How are you? I loved this post, very useful. I tried a personal trainer about a while back. I had just started at a gym and a free session with a personal trainer was included. I loved the 30 minute session, 2-3 muscle groups were incorporated in each move,I was sweating loads and I felt that I got a real total body workout in that time. I was hooked! I thought spending over $50 per hour on a trainer was out of my price range however.
One thing that turned me off with that session was how stubborn the trainer was to provide me with tips for my exercise routine. I understand they want to make me a regular client, but as a employee of the gym or even a generally nice person, I'm sure they should provide additional tips or recommendations. If i asked, “how often should this type of routine be performed?”- I was responded to with “Next time we meet again, I will explain it to you”.

I went on to craigslist shortly after and got a cheaper personal trainer, $20/hour at his home. The guy was sweet, helpful, caring, the works. In terms of routine, he designed the routine so i could do it anywhere, any time. I really liked the fact that this trainer gave me a basic routine (similar to what we have discussed, free weights, cardio, etc) that I could do on my own, without his help. It taught me the foundation of a good workout routine, and how to go about making one.
I requested several times for some variety in our workout sessions, perhaps some kick boxing, combo movements, etc. My trainer didn't agree and took me through the same routine 2x a week without any change at all. Eventually I grew very bored with it and had to quit.
If i had the money, i would def try seeing a personal trainer atleast once a month, just so they can give me a new routine to implement.

How are you? I loved this post, very useful. I tried a personal trainer about a while back. I had just started at a gym and a free session with a personal trainer was included. I loved the 30 minute session, 2-3 muscle groups were incorporated in each move,I was sweating loads and I felt that I got a real total body workout in that time. I was hooked! I thought spending over $50 per hour on a trainer was out of my price range however.
One thing that turned me off with that session was how stubborn the trainer was to provide me with tips for my exercise routine. I understand they want to make me a regular client, but as a employee of the gym or even a generally nice person, I'm sure they should provide additional tips or recommendations. If i asked, “how often should this type of routine be performed?”- I was responded to with “Next time we meet again, I will explain it to you”.

I went on to craigslist shortly after and got a cheaper personal trainer, $20/hour at his home. The guy was sweet, helpful, caring, the works. In terms of routine, he designed the routine so i could do it anywhere, any time. I really liked the fact that this trainer gave me a basic routine (similar to what we have discussed, free weights, cardio, etc) that I could do on my own, without his help. It taught me the foundation of a good workout routine, and how to go about making one.
I requested several times for some variety in our workout sessions, perhaps some kick boxing, combo movements, etc. My trainer didn't agree and took me through the same routine 2x a week without any change at all. Eventually I grew very bored with it and had to quit.
If i had the money, i would def try seeing a personal trainer atleast once a month, just so they can give me a new routine to implement.

@Steve If you have a free trainer in the office, why not go by for a free session, just to see what she says. In fact, I’d love to hear what she says, so please go. Make her earn her money!

@am – good call – ask around too, find out who else has used a trainer and if they liked them. personal testimonials go a LONG way.

@mandy – glad to hear you had such a successful experience with a trainer, I wish more trainers put the time in to learn about people like yours did. (of course, it did help that you were friends before hand).

@bfitz – Fitzy I’m gonna look into those DVDs as I’m curious to see what the fuss is all about. Are you gonna be home for Thanksgiving or Xmas?

@RRPF – I think you make a great point. That extra OOMPH that you can get out of somebody pushing you along is so important, especially if you’re trying to push your body to its limits.

Thanks guys!

-NF Steve

@Steve If you have a free trainer in the office, why not go by for a free session, just to see what she says. In fact, I’d love to hear what she says, so please go. Make her earn her money!

@am – good call – ask around too, find out who else has used a trainer and if they liked them. personal testimonials go a LONG way.

@mandy – glad to hear you had such a successful experience with a trainer, I wish more trainers put the time in to learn about people like yours did. (of course, it did help that you were friends before hand).

@bfitz – Fitzy I’m gonna look into those DVDs as I’m curious to see what the fuss is all about. Are you gonna be home for Thanksgiving or Xmas?

@RRPF – I think you make a great point. That extra OOMPH that you can get out of somebody pushing you along is so important, especially if you’re trying to push your body to its limits.

Thanks guys!

-NF Steve