8/24/2009 9:04:46 PM | | I'd only use a good, certified personal trainer. Not one of those bally's or LA fitness trained PT. those guys aren't familiar with the best approach in teaching their clients necessary knowledge/skills. most important of all is motivation and making sure clients actually learn what they're being taught. And a lot of PT's don't view themselves as teachers which is going at it completely wrong. Good PT's follow the three E's: efficient, effective, engaging. They need to understand their clients learning style which fall under visual, auditory, kinesthetic. and stuff. | |
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Posted: 8/24/2009 10:15:22 PM | i (and many others) have a hard time pushing myself when i'm alone, i do much better when i have a way to gauge my performance.
in high school, i did much better running than when i left; during college, i played more racquetball, tennis, and badminton and pushed myself much harder against someone; now, i don't have any competition or any real "live" comparison for my abilities and performance, so i slack (unintentionally). my mother just started in with a small group trainer (jane's boot camp, or something similar), and she said that it helps her get a much better workout.
as to how you can improve your client base... word of mouth would probably be the best, probably some promotional sessions. really, what you need is a competent center of influence with whom you exchange training for positive reviews and much personal advertising. | |
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Posted: 8/24/2009 11:14:22 PM | I did this year for the first time training for a road race (bike). I was riding on my own and with the team, but wasn't getting any faster or stronger. She set out a 6 week program to have me peak for the race, and I learned the importance of 'rest days'! And paying attention to my heart rate, rather than going 'till it hurt everytime.  I didn't have a clue, so having a personal trainer was eye-opening!
I raced, didn't crash, but flatted at mile 32.  | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 6:10:16 AM | I was thinking the other day that maybe I should have...although, I have done fine and progressed in my weight loss mainly learning from these forums and reading...
It would be worthwhile to have somebody help keep you ahead of plateaus... | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 6:57:16 AM | | I used one when I first started working out - which was a good thing, or I might have hurt myself. She was really good for making sure I had my form right. When I broke my ankle she devised a workout that I could do completely off my feet, so I could simply maintain my routine of going to the gym every day. But, I feel like I've progressed enough that I don't really need it anymore. Plus, I've learned some great new things from other gym members. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 7:54:07 AM |
Would you use a personal trainer? If yes why and if no why not. I have been asking around and there seems to be a huge differeance of opinion as to why or why not. Just want to know yours. I am working on building my client list but am finding some interesting reasons why people don't.
I would and have used one.
Would I use one looking for business information on a dating site? Probably not. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 8:51:42 AM | Never used a personal trainer but I can see the need for it just by watching some people in the gym...especially in the weights room... technique, form, to using the equipment wrong! Fortunately the guy who used to own the gym I use was an ex competitor and I believe he was Mr Great Britain in his younger days so I got some good advice and have learnt a lot from him over the past 8 years.
I am sure that there are lots of people who have never exercised and just need to know what to do in order to get where they want to be and maybe if I had been a less confident person I might have opted for a PT. It is a career path I have considered over the past few years but circumstances were not right.
Good luck anyway, I am sure that if you listen to what your clients want and are a good motivator then you will do well. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 2:32:05 PM | "Would I use on looking for business information on a dating site? Probably not."
Too true JBIII! *Admiring from afar.*
I have never hired a trainer for one on one, but I do plenty of group classes, which are just as good, if you have the right instructor. It is WAY more financially feasible for most people, and fun, too. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 3:08:46 PM | I get body builders trying to give me advice from time to time and it usually ends with me having to explain to them I am not here to build muscle.
That is why I feel when you are starting out, you need to seek out the advice of someone that is going to be able to help you based on what your goals are.
I would say peoples three main goals are:
Weight loss
Body Building
Fitness
The money I pay to the gym every month is an investment, and I want the biggest return on that investment.
I look at the money I spent on a trainer as my own stimulus package. I spend some more money now but I increase the yield on the back end. (pun intended)
That is also why I never 1/2 azz it at the gym, if I was too, I would just be wasting money and riping myself off.
I train to improve my overall health and not bicep size, as to me that is something that will pay off down the road.
I also understand why people may choose other reasons to go to the gym and what ever those reasons are, if you are serious you should seek the advice of an expert/s.
Do not be afraid to talk to the trainers and get a feel for what they know the best and see if they are able to help you.
Tell them what your goals are and ask them how they are going to get you to your goal.
Then pick the right one for you, it is your money and it is perfectly acceptable to audition multiple trainers.
IMO
If you want to body build, ex body builders or current successful ones are the best.
If you want fitness, look for the oldest trainer that is in the best shape. My guy was 55 and looked 40, I wanted to know his secret.
If you want weight loss, seek someone with as much of a nutritional background as a fitness one. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 4:06:48 PM | | i would love to have a persoanl trainer, but what keeps me from asking is how much, and you know what they say if you have to ask you can't afford it | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 5:02:28 PM | | When I joined my gym, I got three free sessions with a trainer. Being as she really only changes up my work out ever six weeks or so - I don't find the rates unreasonable. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 5:07:43 PM | I hired a personal trainer when I first started working out. I honestly had no clue what I was doing and how to use the weights. I (like most large people) was self conscious and really terrified to even be IN a gym... let alone doing jumping jacks and squat thrusts! I broke down crying the first time he asked me to run on a tread mill... in front of all those people. Not because I didn't think I could... but because people would point and laugh!! He helped me to forget there were other people even in the gym and helped me focus on ME.
He really changed my life! I know it sounds dramatic.... but really... with out him, I would have quit trying.
... I sometimes with I'd not shown him just HOW strong I really was ;) However, really am grateful he knew it... and pushed me harder because of it. | |
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Posted: 8/25/2009 7:32:57 PM | I've started working with a Personal Trainer 2 months ago. She's 50 years young and totally awesome! I can only afford once a week sessions. I've learned a lot from her about how muscles work, and especially how important it is to build up my core!
I think for most people, it's the expense that scares them from Personal Trainers. Also, the trainer needs to have a good knowledge of the body, how it works, and that BOTH client and trainer have chemistry and can work together. | |
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Posted: 8/26/2009 2:23:47 PM | | I normally see the difference of opinion between men and women. In the gym i see alot more women with personal trainers than I see men with them. Personally I definitely will not go to a personal trainer for the simple fact that I know my body more than anybody else and I know the rule "What may work for YOU may not work for ME" I know alot of dudes who go by that rule and rather get themselves in shape, that's my opinion. | |
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Posted: 8/26/2009 10:12:05 PM | I used one back a few years ago when I decided I wasn't happy with how my body currently looked, and felt that it was a very good investment in getting me started. It provided not only a good source of information as to how to use certain equipment / body motions, but also provided a great incentive to actually get onto a schedule.
However, now that I am somewhat knowledgable and disciplined myself, I do not use one. I guess in summation; I think they're great for getting you started, but you should be able to rely on your own gathering of information and discipline after a while. | |
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Posted: 8/27/2009 3:47:12 AM | Being a personal trainer myself ...my answer is yes get one :D
But seriously, they do help out. If you find a good trainer which is VERY rare. Even though I've had the experience and know what I'm doing, I still seek advice from 2 select trainers that I know very well. 1 of them is an ex-powerlifter and helps me if I get stuck during strength building periods, the second trainer (my cousins ex-boyfriend) helps me out when I do my conditioning.
So, I guess the point of my story is:
If you have a goal that you want to achieve and would like some help, whether it be guidance, exercise ideas, motivation...find a trainer that can specialize in helping you with that goal.
Very rarely will you find a decent trainer, and even rarer to find a trainer that specializes in everything, so put your money into one that specializes in the goal that you are trying to achieve at the moment | |
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Posted: 8/27/2009 8:57:08 PM | I am one myself and would recommend everyone tries a few sessions with one. You learn so much more than exercises, such as proper form, technique, efficiency, and if they're also nutritionally certified, you can learn A TON about better ways to eat and take care of yourself, etc. For the little bit that they cost (stop going out to eat a few times a month, or quit smoking, or don't get your hair dyed for a month, whatever ... and you can afford one), the things you may learn could end-up saving you much more down the road. I use a PT myself three times a week, primarily because I have no desire to figure out my own workouts after working with the numerous clients I have throughout the week, plus I know I need help with form when I get a tad too tired in my routine.
I have trained very highly skilled athletes, and what's funny is they value a PT way more than those who think they know what they're doing that they don't NEED a trainer. In my opinion, the smartest gym-goers are the ones who do seek the assitance of a qualified PT. | |
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Posted: 8/27/2009 10:43:42 PM | Hey Tina7578. If you don't mind, I've got a couple questions for you about being a trainer, you know from 1 trainer to another lol :P
But your mail settings say I can't message you ... Not sure if this works or not but I think if you message me first then we can chat
Anyway...shoot me a message if you want
And to everyone else...sorry for going off topic  | |
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Posted: 8/28/2009 10:30:26 AM | | I don't have a trainer, however my friend is one and I do ask him a lot of questions. So there is value, however I just don't want to spend the money since I am doing the right things, right form, and things seem to be working so far. As my body changes, who knows maybe I will hire one then. | |
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Posted: 8/28/2009 12:59:16 PM | I have been lucky enough to win a training session with the personal trainer at my gym. I am very much looking forward to going to the session and getting some fresh ideas.
Over the last yr and a bit I have lost 5 and a half stone and completed my first 10k run a few weeks back but I am really struggling with motivation now. I never thought I would be as fit as I am now so I need some fresh ways of working out! Hope the personal trainer can help me out. I am hoping that I can afford a few other sessions with him too, but I am starting uni soon so I don't think I am gonna have much extra.
I will report back after my session about if i found it useful! | |
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Posted: 8/28/2009 10:48:46 PM | I tried a personal trainer once and it would take a LOT for me to go down that road again. I do not know the educational requirements, but the young man seemed to have found his certification in a box of cracker jacks. At the time, I was overweight and had problems with asthma. He could not think through options. He had one routine and everybody was stuffed in it. The 100 pound spandex sweetie and I were put on the same training regimen as the 200 pound man. Get real. I finally decided my money was not meant to be spent on being humiliated by an ignorant person with hopped up credentials.
Currently, I walk 90 minutes a day and ask coaches at work for advice on exercise. Although they specialize in high school athletes who are usually in great shape, the advice is better and nobody is making fun of me.
Working out for nonathletes is hard enough without suffering the indignity of ridicule. Just getting up at 5 am to go drag the body around a track or strap it into yet another torture contraption is quite enough without compounding the problem. Exercise isn't fun for some of us. Necessary, yes. Fun....not in this lifetime. | |
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Posted: 8/29/2009 5:59:31 PM | You do not look like you need a PT. If you have to be discipline and have to want to be in good shape. Of course you have to watch what you eat and keep active. If you want to go to the next level, try swimming laps that exercises your core muscles.
Chris | |
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Posted: 9/10/2009 2:53:46 PM | Personally, I'd use a personal trainer (in the broad sense of the title) I'd like to get a knowledgeable speed coach that can help me out with my sprint technique and help me work on my agility.
I think personal trainers of all different levels and expertise can help out people. But the title carries around a stigma nowadays, and being a "personal trainer" myself, I too find myself cringing when I hear the word.
A good bet is to use a personal trainer who has been educated in exercise physiology (or like programs) at the college level and/or holds one of the top accreditation with a solid customer rapport. Of course there are individuals who are out there that know their stuff without any "formal" education...
But I find that the more experienced you are, the more this question seems irrelevant because you know what your demands are, whether it be athletic, weight loss, physique, or other health oriented. Thus, a general practicing personal trainer could be good motivation for those starting out. | |
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| PERSONAL TRAINERS Are you nuts
Posted: 9/10/2009 3:33:25 PM | Just to "get in shape"? No I would not use a personal trainer. There is a ton of information out there and if someone is seeking to "look good naked." there is no need for a personal trainer. Go to Bodyforlife.com or just eat 6 small meals every 2-3 hours and lift some free weights and do a lot of cardio.
I did however use a personal trainer for something special like strongman training.
I would suggest using a personal trainer if you're doing a triathlon or running a marathon or trying to pass a fitness test for a civil service exam. | |
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