Anyone have a personal trainer?

I have been thinking about going this route to jump start my exercise program and hopefully my weight loss. I want Jillian from the Biggest Loser to come to my house!! Anyone have a trainer now or before? Are they worth it? Are they really that motivating? I am doing well at the gym and don't want to throw my money away to learn near to nothing! There is a just personal training gym close to my house and I thought about checking that out. I have seen the trainers at my gym and just don't see that I will click. Also what have you paid? Thanks Jen

I have "free" access to the trainers at our gym. I only used the one guy when I first joined last month to set up a basic program for me and he was "okay". I think I need to meet with someone else and tailor a program based on my needs and physical limitations. My support group meets tonight and the topic is exercise and trainers so perhaps I'll get some good information there. I cannot afford someone on a regular basis but having someone lay out a program for me is becoming more and more apparent as I deal with back issues. Someone I could meet with once a month or every 6 weeks to go over what I'm doing and revamp it would be good. Boy I watched someone working with an outside trainer at the gym the other day. He worked her hard. One gal that uses the gym is a personal trainer and she offered to show me some exercises to help strengthen my back. Just haven't run into her on a weekend yet. Kathy (who desires to be wealthy and have a personal trainer come and work her out every morning except for my day or two off each week...)

I kinda have a pt. He only helps me with my weights though. He lets me work out my cardio on my own. He helps me design my workouts and spots me and watches to make sure my form is right. He is great! Unfortunately, he costs entirely too much. I literally have to pay for all his groceries, his cell phone, help with college tuition. Of course I would pay for all those things even if he didn't help me, but that is what you do for your kids! He has been weight training for a few years now and has been a great asset. We have a full free weight set-up with a smith machine here at home. It is very convenient. I really have no excuse not to workout. Seven

Awww.. I think that's so sweet that your son is helping you get into better shape. He sounds like a real good kid.

I have a personal trainer through 24 hour fitness. When I went in to find a trainer, I met with the manager of the club, and told him about my situation, and that I really wanted a trainer that was in it for the long haul. I wanted someone that was completely focused on improving me, not just going through the motions. I also let him know that if I didn't click with the trainer, I would want to try someone else. I didn't give a preference of male or female. Because he knew I was serious and going to be doing it long term, he referred me to one of their best trainers. She is incredible. I lucked out and we hit it off immediately. She keeps me accountable and pushes the envelope every session. I do cardio on my own, with the exception for the occasional circuit training I do with the trainer. One thing I've noticed is that I don't pay enough attention to when my body is telling me it's too easy. She is continually asking me how the weight is, and often, I then realize that I could probably do more weight. So, we up the weight, and I am usually successful at that. So, it's important that the trainer keeps an active interest in what you are doing, because sometimes you let your own body slide without even knowing it. If it's affordable, I would highly recommend a personal trainer. You could do even 1 or 2 sessions a week with the trainer, if you can prove to them that you will be diligent on your own. Otherwise, you won't get the results that you are looking for long term. Right now, I meet with the trainer 3 days a week and do cardio at least 3 days a week. I take at least one day off, and on the days I meet with the trainer, I am now trying to do 30 minutes of cardio as well (although I don't always meet that goal). Do what keeps you motivated. I know that if I was accountable for myself, I wouldn't be getting the results that I am getting now. Having a trainer is totally worth it for me. Angela

Jen, I have a trainer. I've worked out a great deal with him. He meets with me once every 6 to 7 weeks and gives me a new routine. I go to the gym and do it 5 or 6 days a week. When it finally starts getting easy, I know it is time to schedule time with him. I totally recommend it. I wouldn't have any idea what to do at the gym if I didn't. I know I wouldn't push myself as hard as I have the past 5 months that I've worked with him! My trainer is pretty inexpensive. I pay him $35 a time and he usually spends 2.5 hours with me! The other trainers at the gym charge $40 and hour. I don't know why he lets me get off so cheap. I'm kind of a science project to him. He thought when he became a personal trainer he would have lots of WLS patients. I'm his first one and he is as excited as I am about my progress! I really appreciate his support. Lori

Actually, Jen, Jillian CAN come to your house. She just released a set of workout videos not too long ago called "The Biggest Winner". I haven't tried them, but you might consider checking them out if you really like her. I "LOVE" workout videos because to me, it's like having a personal trainer without all the fees. Good luck!