thinking about a personal trainer

wendygurl

Cathlete
Any thoughts on personal trainers?? I'm thinking about treating myself to this because I am in need of a "shove" lately. I am working out as much as always but with no particular routine and no visible progress. We just put in a pool this year and it would be so cool to look superfit for the spring opening. Unfortunately I live a distance from any gyms so I would have to hire an online trainer. I found one I connected with on bodybuilding. Com. Has anyone gone this route?? I think I need the accountability and motivation.
 
I wouldn't do it. I'd rather spend my money on a Bodybugg or a Gowearfit and, I am a certified personal trainer.

I went to my old place of employment (24 hour fitness) and saw a woman I used to work with who was struggling to lose weight. She looked the same as she did 2 years ago when I left. She's gone through a variety of trainers.

It doesn't matter how hard you work out for AN HOUR. There are only so many calories you burn in that time. What matters is the REST of your time - the 23 hours you have left.

You say you haven't seen any progress - are you writing down what you eat? This was the biggest problem for my clients - they really had no idea how many calories they were eating. They had an IDEA of what they were eating, but when they actually sat down and wrote it out, they were all stunned at how many calories they were consuming and how little their bodies actually required.

If you can connect with someone on-line (I'm assuming they're cheaper), and you really need accountability, then I'd say give it a shot.

But, seriously, exercising TO LOSE WEIGHT is seriously over-rated and falsely promoted.

I don't kill myself anymore with Cathe's workouts that are very intense. I ate a lot more when I worked out at a higher intensity, and I couldn't understand why I couldn't lose weight.

Monitoring my eating habits and maintaining my muscles with heavy weights has helped me get the leanest I've ever been at the age of 44.

Of course, this is JMHO + personal experience!
 
I had excellent results with a trainer, but I went to him 2-3 times per week for 1 hour sessions, and was with him for about a year, took a break, then another 6 months. I was never an exerciser before him, and it took me a long time to get the motivation I needed to go out on my own.

But something to also keep in mind, I was a true beginner starting from ground zero, so my results were easier to obtain, since you are experienced, you already have muscles and progress.

But in your case you know what to do, so it might just take a month or so of sessions of having someone else push you to get you back on track. However, for me, I would need face to face sessions, the online thing would not be the right kind of motivation for me.

Good luck with whatever you choose!
 
I'm with you. I am giving myself until January 1, and if I am not making progress on my goals by then, I'm going to seek the help of a trainer. I know a neighbor of mine had an out-of-state running coach who trained her via telephone, and that worked well for her. I might be interested in online training, too, but I wonder if I would do better having to face someone.

Is it a violation of the forum rules to ask about any Cathletes who might offer online personal training services?
 
Wow, i've always thought of Cathe as my personal trainer. I've listened to people, read magazines and watched informercials. Everything leads back to what I've already learned with Cathe. My challenge is not with working out, it's with food intake.

But, if you're to that point of deciding, do your research on each one that you're considering, ask other people at different facilities what you should be looking for and good luck.
 
Wow, i've always thought of Cathe as my personal trainer. I've listened to people, read magazines and watched informercials. Everything leads back to what I've already learned with Cathe. My challenge is not with working out, it's with food intake.

But, if you're to that point of deciding, do your research on each one that you're considering, ask other people at different facilities what you should be looking for and good luck.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Cathe workouts. I'm just losing direction and was thinking perhaps I am ready to take things to another level. I don't know how to up my weight training or when it's time to change routines. I'm to OCD to try and figure out my own protein/carb ratio. I do own a Gowear fit and basically it sits in a drawer. I'm still in the market and looking I guess but for now will stick with my Cathe and Insanity.
 
IMO, if you have the funds, and you need the accountability and motivation as you say (and a check-in won't do it for you), I think now is a good time to go with a personal trainer for a few months (IF you can find a good one: I'm sure they vary a lot in their knowledge, techniques and effectiveness).

Think of it as an early holiday gift for yourself, to help get you through what is often a tough time for staying in shape (November through January).

If there is some way you can test out a PT or two before you sign up for a series of sessions, I'd definitely recommend doing that.
 
There are very few good ones

When I was working out at L. A. Fitness, I saw the trainers telling people the wrong way to do an exercise. It was pathetic. I would not do it; I would use Cathe as my personal trainer.
 
There are very few good ones

When I was working out at L. A. Fitness, I saw the trainers telling people the wrong way to do an exercise. It was pathetic. I would not do it; I would use Cathe as my personal trainer. I used to be a personal trainer, and I would not hire one for anything. My license lapsed, and I am not getting it renewed, as I don't think there is any work.
 
The trainers at LA fitness that I witnessed WERE a joke. Barely paid attention to their clients, and did not provide any value from what I could see.

I did really well with my trainer at NY Sports Club, most of the trainers there were very good.
 
I think it depends on your personality. It doesn't work for everyone but it's certainly worth a shot. Maybe just get a few sessions and see if it is promising.

As others mentioned, trainers vary widely in their skills, techniques and in personality too! It's probably worth the time to meet a few PTs and see if you hit it off with anyone.

And if training sessions don't work for you, maybe group classes or a workout partner will. Don't give up!
 
Ooops. I missed the online part. Have you done a search for PTs in your area? You may not need to go to a gym, but can go to their studio or have them come to you.

I also think online training can be useful for motivation. And again, a workout buddy can sometimes give you the accountability you are looking for. If you find someone more experienced than you, they can also serve as a role model and give you some ideas about how to take your workouts to the next level.

Good luck!
 

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