Exercise Forum

has anyone ever hired a personal trainer and if you did, how log did u work with that trainer?
I have been working three days a week for 2 years straight.  I an tosing around the thoughts os, what more can I learn from her.She basicaly tought 2 yrs of any kind of weight training I would use.  I am struggling with continuing on or maybe take a break for a while.  I would really like to see if I am able to do the majority of the toning and weights myself.  Does any of you ever worked with an trainer.  She was really good for me but during this economical times I know that I will hurt her feeling but I think it time for me to have some time alone to see what other things are out their that i might want to try.  If anyone has some advise I would love to hear it.    Thanks  Kimberly

Keep in mind that I'm a 1 trick pony.  I bike...bike...bike.  That being said I feel that after I get through my surgery and recovered I need to add some things to broaden my exercise experience.  I've been thinking of something like this.  So, I'm not sure I am answering any of your questions but I thought I might toss out some thoughts about your question and bet some co-lateral gain from them:

1.  To what extent is your PT multi disciplined?  (Weights, aerobic, running, bike, swim, rock climbing...)  (See #3 )
2.  What are your goals?  (Improve/maintain tone, broaden your horizons...)
3.  Are you open to trying new things?

I know I need to expand my activities or else I am going to burn out and cross discipline training will benefit my cycling anyway.

Hope that helps some.

I've worked with trainers off and on. I find the machines limiting and I usually don't last very long with them or a trainer. They really don't expect you to stay with them that long.  Your traininer is probably in awe that you've stuck with her for two years!

Now, I also do a group Crossfit style workout and I've stuck with that for several years. But it's not one-on-one training and I rely on the coach to set up the workouts. So this is more like taking a spin class or doing step aerobics. You need an instructor for those sorts of classes IME.

I agree, that your trainer has to be impressed that you have utilized her that long. I have had a personal trainer just for 2 months now and I only see him once  a week but go to the gym 3-4 times a week w/o him.  I think he has really helped me perfect some form and know how to utilize my body and the machines better as well as just keeping me interested. Yet I probably wont be with him longer than another few moths or so.  It is cost prohibitive and I am not sure how much I will need after I have learned what I feel I need to learn. If in the future if I decide to do marathons or a tri then I would go back , probably, for some help but other than that no.
If you are hesitant to leave your trainer and still kinda want to train maybe talk to her about how you are feeling and maybe getting bored(?) and ask her to change things up. Maybe kickboxing, TRX straps, boxing or ask them if they are into offering some Les Mills classes (which I really enjoy)
Good luck to you either way and great job on sticking with training for so long , your an inspiration.