Should I Get A Trainer (Gym)??

Question

In addition to my New Year's depression, I've been considering getting a trainer @ my gym because my self-motivation has been totally shot the last 2 years (due to alot of personally painful situations). I met a trainer at my gym who gave me a "reduction" in his fee. He wants $50 per session. The fees for personal training are usually MUCH higher than that. I would spend about $400-$500 per month if I worked with him. It wouldn't keep me from paying my rent or other bills but I would have to sacrifice alot for the sessions with him. I'm thinking about paying for the personal sessions because I really want to get back into my workout routine & have been trying to do it on my own but I can't seem to get into it by myself. I thought to just go ahead & spend the money would be a good investment in ME. And maybe after working with him a couple of months my self-motivation will come back & I can do it on my own. Should I just go ahead & spend the money for the personal sessions?

Answer 1

NO!!!! It is a waste of money and most have no qualifications to be a so called trainer. They will tell you quite a bit of information during the sales pitch. You don't need to pay someone $500 a month to walk around the gym with you and be your friend. Then they say cmon 3 more...blah blah blah. What a sham.

Answer 2

I would shop around if I were you. Ask for referrals from friends or co-workers. You will ALWAYS pay more at a gym, no matter how many "specials" they're running. Also, many of them aren't even certified. Anyone with a decent body and a gym membership can walk into a gym and get a job as a "trainer." I think a trainer is a good idea, but I think you could find someone better elsewhere. I am always sketchy about gym trainers. I had a lot of friends in college who were "personal trainers" in gyms and had no knowledge whatsoever. Many trainers also let you work out first with them for free to see if you like them.

Answer 3

YES, 100% have a personal trainer. I am a personal trainer and I use a personal trainer. Ask for testimonials and to see their qualifications, ACE is a fairly international training certification, ask how their training compares as ACE is quite good. Also ask their schooling, are they a university graduate who's field was health and fitness related?

Your chances of success increase by over 80% with a personal trainer. You will have an exercise program designed for you to achieve YOUR goals and considering your likes and dislikes. As well, you have the benefit of doing it correctly and GREATLY decreases your chances of injury (still expect to be a little sore).

Any creditable gym will ONLY have highly skilled professional working there.

The money is worth EVERY penny...

If you wanted to have your plumbing redone, would you hirer a professional or just read about it on the internet and get a friend to help you who's thinking of doing the same thing?

Answer 4

I wouldn't. But what are you planning to do? Gain muscle? Lose a lot of weight? Try going to the gym and meeting workout buddies, or people with expirience. Maybe you have a friend that works out that would help you for free. You could even try group classes, like kickboxing or something else that is WAY cheaper and you will still have fun and get into shape.

Answer 5

I would tent-pole it. That means work with the trainer for about a month to get you back on track. But to KEEP you on track, schedule follow-ups about once a month. That way you won't fall out of the routine. It works and is better than spending all the $$$ for weekly sessions.

Answer 6

$50 a session??? man thats highway robbery...if you just need motivation get a gym partner... put a post-it note up on the bulliten board at the gym and get with someone with similar ability and goals....there are plenty of resources on the web as far as workouts, form, technique and diet. personally i use bodybuilding.com. good site, nice people and knowledgeable forum.