Hi I am new here but I think I can provide some insight. I have a personal trainer. The very best part of the whole arrangement is the accountability. Left to my own devices I can find a thousand other things that I need/want to do. But when you know someone is at the gym waiting for you well... you gotta go. I started by getting references from some of my friends. I really wanted someone who was well versed in all areas cardio, strength training, nutrion, flexibility training. When you are interviewing them make sure they are taking an active interest in your particular situation. It's great if they know alot about exercise and fitness but it isn't going to do you any good if they don't listen to you enough to develop your personal program. Be sure to talk about their fees on the front side. If you end up with someone who is affiliated with a health club find out if their fees include the use of the club or if you have to pay seperately for a membership. Also, find out if they have liabiliy insurance. Oh, and make sure they will work around your schedule and not vice versa. It is very important that you set yourself up for success. You don't want to feel like exercising is a burden because you have to squeeze it in based on someone else's availability. You might even ask them to tell you about a typical week's routine. That will give you an idea about how they incorporate cario,strength and flexibility training. I hope thats helpful. Good luck finding a great trainer. Nancy
That's exactly why I NEED a trainer. I am so far gone - meaning out of shape and I lack motivation. Thanks for the wonderful input.
I got a trainer because I needed the "push". I worked out with her at first twice a week for 2 months, then once a week for a month, then every other week and now I'm on my own. Every now and then I'll get a session in with her to "kick my butt". I picked a trainer from my gym so I wouldn't have to pay to go to another trainer's gym. I picked "Stephanie" in particular because I wanted somebody tough. I wanted somebody who would push me past when I wanted to quit. I also didn't want a guy (mainly because they'd be a push over... tell them you've got cramps and they'd let you slide..... ) Complain about ANYTHING to my girl.... and the workout would be brutal!! But, that's what I wanted. I went in and said "Who's the hardest, meanest trainer that you've got? I want somebody like Jillian from the biggest loser." and boy did I get my money's worth I'm in the best shape of my life
With a personal trainer, you tell them what your goals are and then they try to help you achieve them. I have dealt with several personal trainers from my gym and they are all good. They have given me a world load of information. So much so that I am about to start studying up so I can take my Certification test. They can help you achieve as long as you are totally honest with them and yourself. Just a thought. Maybe some of us here on WISH might be able to help as well. Tell us what your goals are and we can give you some ideas on how to achieve. The one difference is that the true level of accountability won't be there. You have to have some sort of training partner or trainer to report too for the asme accountability. It is easy to say you have done something to a bunch of strangers but in reality, you may not have done any of it at all. Hope you have a great day!
Good idea Bubba. I need to lose weight. I hate to admit it but I haven't weighed this much since I was 8.5 months pregnant. My youngest is almost 11. More important than the weight, I need to get into shape. By getting into shape, the weight will go down. My goal is to get into shape to be able to participate in family activies. My husband and boys have many plans for the next few years - including a rim to rim Grand Canyon hike in 2007 or 2008. In June of this year, they we have a backcountry permit for an overnight on Horseshoe Mesa below the rim of the Grand Canyon. From the trailhead to Horseshoe Mesa is 3 miles, 31 switchbacks & a 2500 vertical foot descent. The next morning I have to hall myself - all of myself - and my gear back up that 2500 feet for 3 miles over 31 switchbacks. My short term goal is to make the Horseshoe Mesa hike with my family at the end of June. I have been eating healthier, taking walk/hikes up the mountain - about 2 miles up & back so far & returned to curves for stength training. I need to up the intensity but don't know how to go about that.
