I'm starting to get a little puffy. Is a personal trainer worth it?

[Writer]

I know my way around a weight room, but my motivation is near zero. My club offers 3 sessions for $99... Is it even worth it?

[MonkeyFunk]

1. yes

but you'll need more than 3 sessions.

Just having the appointment and the obligation makes sure you actually show up and do the workout.

[flvegan]

2. No, and I AM a trainer.

It's not worth it as stated.

[Writer]

3. So... you propose that I push myself to go?

:P

[flvegan]

5. I propose nothing.

You pushing yourself to go? Go where? To the gym?

You don't sound like you need a personal trainer. You stated you know your way around a gym. You desire motivation. A trainer can bring that, but it's superficial. Methinks your motivation could come from within...for free. Yes?

[crim son]

6. I'm curious then.

What would be the state of mind of somebody who could benefit from a personal trainer? Genuinely curious.

[flvegan]

12. A personal trainer...

Let me be very, very frank here...

It's not a state of mind that benefits from a trainer. It's knowledge, or, it's motivation. The problem is with the trainer.

Let me tell you about the state of mind of a personal trainer...for real.

A personal trainer should be working VERY hard to out him/herself of a job. If a trainer isn't teaching then, that person isn't doing the job right.

Let's explore...

I get a client. Let's call him Joe.

Joe tells me that he's looking to lose fat, gain muscle. He's joined a gym and called me because, well, I bill with the Gods.

My goal: Joe lives and learns over the next 6 months, and then...never needs me again. A REAL trainer sees a client as more than just an account. A REAL trainer sees a client as someone that he/she sees every day for a couple weeks, then sees once a month, then sees once every quarter. A real trainer sees a client after that in the people that that client sends his/her way.

Remember the whole "teach a man to fish..." thing?

So, again...if it's motivation, that's one thing, but that's not "personal trainer" in this discussion.

Many folks can benefit from a personal trainer, for many reasons. State of mind is NOT one of them.

[MonkeyFunk]

18. I disagree

the commitment one makes with a trainer "forces" motivation, at least in the short term. The best motivation one can have comes from seeing real progress, and if you have to pay someone for a few months to make that progress, so be it.

When I saw a trainer, it was great because he had his own studio - I didn't have to do the whole gym route at first, which can be intimidating for some people. I made great progress with the trainer, AND enjoyed the whole experience. He was a great guy, and we had a lot of fun in our sessions. Most of his clients were middle-aged housewives, and he enjoyed having a (relatively) young guy who could do some serious weights.

After I developed some confidence and some skills, I was then able to join a gym and feel comfortable there.

But I kept seeing the trainer once a week or so for a couple years, just because I really enjoyed it. As I'm sure you know, if one doesn't enjoy working out, one doesn't do it. I found it to be a great help.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MonkeyFunk]

20. I'll give you credit

for never passing up an opportunity to ignore a reasonable post and turn it into a continuing fight. :thumbsup:

[ronnykmarshall]

21. No shit ...

For the record, for several years I had a trainer and he kicked my ass. I'll always be greatful to him. My little snapped carcus got me plently of .... uh ... dates!

[MonkeyFunk]

23. heheh

same here.

the reason I continued with a trainer for a long time was that my goals constantly changed. What I wanted my first month was very different from what I wanted two years later.

My trainer pushed me to do more than I ever thought I'd be able to do. He helped me work out through various (non workout-related) injuries, he gave me nutritional advice that changed over time, due to the changes in my body, he was my friend and my partner in fitness. I enjoyed our time together, and he taught me a LOT.

He wasn't there just to show me how to use the equipment - I learned that in the first month. He did much, much more than that.

But that's the difference between a good trainer and a hack.

[flvegan]

25. Several years?

You had a trainer for several years?

He kicked your ass for several years?

Okay...

[ronnykmarshall]

28. In a good way.

To quote Mrs. White from "Carrie" ..... and I liked it! I LIKED IT!

[MonkeyFunk]

29. I had my trainer for several years

for the reasons expressed in other posts here.

But to recap:

I enjoyed it, my goals changed over time, and he was there to accommodate those changing goals, and he had his own private studio, at which I enjoyed working out, in addition to the gym.

Even after I moved, I'd drive 40 miles for our sessions. That's how important it was to me. And not once did he ever suggest that I should continue seeing him - it was all my choice. I loved him, I loved our sessions, he taught me tons.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MonkeyFunk]

24. I posted

my experience with my trainer. It was truthful and honest.

My view is no less valid than yours. I had hoped this would lead to a decent discussion about this issue, but I guess you can't play along.

Nothing in my post was an attempt to continue our ongoing fight - it was a simple description of MY experience with a trainer.

Slyly calling me "Monkeyfuck" and "dipshit" is just silly.

And I'm not the "Walden" guy you seem to think I am.

[flvegan]

26. Uh huh...

Whatever, love.

[MonkeyFunk]

27. Why not

just discuss the topic of personal trainers and my views on them? Why do you want to make this another fight?

[MonkeyFunk]

33. oh gosh, Flvegan

somebody's posts keep getting deleted.

Best wishes to you, sweetie.

[ronnykmarshall]

30. I loved my trainer.

Between him and therapist back in the 1990's, they both helped me get a kick ass body and hold my head up high and respect myself.

The best money I ever spent.

[MonkeyFunk]

32. Good for you, Ronny!

My trainer did the same for me, and I'll always love him for that.

Ray taught me a lot more than how to use the equipment - he was a real coach.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

35. thank boys. lisa and i have been thinking about a trainer.

and because i trust you both, and your opinion, we might just go ahead with the trainer this summer.

i know neither of us like to break appointments, and that in itself will make us go to the gym more often.

[MonkeyFunk]

52. Good for you...

you won't regret it.

Just make sure to get a real trainer and not some steroid-hyped hack. A real trainer will work with you as long as you want. Best of luck! :hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

56. also i just finished reading several chapters on motivation

and the whole gestalt type internal motivation has NEVER been proven in research.

generally motivation comes with goals sets & rewards both of which a personal trainer can help you achieve.

[crim son]

38. Thanks for your response.

It appears that opinions differ on the role of a trainer but I tend to agree that a good PT would educate the client to the point where s/he could proceed independently. Like a psychiatrist! Of course, some people never get away from their psychiatrist. :)

[datasuspect]

40. always go in the direction that is most POSITIVE

avoid negativity and negative people like the plague.

[Writer]

7. Okeeeeee.

Straight from the horse's mouth. :thumbsup:

[Wetzelbill]

41. Methinks?

Seriously, you don't talk like that do you? :) Although, I do say "ye olde" from time to time, so I have no room...

[datasuspect]

42. it's called affectation

[Wetzelbill]

46. oh I know

I just can't resist giving people hell. :)

[graywarrior]

4. Get one with lots of experience who knows what he/she is doing.

I see a lot around who are idiots.

[mark414]

8. my advice is to smart smoking

heavily

[ronnykmarshall]

31. Smart smoking??

:silly:

[Danger Mouse]

9. Puffy?

Are you a puffer fish?

[SPKrazy]

10. *snort*

no

she's not

but that was a funny comment

:rofl:

writer is not a puffer fish, nor is she fishy looking in any way.

:shrug:

elrond, you old gregg d00d how are ya?

[Danger Mouse]

11. I'm okay. I have fish on the brain of course, given that I AM half fish you know.

I'm glad that Writer is not a puffer fish. Then she would be deadly to the touch when alarmed and hunted by crazy Japanese chefs looking to prefer a deadly treat for their customers...aah...

[SPKrazy]

13. Well I can't speak to the last part of your post...

but I'm 99% sure she isn't any kind of fish

you on the other hand...:wtf:

[Danger Mouse]

14. There is still 1% of doubt.

You fish bigot!

[SPKrazy]

15. I"m not a fish bigot

i like fish

some of my bes...

yeah you're right

i'm a fish bigot and my name is spk

[Danger Mouse]

16. admitting it is the first step to recovery. we'll get you into Fish Hater's Anonymous

Here is a file photo of the small group leader:

[SPKrazy]

17. Hi Elrond!

good to see you there!

:hi:

[MissMillie]

34. well, if you think spending $100 will motivate you

then yes, it's worth it.

It's been my experience that spending money is not enough to motivate me, but that's me.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

36. i think you need more than 3 sessions. if you can afford it go for it.

it will give you motivation, make you more comfortable using some equipment etc

if i could afford it, i would do it

(ps: i have taken some group trainings in the gym before, and liked them a lot)

[AllegroRondo]

37. a pair of running shoes is only $50

and you get much more than just three sessions out of them.

[Left Is Write]

44. But a pair of running shoes doesn't teach you what your body needs in terms of reshaping.

A good pair of shoes is essential. But if a person wants to learn how to reshape her body and swap excess body fat for lean muscle to maximize her metabolism - the shoes can't teach her that.

[AllegroRondo]

47. True, Im just pushing my own favorite form of exercise.

Everyone needs to find a program that works for them. And if that involves a trainer, thats great. If it involves long distance running, I'll be glad to offer advice and war stories.

[davsand]

39. A trainer is a good way to start out.

I think that for any number of reasons a trainer can help you out when you are first working to establish the habit of hitting a gym. Trainers (good ones anyhow) can work with you to maximize your results. You see improvements quicker--so you will stay motivated. They also can keep you interested in working out by helping you change up your workouts so you don't get bored (which seems to be a very real problem for a lot of people.)

Yeah, if you are paying for a trainer you are probably gonna show up more faithfully, and you are probably gonna do better with following your diet, I will agree with that. What I think a lot of people don't get about this, however, is that you have to do something for a while before it becomes a HABIT. If working with a trainer for a few months keeps you motivated enough to keep showing up long enough that it becomes a HABIT then you will benefit a great deal from a trainer.

Something I have observed at the gym I go to, is the number of people that sign up and then only show up for about a month or so--then they go MIA. I am amazed at the sheer number of people who signed up right after the New Year that were no longer showing up by the end of Feb. I'd estimate that more than two thirds of them gave up! Literally, there is a recognition of that "drop out" rate because I've noticed the gym regulars really don't warm up to anybody unless they've been around for a while. Even the gym employees joke about how busy it is in Jan and how they can't wait for Feb to hit!

We got started in the gym as a follow up to Kev's cardiac rehab. I decided to go with him to support him and because I needed to do it for myself. That was not quite a year ago, and I am at the point now that if I take too much time out of the gym I start to feel like crap both physically and emotionally.

YMMV, but if you give it time and effort you will feel better for working out.



Laura

[Wetzelbill]

43. it depends

For knowledge purposes they can help a lot. But after awhile, if you know what you're doing, you should move on and do your own thing.

The issue for you though is the motivation. Having a trainer, paying the money and having appointments are definitely motivation. It may be worth it for you to pay for a trainer if you feel that is the only way you will stay dedicated. Like me for example, I know my way around the weight room, I know tons about supplements, the science of muscle building etc. I used to be a serious athlete who competed internationally though. But now that I am retired, I barely have the motivation to go to the gym more than a few times here and there. Although, I guess I have recently kind of unretired, so I've been more motivated lately.

If motivation is an issue, you may want to find a workout partner too. Like a friend or somebody. Having a partner works because alot of the time you can feed off each other. You won't want to let the other one down by not going. And if one of you wants to go, but the other is blanching, that partnership becomes important.

[Left Is Write]

45. With all due respect to flvegan, I disagree that motivation can't be found in the form of a trainer.

Sure, the motivation technically comes "from within," but it's not unusual for people to turn to external sources to kickstart their own personal motivation. Using a personal trainer is a commitment. A trainer who understands you and your needs and knows what she is doing will give you encouragement and help build your confidence. Feeling better and stronger, feeling and seeing results - that will give you the motivation you need to continue.

I've also found that even people who know their way around a gym tend to fall into ruts, doing the same routines over and over. The body craves challenge and variety. A trainer can help give you that, getting you out of your comfort zone and into new ways to work your muscles.

I do agree with those who say you need more than three sessions. If you're serious about change, it's well worth it.

[Orsino]

48. It worked for J-Lo.

She no longer has her little Puffy.

[Writer]

49. LOL... but she is the person I'd LEAST like to emulate.

:P

[Guava Jelly]

50. I think it can help motivate you

I could use one sometimes.
In the end only you will know the answer to that.
How ya doing today hot stuff? :hi:

[Writer]

53. Meowy meow meow meow

Meow meow MEOW meow meow... :*

Actually I'm headed to Denver with the Hub. Our sixth wedding anniversary is tomorrow and we're having an "arts" weekend. We're staying in a nice hotel, eating good sushi, a nice dinner, attending an opera and the newly refurbished museum. :D

[frogcycle]

51. Hey, if your personal trainer

gives you a "little puffy" I want her number!


:rofl:

[Writer]

54. I seriously doubt a female trainer would give me a "little puffy..."

:P

[ScreamingMeemie]

55. It wasn't for me. I've been going to the gym (not so much for vanity reasons) but

for joint health reasons and I find I do much better on my own than for the price of a personal trainer. But all of us are different. And, I think they charge too much.