Personal trainers worth it?
Discussion
Great idea, I had one for 8 sessions and it’s a different experience for me, usually when I go, I’m either with a friend or by myself and half the time I’m faffing about changing the song or talking etc. With a PT, you’re paying someone to train you up so they’re on your case, getting the weights ready, telling you what to do and they know what you can and can’t do.
I would have kept mine but they’re not cheap and it adds up along with the gym membership. After my first session, I was actually sick after!
I would have kept mine but they’re not cheap and it adds up along with the gym membership. After my first session, I was actually sick after!
I would say don't bother! There is enough information out there to come up with some new routines yourself and set your own goals!
Record each session and try and better it the next week. Simple.
If you are relying on a PT for motivation but only plan on using them for the short-term then its likely you will struggle for motivation after you stop using them.
I have enjoyed going to the gym for years on my own.
Record each session and try and better it the next week. Simple.
If you are relying on a PT for motivation but only plan on using them for the short-term then its likely you will struggle for motivation after you stop using them.
I have enjoyed going to the gym for years on my own.
Pistonheader101 said:
Thinking of having a PT 3 sessions a week. 16 weeks or so.
I think this could help get you back into the habit of exercising.That said, I'd also suggest using the 16 weeks to work out your own strategies for sticking with exercise long-term. E.g. a mix of setting goals that you're truly committed to, rewards to yourself as you progress through your goals, prompts that remind you to exercise, new gym kit, etc.
I started using a PT about 2 months ago. £200 per month based on 2 sessions per week plus as many group sessions you can fit in on top of that (there are 4 per week). The "one-to-one" sessions are not exactly one to one, they're with a maximum of 4 people in the group but usually, at the time I go (8pm) it's just me and my wife on the session, which works well. It's also a private gym with brand new, top of the line equipment which I find helps.
I've seen a massive improvement in my motivation, strength and fitness and would recommend it to anyone who is struggling.
It all depends on the PT you choose though I think. The chap I use is excellent - very technical, able to explain the correct movements and form and combines all of this with good stretching techniques before and after each workout. Plus he keeps it interesting and constantly pushes me every session. I come out of them feeling like I've been absolutely beasted for an hour.
For me, this is what a PT should be like. Those who stand next to you on a treadmill for 20 minutes telling you to "keep going" are utterly useless and you need to avoid them like the plague.
Before I started, I injured myself (usually my lower back) pretty much every time I ventured into the gym but I've had no niggles whatsoever since starting this and can see myself continuing with it for the foreseeable future.
I've seen a massive improvement in my motivation, strength and fitness and would recommend it to anyone who is struggling.
It all depends on the PT you choose though I think. The chap I use is excellent - very technical, able to explain the correct movements and form and combines all of this with good stretching techniques before and after each workout. Plus he keeps it interesting and constantly pushes me every session. I come out of them feeling like I've been absolutely beasted for an hour.
For me, this is what a PT should be like. Those who stand next to you on a treadmill for 20 minutes telling you to "keep going" are utterly useless and you need to avoid them like the plague.
Before I started, I injured myself (usually my lower back) pretty much every time I ventured into the gym but I've had no niggles whatsoever since starting this and can see myself continuing with it for the foreseeable future.
If you get a good PT it will be worth it, but chances are you won't as they are very very rare. Heres a few PT clue/tips to help you tell...
A bad PT will...
Not teach you the technical details and correct ways to do the main lifts.
Have you out of breath and knackered every session, lifting to failure with light weights and super high reps until your muscles feel like they are gonna go pop.
Will have you doing tons of assitance exercises and machines, so many that you can't learn them all.
Won't write you an exercise program based on your goals and explain why hes picked what exercises.
Won't keep track of your weights each session so you can progress and increase the load.
Will look confused if you say words like "starting strengh".
A good PT will
Not do the above
Be probably booked up 6 weeks plus in advance
Not be cheap!
Put you in front of a barbell and make you deadlift or squat
Will focus your training on compound lifts with some assistance work afterwards
The harder part is getting your diet and nutrition correct and enough good quality sleep so you can recover and get stronger. Then developing the will to keep progressing as the weight starts to get ugly. Its no longer fun, new or interesting. Its hard, its gonna take some life out of you and you will be sore the next day.
A bad PT will...
Not teach you the technical details and correct ways to do the main lifts.
Have you out of breath and knackered every session, lifting to failure with light weights and super high reps until your muscles feel like they are gonna go pop.
Will have you doing tons of assitance exercises and machines, so many that you can't learn them all.
Won't write you an exercise program based on your goals and explain why hes picked what exercises.
Won't keep track of your weights each session so you can progress and increase the load.
Will look confused if you say words like "starting strengh".
A good PT will
Not do the above
Be probably booked up 6 weeks plus in advance
Not be cheap!
Put you in front of a barbell and make you deadlift or squat
Will focus your training on compound lifts with some assistance work afterwards
- EDIT* assumption you're a guy and want to train to get stronger
The harder part is getting your diet and nutrition correct and enough good quality sleep so you can recover and get stronger. Then developing the will to keep progressing as the weight starts to get ugly. Its no longer fun, new or interesting. Its hard, its gonna take some life out of you and you will be sore the next day.
Edited by stargazer30 on Friday 1st February 17:08
I saw a PT twice a week for a year or so. Helped massively. Was a good way to get my arse in the gym and she used to push me really hard.
Getting on with them helps massively. I saw one a few times and just couldn't warm to them as a person.
Actually got a few sessions booked in with her again in the future to get my arse back in gear.
Getting on with them helps massively. I saw one a few times and just couldn't warm to them as a person.
Actually got a few sessions booked in with her again in the future to get my arse back in gear.
Just my opinion, but definitely worth it.
Depends on your existing knowdlge, but unless you are in fact a PT you should learn some stuff.
As others have said though there are good PTs and rubbish PTs.
I'd ask them what they plan to do over the next 2 months, potentially after they've done an assesment session. If it's getting certain areas of your body to be stronger and getting them to work better together then for me that's a green light. If they plan on shouting at you while you train a machine then it's a waste of time.
Depends on your existing knowdlge, but unless you are in fact a PT you should learn some stuff.
As others have said though there are good PTs and rubbish PTs.
I'd ask them what they plan to do over the next 2 months, potentially after they've done an assesment session. If it's getting certain areas of your body to be stronger and getting them to work better together then for me that's a green light. If they plan on shouting at you while you train a machine then it's a waste of time.
Chestrockwell said:
I would have kept mine but they’re not cheap and it adds up along with the gym membership. After my first session, I was actually sick after!
If the PT has pushed you to the point of being physically sick then I'd say they're a bit rubbish. That should not be happening unless you specifically told them you wanted pushing that much.
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