How to find a personal trainer

[Timber99]

For those that have one, I am wondering how you found your trainer? And (if you don't mind saying), what is an average cost for a trainer?

I am thinking of hiring one to help me refine the areas that I just can't seem to change on my own. I think that in order to get more definition, I need to also incorporate the gym. My goal is to have a program that is half home workouts and half gym.

Years ago (about 7) I hired someone and paid him somthing like $200 to create a program for me and go through the weights with me (without sitting with me for the cardio) for two weeks. He helped me get familiar and recorded everything so I could later do it on my own. I was just starting with weights then and this was perfect for me. The plan was for me to call him when I felt like I needed more of a challenge but then I starting using the Firm (and later Cathe) so I never did. My first goal is to try and find him but if that fails...

I am not sure how to go about finding one! I belong to Bally's and if I use their trainers, I can expect to pay a HUGE amount of money and be forced to hire someone for at least a month or two. Secondly I am not sure if they will let an outside trainer come in. I'd like an arrangement like the one I had in the past where the guy just created something for me, trained me and said "call me in a month" b/c I don't have a ton of money. And I want this as a supplement rather than a subsitute for my Cathe workouts (so I need a trainer that is open to that).

So what do I do? Are these kinds of things all word of mouth or are trainers in the newspaper, etc? Am I asknig for too much here?

Christine

 

[nancy324]

Hi Christine! I haven't worked with a personal trainer, and I have nothing to offer in the way of information. I was just wondering how you plan to make the time commitment to it because I know you're an attorney like me and I find it so difficult to make time for working out. It's my dream to someday work with a personal trainer!

-Nancy

 

[lisaannjam]

Hi Christine!

First, I hope you find the trainer that you worked with before. I'm a personal trainer that started as a gym trainer and now work as a private trainer. I have my own liability insurance and can usually work with any gym (I usually make an agreement with the gym where my client belongs and can work there with them). I also work in client's homes as well. I usually have my business cards available at the gyms where I train. Every gym is different. Bally's might not have other trainers information available because they want you to use their trainers. I found a web site that may help you find a trainer in your area and also tell you what to look for and average costs of a trainer. The web site is FitnessMBA.com

And about Nancy's comment...it is difficult to find time to work out. I actually have two attorneys that I work with and I really go around their busy schedules. We do work out at odd times sometimes, but I make them make a commitment to it and they do really well. I tell them to set up a time to work out and put it on their calendars just like they would a client conference. I know it's not easy, but I think that finding the right trainer for you that is very flexible can help a lot.

Hope that helps. Good luck!!! Let me know how you make out.

 

[Timber99]

Lisaannjam - thanks! I submitted a request on that site & will let you know what happens! That was a great idea! Unfortunately, I may hit a snag at Ballys b/c they definitely want their members to use their trainers but my god are they expensive!

Nancy - I work out in the mornings right now (sometimes in the evenings) for about an hour or an hour and fifteen minutes per day. If I do it then, I am golden and just start my day right after. That way, nothing comes up, I don't lose my energy and I am consistent. I usually go to the gym one night per week for a great cardio class too. I will have to make some time for a trainer w/my crazy schedule but since my goal is to just get a plan in gear and only supplement at the gym, I think that I should be okay. When do you do your workouts?

 

[lisaannjam]

Good luck, Christine. I hope you find the "right" trainer for you!! Hey, I incorporate Cathe in my workouts and my clients' too. We're out there!!