personal trainer, yay or nay?
mannybolone
Los Angeles, CA 15,025 Posts
So one of my resolutions for the year is to try to get healthier, including getting into some semblance of shape. I have modest but distinct goals in terms trying to exercise regularly, losing my gut, blah blah blah. I have a gym membership which I barely used in 2007 and am trying to get back with and I'm debating whether or not it's worth working with a trainer once a week for the next couple of months. Shit isn't cheap but I'm willing to invest in my physical health, especially if the time spent will help me develop a routine I can understand and stick to. The problem - apart from the $60/session price tag - is that the trainers I've met there do this soft-sell which is just slightly disingenuous. On a "you know, I'm not a good salesperson and I don't like doing this...BUT...can I get you to commit to two months?" And I just hate it when sales people can't just be upfront with you and it makes me feel like I'm getting scammed rather than being offered a solid service to which I'd be happy to pay for...if it were legit. Anyways, what are people's opinions out there about the usefulness of working with a trainer and the expense investment? Thanks.
Comments
you'll either develop some extra muscles or wind up posting a lot less, I guess.
In my personal experience, having a partner or group is key to being consistent with exercise. Even if it's just once a week, you might schedule a jog with one of your buddies/wife whoever. EVERY WEEK on a particular day. If you're serious about it, it can happen. I go to Torrance every Sunday in the afternoon to run full court games with some buddies. There definitely should be some kind of added benefit in addition to exercise. In my case, it's a juvenile atmosphere where we joke around, I practice my kickboxing moves, and just soak in some sun. Then afterwards, I go to Nijiya Market and get a nice cold beverage. It definitely resets my internal clock, if you know what I mean.
PAUSE on this whole poast
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED.
whatever u did in gym class when u were 12 just do it again much harder...
If have the willpower to cop a trainer, transfer that to gettin up yo'self.
Somebody's gonna answer that a trainer will help your properly train.
Joggin takes a trainer? Eating right takes a trainer?
Push-ups/Sit-ups/stretching...takes a trainer?
Unless you wanna jump on a treadmill and watch the Wire w/ Hollingsworth an them.
I never could fusk w/ the "Gym Culture". I grew up just playin sports and shit.
In the end - do u and feel better. Its never too late.
b/w
YOU SOUND LIKE YOU'RE IN SHAPE. YOU KNOW HOW I LIKE A MAN THAT'S IN SHAPE.
Not a fan of this either.
Although I do use cylinder blocks as free weights.
anyways...
he helped me learn all of the equipment, and how to use it properly. set my goals, etc...
I would say, if you can, just get one to show you what to do on the equipment and really really push yourself.
Goodluck!
High school level gay baitin' iz weak.
I'm not into gym culture but it's easier for me to create consistency in a routine by having a gym to exercise in.
I hear your other points though, thanks.
A good martial arts class will provide you with all that you need. From Stretching,Meditation, Cardio workout to Meditation and the spiritual arts.
I tell you, if I did pushups every time I posted, I'd be... well, more out of breath basically, but hey.
The only reason the trainer is asking you to commit to a chunk of sessions is not just financial, it's so he or she can get you past that starting phase and into a habit. It's like a crack dealer, they gotta give you a fat freebie at the door to get you hooked.
Do it.
You will be happier after a while and have a lot more energy for work, sex, and digging.
Also, check out Bodybuilding.com's personalized workout database for a lot of useful info. The routines range from basic to advanced. There's a load of great free info about this stuff online.
Personal trainers can be great motivators, but your own willpower can put and keep you on the right track. Don't give away your money when it's completely possible to reach your goals on the cheap with some elbow grease.
I think the choice of getting a trainer really depends on your specific goals. The very best way to lose fat and get into shape is by combining diet and exercise. Both resistance training (weights) and cardio training (running, etc). If you're a total //()()|3 when it comes to resistance training I would totally get a trainer to coach you through the basics of proper form because weight training can be dangerous when done with incorrect form. Other than that I would not pay unless you need to pay someone to motivate you.
Check out http://stronglifts.com/ and check out their ebook. It's a great starting point for resistance training.
as far as diet goes, its always better to keep it simple dude. You could pay for a nutritionist too but all you need to do to really lose weight is find your BMR and subtract 500 calories. Check out http://www.freedieting.com/tools/weight_loss_tools.htm for some calorie calculators and http://www.fitday.com/ for a free calorie counter/weight loss journal.
I've lost close to 35lbs in the last 6 months by keeping my diet about 60% in check and both resistance and very light cardio training.
I started downloading a bunch of books on my ipod (audible.com) and the only time i listen is when i workout. On the one hand, its not that energizing listening to Jeffry Toobin talk about Supreme Court Justices (i'm currently listening to "The Nine"), but if you like the book, it motivates you to keep listening regularly.
It feels good to check that scale every few days and see a pound shed away. I say EFF a personal trainer, if you can motivate yourself to drive to the gym, thats enough to make it happen once you're there.
The arguments against personal training have been "why pay for what you can do for free?" Those same people are probably drinking bottled water right now.....
My own case is that I was given a gift certificate to 3 personal training sessions as a christmas gift. My wife, who is pretty fit, suggested I just go, and use those sessions and the trainers expertise to work out a routine- some for short days, when I don't have a lot of time, some for longer days. Then, if that gets stale, shell out for a refresher course every few months.
That said, a two month commitment is NOT what6 I'd look for.
I will also cosine the TAKE A CLASS idea. Spin classes are great for me- sure, the music is cheesy, but the group mentality and urging of a trainer push me harder than I'll ever push myself.