Questions for personal trainers

[LauraMax]

I'm considering getting 10 sessions at my gym. After surgery in October, a crash diet, missing some lifting last week & the stomach flu, I was almost in tears last night when I found how much strength I've lost. I'm bench pressing 15 lbs less than I was pre-surgery. 15 lbs!!!!!!!!! Significant drops in some exercises, smaller drops in others.

Here's the problem. While I have a pretty good knowledge base when it comes to weight lifting, that's pretty much where my knowledge ends. I have surface knowledge when it comes to dieting, cardio, circuit, etc. etc. But I don't know enough to figure out the right combo for someone my age, height, weight, fitness level, blah blah blah.

Last year I gained a lot of strength that paralleled my weight gain. Since I don't intend to gain the weight back, I don't know if I'll be able to re-build this strength. Also, having the body I strive for wasn't very difficult until I turned 40 last year. Now it's much more of a struggle & I'm not sure I can do it on my own anymore.

So one of my Qs is--& I know you'll be honest w/me since I wouldn't be hiring you --would it be worth the $$$? I have a really hard time spending money on something intangible (I have home improvements & needles in my face to pay for ). Do you think if I exercise consistently, keep lifting heavy & pushing myself I'll get back to where I'd like to be?

And my other Q--this one might seem kinda silly but it's a genuine concern for me--is will my trainer friends at the club be insulted if I don't hire them? I mean, I can only hire one, & I want it to be the one w/the most knowledge, not the one I like most personally. How would you feel?

I have an appt. w/the nutritionist Sunday, which is a start. I'm just trying to figure out where to go from here. I'd really love some input from the pros.

 

[gidget1978]

No knowledge...just want to giggle at the confession of "needles in the face"!!! hehe!

 

[lcobb2]

I'm considering getting 10 sessions at my gym. After surgery in October, a crash diet, missing some lifting last week & the stomach flu, I was almost in tears last night when I found how much strength I've lost. I'm bench pressing 15 lbs less than I was pre-surgery. 15 lbs!!!!!!!!! Significant drops in some exercises, smaller drops in others.

Here's the problem. While I have a pretty good knowledge base when it comes to weight lifting, that's pretty much where my knowledge ends. I have surface knowledge when it comes to dieting, cardio, circuit, etc. etc. But I don't know enough to figure out the right combo for someone my age, height, weight, fitness level, blah blah blah.

Last year I gained a lot of strength that paralleled my weight gain. Since I don't intend to gain the weight back, I don't know if I'll be able to re-build this strength. Also, having the body I strive for wasn't very difficult until I turned 40 last year. Now it's much more of a struggle & I'm not sure I can do it on my own anymore.

So one of my Qs is--& I know you'll be honest w/me since I wouldn't be hiring you --would it be worth the $$$? I have a really hard time spending money on something intangible (I have home improvements & needles in my face to pay for ). Do you think if I exercise consistently, keep lifting heavy & pushing myself I'll get back to where I'd like to be?

And my other Q--this one might seem kinda silly but it's a genuine concern for me--is will my trainer friends at the club be insulted if I don't hire them? I mean, I can only hire one, & I want it to be the one w/the most knowledge, not the one I like most personally. How would you feel?

I have an appt. w/the nutritionist Sunday, which is a start. I'm just trying to figure out where to go from here. I'd really love some input from the pros.

Hey Sweets--asking you to pm me or send to my email account (you know it). Can't write much now as it's almost bed time, but I am happy to respond.

 

[pepnchar]

First of all, hire the best trainer for the job -- nuff said.

I am a personal trainer myself, but I have thought of hiring one for myself just to give me an extra push. I might want to quit at rep #10, but if there is someone there pushing me on, I might make it to rep #12. Know what I mean? And it may not have to be 10 whole sessions -- maybe 1 or 2 just to get some new ideas -- then if you like it, you can always purchase more. You can also try splitting sessions with a friend to save $$

Have fun!

 

[Lynn M.]

Laura-

Definitely hire the PT that you think is best for you.. its your $$, your choice.

That being said, I know what you mean about worrying about insulting your "trainer buddies" if you don't hire them. I've been in the same boat as you on this one. My resolution was that I just scheduled my appt on a day/time where I was pretty sure that the "buds" wouldn't be there. ( You could also explain that to the trainer you DO hire and maybe he/she will be sensitive to that as well.)

I don't work with a PT that often, maybe 1 or 2x/year just for some new ideas and maybe for a critique on form on certain exercises. After a session w/ one, I usually come out more motivated to eat cleaner and work out stronger. ( well mostly bec. I just shelled out some bucks for it!

Lastly in regard to the nutritionist.. if they aren't registered dietitians, use your judgment on what they tell you, and ask them to cite their sources if it doesn't sound that scientifically sound. I attended a "nutrition seminar" at my gym a few weeks back and I was amazed at the misinformation that was being taught.

Keep us posted on what you decide on how it works out!!

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[lcobb2]

And my other Q--this one might seem kinda silly but it's a genuine concern for me--is will my trainer friends at the club be insulted if I don't hire them? I mean, I can only hire one, & I want it to be the one w/the most knowledge, not the one I like most personally. How would you feel?

Hi Laura,

I responded to your email in detail, but neglected to answer this question as well. For the type of money that you're looking to spend--this is business!!! I know that I am a very difficult trainer, but that doesn't work for everyone (more like Jillian than Bob with a lot of positive statments and encouragements; but my clients are hard core and know this about me and they want this). If one of my friends wanted to hire a trainer, but didn't ask me, I am upfront enough to ask her/him why. Whatever their reason, it's MY problem if I don't like it. There are some folks I can't train because of the time of day they need to workout--it just won't fit my schedule. If the trainer doesn't understand, who's problem is it? You are going to spend A LOT of money and deserve to get the most out of it for YOU!!! Otherwise, it would be like giving the money away to a friend, just to be nice.

Are you that person? I really don't think so.

One other thing--you can definitely hire someone with the most knowledge, but not enjoy training with that person. Some trainers have a "dud" personality. That's not fun. Also, you may hire someone you "like" but not get the same intensity that you're looking for. Go with your gut and trust your intuition.

I hope this helps!

 

[lcobb2]

First of all, hire the best trainer for the job -- nuff said.

I am a personal trainer myself, but I have thought of hiring one for myself just to give me an extra push. I might want to quit at rep #10, but if there is someone there pushing me on, I might make it to rep #12. Know what I mean? And it may not have to be 10 whole sessions -- maybe 1 or 2 just to get some new ideas -- then if you like it, you can always purchase more. You can also try splitting sessions with a friend to save $$

Have fun!

I have three "Buddy Up" clients right now. Each "Buddy Up" has two people in it.

1. Husband & Wife
2. 2 friends
3. 2 friends

I've also done a "Buddy Up" with three and four people in it, but I don't feel as comfortable with that since I'm really present with my clients (i.e., totally hands on) and try to focus on safety. Plus, all of my clients start fresh with me so I can ensure that they follow the highest standards of safety--alignment, posture, settings on EVERY machine, breathing, etc. An injury is not worth the risk.

 

[LauraMax]

Yeah, the "business" thing is part of the problem. Everyone's hurting for money & everyone needs the business.

OK here's what I did. Our club has two different levels of trainers. I spoke w/the fitness manager yesterday & explained what I needed, told him I def. needed a more advanced level. He had a couple of different trainers call me. I didn't know any of them, which I think could alleviate the trainer friend concerns (I can just tell them I wanted a stranger so I wouldn't be distracted by social stuff). I explained to them that I needed someone knowledgable about a "mature" woman's metabolism who's also an advanced exerciser, who could help me find the right mix of weights, cardio & diet, and that I wanted a focus on muscle building.

There was one guy who really stood out from the other 2, & he's also a registered nutritionist. I'm gonna get 5 sessions & see how it goes. It's done through the club so if I don't like him I can switch to another PT. If all goes well I plan on training w/him for twelve weeks & then going back to my own thing.

I'm mtg him Tues night, he's gonna do a bunch of 1RM tests & build a routine for me from there. I'm very excited about it but I'm also kind of nervous--I have a feeling I'm in for a reall a$$ kicking.

I wish I could train w/a friend--they do have deals for that. This is another guilt thing I'm having--if you remember a very good friend just started exercising & she's been training w/me. But I don't think she's anywhere close to participating in the type of sessions I'm anticipating. I'm pretty sure she'd end up in the ER. I feel kind of bad for bailing on her, but she does have everything written down (except for my leg routine--she's never done my leg routine--keeps showing up right when I'm finishing. Can't imagine why. ). Problem is she doesn't seem to have the motivation to do it on her own. I have to remember that's her problem, not mine, right?

Wish me luck!

 

[lcobb2]

Good luck! I know you'll do the best thing for you. And....I hope you work your a$$ off--literally!

 

[morningstar]

Lastly in regard to the nutritionist.. if they aren't registered dietitians, use your judgment on what they tell you, and ask them to cite their sources if it doesn't sound that scientifically sound. I attended a "nutrition seminar" at my gym a few weeks back and I was amazed at the misinformation that was being taught.

I completely agree. In Ontario, nutritionists are not regulated, and anyone may call themselves one (and anyone does!) but dieticians are regulated and you can pick one with the specific knowledge you need. That being said, the last dietician I went to knew less than me and she kept quoting her PT! It was a complete waste of money for me, and very annoying to boot, but it made me realize that I already had the knowledge, I just needed to find the motivation.