Personal trainer or gym like Orange Theory?

[Anonymous]

Need help committing to a work out routine with particular focus on strength training - early 50s and post menopausal if that matters.

[Anonymous]

OP here meant to say, if a personal trainer is a good idea, how do I go about finding one?

[Anonymous]

I would say try both. My wife (41) has been doing OTF for a long time and does it because it keeps her committed to going and accountable. They have lifting only classes now. Finding a trainer is probably harder than finding an OTF studio you like. Trainer would overall be more expensive.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If she likes running on the treadmill and rowing for 2/3 of the time then she might like OTF. I tried it and quit because I didn't want to row that much. I prefer taking strength training specific classes at regular gyms. There wasn't enough emphasis on it at OTF and too much of the other stuff.

[Anonymous]

I have done both. Worked with a trainer for a bit, did OTF for 2 years before moving to more strength training.

I think OTF is great if you are looking to get into an exercise routine. The group dynamic and comradery is a great motivator. However, while it has a weight training aspect I consider the overall workout to be more or a cardio workout. Yes, you will build some strength, especially if you are a new to fitness. But you can only build so much strength when lifting in a fast paces environment with limited weight options. I think people love OTF because they are chasing a feeling vs results. That is you walk out of there feeling like you got a great workout. But if building muscle is a goal you will only get so far with OTF.

As for personal training. If you want to truly build muscle and get stronger a trainer is the way to go, but do note, building muscle takes time, women will not gain a ton of muscle overnight. The right trainer matters as does having a plan to follow once you stop using a trainer. Trainer are great at teaching you proper form and hopefully educating you on how to lift to get stronger.

[Anonymous]

I’ve done both in the last 11 months. Starting with working with a trainer 3x a week for 3 months. Goals: strength training and continued weight loss. We did about 20 min cardio and rest weights / body weight training (which is also cardio at times). On off days I’d hike / walk with hills and sometimes do yoga.

I’ve been doing OT for about 7 months - average about 3 2G classes (2G has less rowing) and 2 lift 45 classes (just lifting) a week.

Working with the great trainer was crucial in supporting my mindset shift around what I was capable of in addition to learning proper form and sling the way, lifting heavier.

At OT, I have the strength and form and know-how to lift heavier - because that’s where the magic happens.

Results? Along with tracking calories, stress management, sleeping more … 11 months later I am strong as f&$k! Lost 60 lbs. and feel (and look) pretty great.

I’m a 49 woman.

[Anonymous]

Sling = along

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve done both in the last 11 months. Starting with working with a trainer 3x a week for 3 months. Goals: strength training and continued weight loss. We did about 20 min cardio and rest weights / body weight training (which is also cardio at times). On off days I’d hike / walk with hills and sometimes do yoga.

I’ve been doing OT for about 7 months - average about 3 2G classes (2G has less rowing) and 2 lift 45 classes (just lifting) a week.

Working with the great trainer was crucial in supporting my mindset shift around what I was capable of in addition to learning proper form and sling the way, lifting heavier.

At OT, I have the strength and form and know-how to lift heavier - because that’s where the magic happens.

Results? Along with tracking calories, stress management, sleeping more … 11 months later I am strong as f&$k! Lost 60 lbs. and feel (and look) pretty great.

I’m a 49 woman.

Don't forget how poor you are! both are very expensive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve done both in the last 11 months. Starting with working with a trainer 3x a week for 3 months. Goals: strength training and continued weight loss. We did about 20 min cardio and rest weights / body weight training (which is also cardio at times). On off days I’d hike / walk with hills and sometimes do yoga.

I’ve been doing OT for about 7 months - average about 3 2G classes (2G has less rowing) and 2 lift 45 classes (just lifting) a week.

Working with the great trainer was crucial in supporting my mindset shift around what I was capable of in addition to learning proper form and sling the way, lifting heavier.

At OT, I have the strength and form and know-how to lift heavier - because that’s where the magic happens.

Results? Along with tracking calories, stress management, sleeping more … 11 months later I am strong as f&$k! Lost 60 lbs. and feel (and look) pretty great.

I’m a 49 woman.

Don't forget how poor you are! both are very expensive

I think this is sarcasm? Expensive is relative, and yes, up to the individual to determine if it works for them. OT is about $200 a month - I go to 15-20 classes a month, so per class 10-15.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks everyone and wow, congrats to the posters who have successfully worked and achieved great results!

Does anyone have a suggestion for where to find a good personal trainer?

[Anonymous]

If you live near a Fitness Together franchise, I’ve had reliably great trainers at the one near me.

[Anonymous]

You should try OTF first it is much cheaper with the unlimited and I enjoy the classes. You can add a personal trainer for more strength or switch to PT later but I found I get much more value and actually enjoy the OTF work outs more. Bottom line you should do whichever you enjoy more and will actually stick to doing it.

[Anonymous]

I've done both OP. Hire a trainer. Use them for a couple of months until you have a good regimen in place, then work out on your own and check in with the trainer every 6 months or so. As a post-menopausal woman nothing beats actual weight training and the benefits it provides, for women especially. OTF is not weight training, although there is a resistance training component it's just a portion of the class, and you're not really pushing yourself hard as you would if you were working one on one with a trainer for 45-60mins - just lifting weights.

[Anonymous]

When you join a gym, you usually get a few free or discounted sessions with one of their trainers, so if you go that route, it won't be hard to find a trainer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you live near a Fitness Together franchise, I’ve had reliably great trainers at the one near me.

how much is it?