Personal Training Anyone?

Being as I have recently lost all restriction (literally, I am able to eat half a medium pizza in one sitting on my own), I am struggling enough with my diet and portion-control, and want to branch into better exercise activities.  More importantly, I hurt my back at work the other day, and it made me realize that I HAVE to strengthen my core, and focus on becoming strong and lean, not just skinny.  

So does anyone empty their bank account for personal training?  Or bootcamp?  Or yoga?  Etc?  Any thoughts?  Is it worth it for a poor college student?

A personal trainer is great n all, but they CANNOT MAKE YOU do the work... YOU have to do the work. Yes, I go to the gym and do Yoga, Spin Class, and Strength Training, WITHOUT a PT... But, for a poor college student... Situps, pushups, crunches, working on "Plank" position, pull ups, Plyometrics would be a great start and DO NOT cost a thing... Running and walking are free, you just need heart, desire, shoes, and the air in your lungs. Go get em!

Thanks for your input!  I already do all of those things, and work out daily, so doing the work is not the problem.  The problem is that I am incredibly uncoordinated, and really need help learning the proper form for exercises so that I can strength-train safely.

no offense to any personal trainers that might be on the board, but i don't trust them.  i see them every day doling out poor advice @ my gym (and i go to a really nice gym) and most of them have limited training.  there are definitley some that are really professional and have exercise science degrees, but a lot have about 2 weeks of training.  in my opinion only, you can do just as well creating your own exercise routine after a couple of hours on google.

if you go the PT route, take it with a grain of salt and a stepping off point to get you going on a routine, but Dan is 100% correct, it will be up to you to find the motivation and dedication to stick with it.  best of luck, let us know if we can help.

A good personal trainer is worth every penny, but it is extremely hard to find a good one.  I have been blessed with exceptional trainers.  The big secret is to become friends with personal trainers, then you don't have to pay since they will take you on as their personal project.  I have three that I can rely on to beat me up at the gym, or on road, or on the trail.
Rob

Next semester or quarter could you take a beginning swim class on campus?  Since you've hurt your back...

I graduate in May and unfortunately, my campus has no physical fitness classes or sports whatsoever.  Sad, huh?

I joined a "boot camp" today that starts next monday, 3x/week, limits class to no more than 15 students, includes all levels and includes physical analysis every 4 weeks and nutritional couseling 1x/mo.   I am very excited, although it's been awhile since I've been in the gym.  This concept was very appealing.   I need more than just a gym membership, and I need guidance, but can't afford personal training.  My first month is very cheap, so I have a good opportunity to see how effective this is for me and how I like it.  Some of you may not understand, but for once I do not feel nervous about working out.

I'll update after the first week is over to let you know what I think.  BTW, the monthly cost(besides the first month)  is equal to the average cost of a 1-2 hour training session in the Boston area.

I'm sorry you have no access to a proper gym on your campus.  I was in the same situation when I was in college. 

Thank for sharing this thought. I have no experience about this topic.