If you had success working with a Personal Trainer...

[Anonymous]

What were the benefits? How did you define success?

[Anonymous]

I’ve had 2 really good personal trainers. It encouraged me to get to the gym. I definitely built up endurance and felt stronger. That was success for me. What I liked about both of these trainers was that they knew my limit and weren’t hardcore in exceeding it. I felt a bond with both as you end up talking about a lot. Both of mine were down to earth, good people/humans. On the flip side, it was hard to quit because of the friendships built but the cost did come into play at both times.

[Anonymous]

Benefits were the knowledge and corrections to my posture which have helped immensely. I have good form and no longer walk around hunched. I also think the intensity of working with someone one-on-one is not something you can get on your own. Someone who knows about proper deadlifts, squats and benching and how to adjust the weights to challenge you while ensuring that you don't injure yourself. I don't think I would have developed the hour-glass physique I have now if not for working with my trainers. I'm naturally a pear with narrow shoulders but now I look proportionate. Success to me is achieving the goals you set for yourself. For example, I achieved my very first pull-up and I'm working towards doing more reps in a row. It's really an iterative process, and not a "once-and-done" type of thing. Also, I want to add that if you're worried about costs, sign up with a university gym- the one I'm at charges $20/hr.

[Anonymous]

I've worked with two different trainers, one for about 4 months and one I'm still seeing and it's been over a year. I saw the first after having my first kid, when I felt like I'd fallen off the wagon in terms of working out and taking care of myself. I saw him until I felt motivated to go to the gym on my own, and when I felt like I was in decent shape again. I stopped seeing him, in part because of the price, and in part because I was tired of hearing him talk about the girls he was dating. Also, he never kept great track of my workouts so while I knew I was gaining strength I didn't really have the numbers to prove it.

The second one I started seeing after my second child was born, when again I felt like I needed a kick in the rear to get me moving again. Ultimately i feel like I paid him, and still do, just to get me to the gym and force me to have a good workout. Theoretically i have the motivation and interest, but life is so busy that I know I wouldn't go with the same frequency, or workout with the same intensity, without him.

With both trainers I specifically did NOT want to focus on my weight or body shape. I was always at a decent weight even if I wanted to lose a few pounds. But I don't do well obsessing over a few pounds, and I just wanted to be fit and healthy and strong. Ultimately, of course, I toned up with both trainers. So, "success" was getting me to the gym regularly, consistently getting a good workout done in under an hour, and feeling good about my body and health.

[Anonymous]

I stopped seeing him, in part because of the price, and in part because I was tired of hearing him talk about the girls he was dating.

Dating clients is the main reason a lot of guys become PTs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had 2 really good personal trainers. It encouraged me to get to the gym. I definitely built up endurance and felt stronger. That was success for me. What I liked about both of these trainers was that they knew my limit and weren’t hardcore in exceeding it. I felt a bond with both as you end up talking about a lot. Both of mine were down to earth, good people/humans. On the flip side, it was hard to quit because of the friendships built but the cost did come into play at both times.

Someone I know calls personal training rent-a-friend. Most group fitness instructors have more training than most personal trainers. Just choose a couple of classes and become a regular. It's a lot cheaper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had 2 really good personal trainers. It encouraged me to get to the gym. I definitely built up endurance and felt stronger. That was success for me. What I liked about both of these trainers was that they knew my limit and weren’t hardcore in exceeding it. I felt a bond with both as you end up talking about a lot. Both of mine were down to earth, good people/humans. On the flip side, it was hard to quit because of the friendships built but the cost did come into play at both times.

Someone I know calls personal training rent-a-friend. Most group fitness instructors have more training than most personal trainers. Just choose a couple of classes and become a regular. It's a lot cheaper.

The friendship was a bonus. But like a PP said, it’s getting help with proper form and knowing you’re not going to throw out your back by squatting incorrectly. Group classes are great but again, your Zumba instructor doesn’t care how much you’re jilting your joints. It’s just a different level of focus. For me personally, I need to work out with someone I have banter with and lucky both of these trainers were great to train with and to talk to.

[Anonymous]

The reason personal training works for me is I get charged whether I attend or not. I literally never miss a workout because I don't want to burn money.

[Anonymous]

Having a set date at the gym I couldn’t miss.
Learning new exercises and routines I could do on my own.
Accountability about everything.
A springboard into a healthier lifestyle (sort of like riding with training wheels before doing it all on my own)

[Anonymous]

Right now I’m becoming a regular at several classes. I started back in November and getting more friendly with the instructors and they are willing enough to answer questions. My gym has a ton of really good classes, and really good teachers.

If/when the classes get boring or stop being a challenge I’ll probably hire a PT for a few sessions to give me some new ideas/suggestions.

[Anonymous]

I’m the OP, thanks for all the responses!

This will be my 4th time hiring a personal trainer and I needed some affirmation that it was a good idea. In the past I worked with trainers for accountability mostly but also to lose weight and get stronger.

This time I’m looking for help getting back into shape after 4 different injuries this past year. I’m 46 and have no idea how to do it on my own.

[Anonymous]

I used the trainers at True Fitness and Nutrition in McLean. Expensive but very good. Worth the money!

[Anonymous]

I'll affirm it's a great idea and worth the cost, especially at your age and with the injuries you are looking to rehab. I started with one when I was 48 1/2 and feel better and stronger than ever at 50, and love having someone who really understands your body. Make sure your trainer will work on a lot of functional fitness and balance - very important at middle age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll affirm it's a great idea and worth the cost, especially at your age and with the injuries you are looking to rehab. I started with one when I was 48 1/2 and feel better and stronger than ever at 50, and love having someone who really understands your body. Make sure your trainer will work on a lot of functional fitness and balance - very important at middle age.

This is why I woukd not use one. Most of them seem to have only one workout, that they give to every client regardless of their age, physical strength or issues. There is little training needed.

Op, make sure you get some recommendations, because I have seem trainers get people to do fairly dangerous exercises at the gym.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Did my first session this AM and I’m so glad I did! Trainer also has extensive PT training (he was recommended by a friend) and he clearly is aligned with my goals. Plus, it felt really good to see thad I still have a lot of strength left even post injuries. Just need to build up my endurance safely.