Trainer or Not?

I worked with a trainer for 6 months, and I've had really good results.  I like him a lot, but I'm not in love with the 'corporate' entity he works for that requires either bulk buying of sessions or monthly direct debits.  He's on vacation, and I'm working out on my own right nwo.

I'm trying to decide if I can go it on my own long-term and continue to progress.  What I really like about my trainer is that he's introduced me to a lot cross-fit type exercises rather than single muscle groups.  I have the basics and I can do what he's taught me, but I'm not sure how to move on from there.  I'm motivated, but I don't translate well what I see in say Shape to the gym.

I recently added biking to my running. In March or April I'll be able to swim again unless I break down and get heat for my pool over the winter.  I could join one of the actual Cross-Fit gyms across town instead just going to the Planet Fitness that's close to my house.  I'm nominally still in 'weight loss' mode since I'd like to lose another 12 pounds of fat or so, but my main goals at this point are more fitness and strength related. 

Thoughts? Opinions?

What are your goals? Do you have a good idea on how to do the type of exercising you like to do? If going to the Cross-Fit gym across town will keep you motivated to keep exercising and keep moving, then it is well worth the extra few minutes in the car.

I can no longer run or ride my bike in my neighborhood, so instead I drive across town to run so I have that piece of mind I am safe. On the weekends I drive an hour to Savannah to ride my bike, just the way it is for me. It is worth it because I am worth it, and I would rather drive a long distance than to train in my area and constantly worrying that something was going to happen to me.

I have a Planet Fitness trainer, and I've had her about three months now.  She's been on vacation the last ten days and I've noticed that I really DO NOT push myself the way she pushes me.  Or maybe its about not giving up in front of someone else?  I am not sure.  I do better with the trainer and even with a class environment, because I usually don't stop, and that proves that I don't HAVE to stop, like I convince myself to do when I am alone.

As far as progressing I am sure you could research the crossfit stuff and move on yourself if you have the time and energy to invest in it. 

Have you talked to your trainer about purchasing different packages?  Mine works for PF but the training sessions are all "hers" - and she'll give me deals.  I'll buy twelve at a time and she'll give me three free.  Or one free for six. 

A lot of CF gyms have an intro program you can do to see if you like it. Maybe you can try that out while he's on vacation.

I find that I can't do those sorts of workouts without a trainer/coach. I have a couple of options for them that work for me and don't involve going to the gym but do involve someone there to tell me what to do and measure that I've done it.

I just started a PT a few weeks ago and really like it so far.  My problem is that I am not disciplined enough nor do I have the imagination that he has.  LOL

Left to my own, I walk into a gym, do a few of the "standard" stuff, get board and wind up on some aerobic machine.  This guy makes me do different things and keeps me moving. 

The operation I am working with is not a big gym operation and only does PT with some group classes on weekends.  It is a bit pricey but it is 3 minutes from  home and very nice facilities.  However, as far as the price goes, it wasn't too much more expensive then getting a traditional gym membership and hiring someone from there to train me.