Who would you choose?

L Sass

L Sass

Cathlete
Hi all. I've been VERY frustrated with my lack of results lately. Been zig-zag eating, working out with an hour of resistance and about 45 minutes of cardio daily, as well as freestyling for the last month - all to no avail. I need to lose about 15 pounds. Yes, my BMI is a healthy weight, but my body fat percentage is too high (about 24 - 27%) I've read BFFM - oh heck - I've read them all. BFL, BFLFW, Abs Diet, Ultimate NY Body Plan, South Beach, Atkins, etc.

Doc has cleared all of my numbers as being very healthy and says she thinks the only way to achieve what I want is with a personal trainer. So 2 have come highly recommended - need your help in deciding.

1. Male p.t. for 14 years, all necessary qualifications, hasn't heard of freestyling, but thinks I'm training too hard. Very knowledgeable from our discussions. Will charge $80.00 an hour to come to my home and work with me.

2. Female p.t. for 10 years, all necessary qualifications and a registered dietician too. Has heard of freestyling and from limited info she has thinks my issues are more food than workout related. She knows Cathe's workouts. Will charge $50.00 to come to my home a work with me, but suggests more frequent sessions.

Who would you go with? And please, when responding don't suggest altering diet or exercise. I think I've tried every combination on the planet. I just need to know - with as limited info as I have and have shared - who would your gut reaction lean to? Thanks for your input.

Lorrie
 
I don't know what your situation is, but I can tell you there is no way that my DH would be okay with another man into his house to be with his wife for any reason, period. So it would be easy for me to choose. But, not knowing what your situation is...

It is a tough choice. She has a background in nutrition as well, which is very important for you, and she has heard of freestyling. If this guy was really up on it, he would have to. As a trainer, or in any profession really, you need to know what is going on in your field to keep up on what the fads/new information is coming out so that you can refute it or use it with your clients. You have to stay fresh and keep learning. That is very big for me. However, I think he hit the nail on the head when he said that you were overtraining. And he has more experience. You work out plenty and she is wanting you to do more sessions.... hmmmmmmmm..... Do you know where they both got their degrees? Are the cerifications or degrees? That makes a huge difference in their knowledge of exercise science.

Geez, I sure helped, huh?

Missy
 
based ONLY on the info you provided, i would choose her because she has seems more well rounded and knowledgable. good luck with your decision and achieving your goals:D

jes
 
I agree with Jes, I would pick the female because she does seem more well rounded. Also, I know my hubby with have a problem with a unknown guy coming into the house to work with me as well! And I know I would personally feel more comfortable with a woman.
 
Hi Lorrie,

I've worked with personal trainers off and on for about 10 or 12 years. It's really fun--they can help you take your w/o to a whole new level. They also offer an objective view of how you're doing. Ultimately, you can do more strength work because you'll have a spot!

I never had them come to my home, (at the time I didn't have much equiptment) I had memberships at their facilities. The most I ever paid was $40 per hour, but again, I was training at their facility.
Also, I was given a free session so I could see how I liked it. You should ask if they offer any kind of free trial. Do you know anyone that has used either of these PT's? See if you can get a recommendation.

Every PT I had had multiple certifications but none of them had a college degree in anything like exercise physiology. The best trainer I ever had was a young woman who never graduated from high school! She got her GED then several different certifications. As a PT she kicked butt--BIG TIME. I had the best results with her and I was so depressed after she got married and moved away. I never found a trainer I liked better. She really knew her stuff.

Over the years I had 1 male trainer. He was really good but tended to train me like a man. I did have results, though. The last trainer I had was a woman whose style was too whimpy. It was like a powder puff w/o.

Good luck with your decision. I think you'll enjoy the experience. I sure did!

Michele
 
Wow! I wish I could have someone comming into my home! Instead people are tying to get me to come into theirs LOL:)
Who would you feel more comfortable with? For some reason the man is jumping out at me.I think b/c he thinks you are over training and I wonder sometimes if this is my problem.I should cut back some and watch my diet a little more to.
But she is also a dietician which could be in your favor.
I think I would feel more comfortable with a women but maybe would like to try the man only b/c I have been working out with Cathe for 7 yrs.
Lori:)
 
I agree with the guy in that you are training too hard, but I'd go with the gal. I agree that your issues may be more food related. Small changes to your diet will work wonders.
Just Do It! :)
 
I’m not impressed with credentials if the trainer is not in good shape themselves. I would go with the one who's in the better shape. If they can't do it for themselves they may not be able for you. If all is equal, the female for comfort (you being female), and the price. LOL
 
I agree with Bill. I also agree with the male about you working out too hard but I also agree with the female. Maybe you could use both and alternate? :)

Lisa
 
Hi Lorrie,

Based on the fact the female PT has heard of both Cathe and freestyling leads me to think she keeps up on current trends in her craft. Being a registered dietician is also a big plus. I'd try working with her first.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Hi Lorrie --

I am a personal trainer myself and I worked with a trainer before I got certified. It took me a LONG time to decide on one because there are so many factors involved. So I'd always *watch* how they were with their other clients. I don't like "counting-out-louders". I don't like "yellers". You have to feel comfortable with the trainer (ie being able to talk easily, etc) because it IS "personal". Obviously, you don't have the option of watching them with other clients if they will be coming to your home.

Why not try them both and see who you "click" with? Most trainers KNOW that, sometimes, the client and the trainer just aren't meant for each other. So they don't mind giving you a session to see how it goes...or at least not force you to sign a long-term contract or anything before "trying them out".

Here's my take (my thoughts and what I do):

I prefer male trainers. They push me. They can spot better with heavy weights (most of the time...simply because they are bigger than most women). I'm more motivated by male trainers. Maybe it's the testosterone? But that's in the gym -- doing HEAVY lifting.

The female trainer sounds well qualified and would probably be the better choice for your situation (at home, not training too heavy). The added bonus of being a dietician is great. Her price is also MORE than fair given her experience. You say she suggests more frequent sessions...but I didn't see where you mentioned how many per week you would be doing. What is "more frequent"? To see results ... you really need to work with someone for AT LEAST 2 sessions per week (possibly one if you are REALLY dedicated and already know what you're doing...which it sounds like you do).

Also...as just a general comment (doesn't always hold true)...female trainers typically pay a LOT more attention to good form.

Shonie
 
Thanks to all of you! I've booked an intro session with the female pt for next week. The male pt is actually taking an extended vacation for much of November and would not be available to get serious about a personalized program until probably mid-December. So I'll commit to a few weeks / months with her and then if I don't see results I have the option of switching. Shonie your comments on the number of sessions is well taken. With the little intro material I gave her she also recommended 2x per week, but I'll start off with one and go from there.

I really value all of your input! Thanks!

Lorrie
 
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