Ok a question for all you gym rats here, just wondering if anyone here uses or has used a personal trainer at their gym, what their rate was and did ya find it helpful also any tips on finding a good one. I am feeling like my workout routine is going nowhere and need to step it up and my gym has quoted me a price of what works out to be about 65 bucks for a one hour session
personal trainers
- Thread starter scouser1
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Make sure you get a good trainer.
Anyone can call themselves a trainer these days it seems like.
Does your trainer know how to gain mass without strength????
Does he know how to gain strength without mass???
Does he know how to work fast-twitch muscles??? (important for athletes).
Does he know how to do endurance training???
Does he know the best supplements (both natural and chemical)????
Does he know when to take these supplements and when not???
I can go on and on
Anyone can call themselves a trainer these days it seems like.
Does your trainer know how to gain mass without strength????
Does he know how to gain strength without mass???
Does he know how to work fast-twitch muscles??? (important for athletes).
Does he know how to do endurance training???
Does he know the best supplements (both natural and chemical)????
Does he know when to take these supplements and when not???
I can go on and on
I use to have a personal trainer that was in fact training to be a personal trainer. She use to come over to my place and give me personal training and a massage for myself as well as Monty ( the python that lives in my pants ) 
Personal trainers are useful IMO if you're a beginner or if you're experimenting with different training methods. Getting someone who knows what they're doing might be tough. There are a lot of people that either talk the talk or look the part who really have no clue of even basic physiology or God forbid pathophysiology. Sometimes this is a buyer beware situation.The rate sounds reasonable though.
But for the most part, I think a good training partner can be more handy. It depends on what you're trying to do though and sometimes traing partners are hard to come by -specially if you're trying to match up.
But for the most part, I think a good training partner can be more handy. It depends on what you're trying to do though and sometimes traing partners are hard to come by -specially if you're trying to match up.
Two good reads are: Fit or Fat by Covert Bailey and Body for Life by Bill Phillips.
Both talk a lot about genetics and the entire process. Bailey is a renowned biochemist and did a great deal of research on why thin people are thin and fat people are fat. Phillips book is elememtary but will help you build a very solid foundation. You will get enough out of reading these books to be able to select a personal trainer that meats your needs.
Ask your trainer-candidate:
Are they certified and by whom
Do they have education in the field
How they train and why they train that way
What continuing education or workshops they attend
what they would recommend for you and what goals would they set (be skeptical of the ones recomending the latest fads).
When you make your selection measure your progress against your goals to see if your trainer is helping you achieve your desired result.
Good luck
matt
Find one that teaches the body instead ot teaching exercises.
Both talk a lot about genetics and the entire process. Bailey is a renowned biochemist and did a great deal of research on why thin people are thin and fat people are fat. Phillips book is elememtary but will help you build a very solid foundation. You will get enough out of reading these books to be able to select a personal trainer that meats your needs.
Ask your trainer-candidate:
Are they certified and by whom
Do they have education in the field
How they train and why they train that way
What continuing education or workshops they attend
what they would recommend for you and what goals would they set (be skeptical of the ones recomending the latest fads).
When you make your selection measure your progress against your goals to see if your trainer is helping you achieve your desired result.
Good luck
matt
Find one that teaches the body instead ot teaching exercises.
I've used personal trainers...
...on and off (about 50 / 50) for the last 6 years....starting after I divorced wife #1 and moved to New York, so I figured I better get my ass in shpe for being single (again).
Most of the stuff here is good advice...but I will give you some more thoughts / feedback.
Decide in advance what it is you want to accomplish, with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Agreed - With Your Trainer, Realistic, Time Based).
With those goals in hand, interview a few different trainers - different trainers will have different backgrounds, strenghts and weaknesses. Do not assume the guy (gal?) with the biggest muscles is the best trainer - the best trainer I EVER had was a guy who actually was a tiny bit soft (he admitted that he didn't watch his diet super close). He was much stronger than the average person - he had to be in order to do his day job - but not a muscle head, and in fact not as strong as me once we reached my goals.
What he DID have was experience...years of training...and knowledge through the constant research and classwork he did. He was a dancer (modern ballet), which meant he had to be stong enough to effortlessly lift his female partners, and it also required he be very flexible. He also posessed UNBELIEVABLE "Core" strength...in combination with amazing balance and flexiabilty. When he was done with me I no longer had back pain (it has since returned), I had lost 50+ lbs, and I could do simply amazing things that took balance and "core" strength...like...kneel on a swiss ball while doing 60lbs (each hand) shoulder presses...kneel on a swiss ball and curl 50lbs dumbells...or stand on a swiss ball (yes...stand on a ball...it can be done).
Make sure anyone you work with is CERTIFIED. And it isn't a bad idea to make sure that either they (or the gym) are insured.
I have found that the compatibility / relationship between yourself and your trainer is very, very key. Me - I need someone who will push me, but who understands that when I say "no more" I MEAN IT. This is because I already push myself pretty hard (old habits - football - die hard). So I dont' need someone in my eargiving me shit once I say "enough". On the other hand, some people need a trainer because they have no idea how to push themselves...they think when it gets a bit difficult, you are supposed to stop. My last two trainers have been PERFECT....but the guy I had in New York was a pain in the ass. I need knowledge and motivation...I don't need a cheerleader / drill sargent. You have to decide for yourself what you are looking for...which is a good reason to work with multiple trainers until you find one that is a fit.
Cost - depends on the gym and the level of experience of the trainer. I've paid as little as $50/hr, and as much as $90/hr. You can pay more...especially at boutique gyms in some cities (like New York), but I refused. My current guy is a tad pricy...especially after i go see him 3 or 4 times in a week...but I am paying for him and the gym, because he has his own studio / gym. it is worth the extra 10 - 15 an hour to not have to deal with crowds or noise or wating to use equipment. Again, decide what works best for you.
Summary:
1) Know what you want to accomplish in advance so you can discuss it with each trainer you interview (yes - INTErVIEW THEM...because you want to know how much experience / knowledge they have, and you want to check the personality fit)
2) Verify that anyone you work with is certified.
3) Work out with a few trainers to get a feel for how the relationship witll work ongoing, then pick the best fit for you
4) Expect to pay at least $50/hr...and more for someone who is more experienced.
HTH...
...on and off (about 50 / 50) for the last 6 years....starting after I divorced wife #1 and moved to New York, so I figured I better get my ass in shpe for being single (again).
Most of the stuff here is good advice...but I will give you some more thoughts / feedback.
Decide in advance what it is you want to accomplish, with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Agreed - With Your Trainer, Realistic, Time Based).
With those goals in hand, interview a few different trainers - different trainers will have different backgrounds, strenghts and weaknesses. Do not assume the guy (gal?) with the biggest muscles is the best trainer - the best trainer I EVER had was a guy who actually was a tiny bit soft (he admitted that he didn't watch his diet super close). He was much stronger than the average person - he had to be in order to do his day job - but not a muscle head, and in fact not as strong as me once we reached my goals.
What he DID have was experience...years of training...and knowledge through the constant research and classwork he did. He was a dancer (modern ballet), which meant he had to be stong enough to effortlessly lift his female partners, and it also required he be very flexible. He also posessed UNBELIEVABLE "Core" strength...in combination with amazing balance and flexiabilty. When he was done with me I no longer had back pain (it has since returned), I had lost 50+ lbs, and I could do simply amazing things that took balance and "core" strength...like...kneel on a swiss ball while doing 60lbs (each hand) shoulder presses...kneel on a swiss ball and curl 50lbs dumbells...or stand on a swiss ball (yes...stand on a ball...it can be done).
Make sure anyone you work with is CERTIFIED. And it isn't a bad idea to make sure that either they (or the gym) are insured.
I have found that the compatibility / relationship between yourself and your trainer is very, very key. Me - I need someone who will push me, but who understands that when I say "no more" I MEAN IT. This is because I already push myself pretty hard (old habits - football - die hard). So I dont' need someone in my eargiving me shit once I say "enough". On the other hand, some people need a trainer because they have no idea how to push themselves...they think when it gets a bit difficult, you are supposed to stop. My last two trainers have been PERFECT....but the guy I had in New York was a pain in the ass. I need knowledge and motivation...I don't need a cheerleader / drill sargent. You have to decide for yourself what you are looking for...which is a good reason to work with multiple trainers until you find one that is a fit.
Cost - depends on the gym and the level of experience of the trainer. I've paid as little as $50/hr, and as much as $90/hr. You can pay more...especially at boutique gyms in some cities (like New York), but I refused. My current guy is a tad pricy...especially after i go see him 3 or 4 times in a week...but I am paying for him and the gym, because he has his own studio / gym. it is worth the extra 10 - 15 an hour to not have to deal with crowds or noise or wating to use equipment. Again, decide what works best for you.
Summary:
1) Know what you want to accomplish in advance so you can discuss it with each trainer you interview (yes - INTErVIEW THEM...because you want to know how much experience / knowledge they have, and you want to check the personality fit)
2) Verify that anyone you work with is certified.
3) Work out with a few trainers to get a feel for how the relationship witll work ongoing, then pick the best fit for you
4) Expect to pay at least $50/hr...and more for someone who is more experienced.
HTH...
I used to be a personal trainer when I worked at Gold’s Gym. Sometimes they are good to have because they can correct bad training techniques which could result in over-training or injury. But other than having a personal trainer, I would suggest reading articles on training and fitness. You can always get good tips from them.
scouser1 said:
Hey scouser, I'm a self-employed personal trainer in London. If you've been working out out for a while and have a decent grasp of exercise techniques, you really DON'T need a personal trainer. Your workouts are probably getting stale. You have to adjust your routines every month or so.
Try this for a month and you'll notice the results.
Stick to Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press and Pullups (or bent rows if you have trouble doing this exercise). Do 3-4 sets of these with about 75-85% of your One Rep Max for 6-8 repetitions, 3 times a week. Don't do any other strength exercises, None. No curls, shoulders, abs, none. Do these in good form with free-weights and add 8-10 minutes of vigorous cardio (elliptical, bike, running it dosent matter) 4-6 times a week. Try this routine for a month and notice the results.
I feel personal trainers are only beneficial for total beginners or, surprisingly, elite athletes looking to reach the next performance level. If you have some experience in the gym, you really don't need us. God, Goodlife would be out of business if this got out!
Marcus Aurellis
what we do in life, echoes in eternity
A dancer friend told me that she paid her personal trainer $50 an hour two years ago. She is cute so she might (might not) have gotten a "cuteness" discount.
One of the up-sides of having a PT is that you'll always have someone that will spot you (correctly) all the way through your workout. I find that allot of guys in the gym spot incorrectly. They're either yanking the bar wayy too soon or the're pulling 90% of the weight and not letting you do the last rep (99%) yourself.
I've been workingout for about 15 years and I wish I had the $ for a really, really good PT the kind that trains actors and pro athletes. Theres nothing like being pushed by someone who knows what thery're doing. You'll make such faster strides then someone who worksout on his own people will think you're taking supplements..
My advice is if you can afford a good PT then do it... If you were to start now by next spring you'll be in great shape, I guarantee it
That is as long as you eat somewhat clean also.
I've been workingout for about 15 years and I wish I had the $ for a really, really good PT the kind that trains actors and pro athletes. Theres nothing like being pushed by someone who knows what thery're doing. You'll make such faster strides then someone who worksout on his own people will think you're taking supplements..
My advice is if you can afford a good PT then do it... If you were to start now by next spring you'll be in great shape, I guarantee it
That is as long as you eat somewhat clean also.
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