Opinions on trainers?

I am so with you on this.  I feel like I have gone as far as I can alone, but not sure where to go from here.  When I do 45 minutes on the elliptical I feel the sweat but I don't feel the burn.  It's too easy.   But, I don't have the $1,300 or whatever it would cost around here, just not happening. So I have decided to try something new.  I am looking into the P90 program but I think I have a bit to go before i am able to actually do that properly.  In the meantime I have accessed Self magazine online and I have formulated a set of workouts that I am going to do on a rotating basis.  This is different then what I have been used to and they say it's all about mixing it up.  I am also adding a step machine at the gym and I am going to see how well I do on the bike.  The pedaling hurts my knees but I feel like I need to do something different. Again, I am like you where I have been a member of this particular gym for 6 years but I don't go out of there thinking "damn, that was great!!!!"  I know for me it's a matter "manning up" a bit and realizing that if it's getting too easy i totally need to move on.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

I looked into the P90x and have an opinion on that. First off, have you done their assessment about whether it's suitable to you?  I think that's critical. From what I've researched, it really is advanced.  Even where I am now, I hesitate getting it.  Plus FORM is soooo important to what you do when working out. Hmmm, you could always hire a PT to come to your home and help youw ith the tape and form once or twice.... I may buy P90x for home workouts.  I just am sure I'll have some struggles with keeping up.

I just do not think I am ready for the P90.  I have a ways to go on my core strength still and without it the P90 is a big old waste of money. I may look into a personal trainer.  I know I am topped out where I am now, sadly.  There is more I can do in my own gym, kick boxing classes, groove classes, cycling classes, etc.  I can also "man up" and try to do more than 10 minutes on the Stair Master!!! Right now I am still rejoicing over hitting the gym six days a week pretty much for a few months now.  Since I am finally off of the traveling schedule and I home for more than a week at a time, I will begin to tweak things.  I figure while opportunities still exist to up my routine as it stands, I'm not yet out of options. 

Let me know if you decide to take the plunge with the P90.  I am going to wait on that monster. 

I don't know what gym you belong to Donna, but Bally's often has 5 sessions for $199 with their level 1 (those trained by Bally's only) trainers.  As Jerz said, that form is what really matters...I'm still feeling my session from Thurs thanks to correct form.  I think we can get too comfortable with the gym...after reaching a certain point, we aren't challenging ourselves like we could and should for optimum benefit.  We spend 45min there doing something or other and walk out feeling like we've done our duty for the day, but not much else.  I can honestly say that when I push myself and see that definition in my arms and legs, I'm hooked!  6 weeks til Memorial Day at the beach and this hot momma plans on lookin' a lot hotter!

I belong to the local gym, which has two different locations near me.  There isn't a Bally's for 2 hours and my gym does not have personal trainers.  They believe in the 8-80 approach, no scales at the gym, no judgement, etc.  It's a nice calm place to be and they offer enough machines and classes and the like to really make a difference, just a different place.

I'm going to continue to mix it up at the gym and really work on different approaches.  I'm actually tempted to visit the "testosterone free weights" part of the gym to see what i can glean from there!!!