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Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
Sun Mar 23, 2014, 09:46 PM Mar 2014

Your thoughts on "personal trainers?"

Here's what I would like to accomplish. My birthday is on July 11th. That gives me 90+ days to look like I've been up to something.

I am "self-motivating"...I quit a 2 pack a day cigarette habit over 14 years ago, cold turkey, and have had neither a cigarette nor the desire for one since then. I don't need a trainer for "motivation."

I am thinking "initial consultation"...which is supposed to be FREE with gym membership...and then three "progress consultations" on May, June and July 1st to measure my progress and put in any necessary corrections.

I have just a few extra pounds on me...I lost a pretty decent amount of weight between the time I left for Texas and my return to Nevada.

I am not looking for a "ripped 6 pack abs" thing. I worked out regularly in the late 90s and found that after a month or so I was standing straighter and had developed a bit of a swagger in my step. I want to be there again. I want to get rid of as much body fat as I can but am not thinking "I want to get BIG." I just want to look my best, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Last time I checked personal trainers for the average working person attending a gym (NOT "celebrity trainers&quot ran around $100 a session, more or less. I have no idea what they are charging now.

Your thoughts? Money well spent, if spent wisely, or a waste of money?

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Your thoughts on "personal trainers?" (Original Post) Miles Archer Mar 2014 OP
My dear Miles Archer... CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2014 #1
I would start with the "free" initial consultation first. onestepforward Mar 2014 #2
Personal Trainers work, if you can follow up, and actually make the appointments. Xyzse Mar 2014 #3
Since you haven't worked out since the late '90s, Lars39 Mar 2014 #4
I've been working out for over 30 years... Tom_Foolery Mar 2014 #5
Thanks Tom... Miles Archer Mar 2014 #7
You're welcome!! Tom_Foolery Mar 2014 #10
I think they are definitely worth the money, if you are a novice. closeupready Mar 2014 #6
I think 3 or 4 sessions a year w/ a personal trainer is a good idea MissMillie Mar 2014 #8
That "initial consultation" Feral Child Mar 2014 #9

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,296 posts)
1. My dear Miles Archer...
Sun Mar 23, 2014, 11:15 PM
Mar 2014

I've used personal trainers a couple of times, and I am sold on the concept.

I don't remember what the charges were like, sorry. But I really like the fact that you have someone who is expert in the field designing a program for YOU, to get you where you want to go.

The ones at my gym all have bachelor's degrees; I don't know how common that is. They know more than the average PT, though.

I think you should look into it.

Good luck!

onestepforward

(3,691 posts)
2. I would start with the "free" initial consultation first.
Sun Mar 23, 2014, 11:28 PM
Mar 2014

They can help you get familiar with the equipment and you can tell them your goals and they can help you to reach them. The three free follow up consultations might be enough to help you make adjustments as you advance. See how it goes and then decide if you need more time with one.

I need to get back to weights myself. It doesn't take long to see and feel the results. Best wishes to you!





Xyzse

(8,217 posts)
3. Personal Trainers work, if you can follow up, and actually make the appointments.
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 10:06 AM
Mar 2014

However, in home DVDs work as well. Especially if you are self motivating and follow with them.
All they really do is keep you in track, and tell you what to do.

Which is basically what a PT does. PT also tells you what to eat. Most of those in home DVDs have diets to follow as well.
You put them together, and it works.

To me, PTs don't work, since my work does not allow me to have a suitable schedule every day to follow the PT. Most of them don't have appointments after 8 PM, which is pretty much the time I free up.

Good luck!

Lars39

(26,093 posts)
4. Since you haven't worked out since the late '90s,
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 10:21 AM
Mar 2014

a physical therapist that does personal training might be the best route. They can generally be found at teaching hospitals physical therapy sites. You don't have to go thru a bunch of therapy sessions in order to use their expertise. You want to be properly assessed on what you can do safely, and they'll set you goals, too.
Might save you a world of hurt. The rate I was quoted was about $80/hour.

Tom_Foolery

(4,688 posts)
5. I've been working out for over 30 years...
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 01:16 PM
Mar 2014

And I've never used a personal trainer. Over the years, I've developed a physical regime that has worked for me. Since you haven't worked out since the late 90s, you probably need to start out slowly by walking on a treadmill for your cardio. Then do some limited sit-ups (or crunches) and weight training. I'm no PT, so take it for what it's worth.

You are absolutely correct when you say that working out makes you stand straighter and walk with a swagger.

Good luck, Miles!! I know you can do it.

Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
7. Thanks Tom...
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 03:47 PM
Mar 2014

...you're 100% on target with the "treadmill first" scenario...each time I have worked out, that was always how I goot back into it.

The last time I worked out I was a little spoiled because it was at one of the more modern YMCAs where you log in, EVERYTHING is computerized, all of the machines are grouped by muscle groups, etc.

At the place I will be going to, I believe I will have access to all of the machines I need, but they seem sort of randomly placed throughout the gym. You get what you pay for. This place is $10 a month. The YMCA...at least a decade ago...was $45 a month.

 

closeupready

(29,503 posts)
6. I think they are definitely worth the money, if you are a novice.
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 01:35 PM
Mar 2014

Sure, everyone knows how do a push-up and a sit-up, but there is so much more to fitness than that.

MissMillie

(38,451 posts)
8. I think 3 or 4 sessions a year w/ a personal trainer is a good idea
Mon Mar 24, 2014, 03:51 PM
Mar 2014

Because I think it's important to mix-up your exercise routine.

At each session you can learn different exercises to focus on the different parts of your body. Then you can do different routines on different days and your body will react better to the exercises.

Feral Child

(2,086 posts)
9. That "initial consultation"
Tue Mar 25, 2014, 09:01 AM
Mar 2014

will be a sales pitch disguised as an "evaluation".

Just my opinion, but perhaps you should look at martial arts schools. Great cardio training with some useful life-skills as a side benefit. I don't necessarily mean fighting, but you'll see the balance and reaction-time increase in any physical activity.

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