Do You Work With a Trainer?

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
May 19th 2009 11:00AM

Bob Greene recently told us why we should all consider working with a personal trainer. And his reasons are great. A trainer can help hone your workout, so you're getting the best results for your efforts. In addition, a trainer will verify that your workout is safe and is in line with your fitness goals, and a trainer can help keep you motivated.

I have to admit, even though I work in the health and wellness industry, I've never had a dedicated session with a personal trainer. But there have been many occasions when I called up my friends who are personal trainers and asked them for advice ... and their expertise has been a great help. How about you? Have you worked with a personal trainer?

Speaking of fitness goals, swimsuit season is right around the corner.

Last week I asked you if swimsuit season stressed you out. After a winter's worth of sweaters and heavy coats, that bikini can be a bit daunting. Here's what you had to say:

54 percent of you are a little intimidated by swimsuit season, but even though you're not completely happy with your body, you live by the "it is what it is" mantra.
21 percent of you are totally freaked by swimsuit season and are shopping for a great big cover-up right now.
19 percent of you aren't worried. You're confident with you body, flaws and all.
7 percent of you can't wait for swimsuit season. You can totally rock a bikini and you know it.

Source

Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

S.P. Gass 5-19-2009 @ 11:34AM

Well, I haven't used a personal trainer either. While I'm sure it would help with motivation, etc., most folks these days are trying to save money. I need to do better, but I know it's possible to get in shape w/o a trainer or even a gym membership.

http://lowtechtimes.com/category/things-you-dont-need/gym-memberships/

Vionna 5-19-2009 @ 2:52PM

I actually wrote about this on my blog back in March.
http://blackgirlfitrevolution.blogspot.com/2009/03/running-is-better-than-gucci-bag.html

It is try that many people are trying to save money these days, there are ways to work with a trainer that does not cost $100 per hour. A group can get together and split the cost. You can join a bootcamp class, etc.

However, I do believe that "the economy" is being used as an excuse for some things. I bet that most people that don't think they have money to benefit their health and fitness will find the money to buy a nice new pair of shoes, get their hair done, get their nails done, buy a new bag....But none of those things will improve a person's health or prevent them from getting heart disease.

Just something to think about....

Joe Hrdlicka 5-19-2009 @ 5:59PM

Trainers can be great for the right reasons. Maybe you need special expertise for a certain activity like swimming or weight lifting. It can also provide necessary motivation because trainers who are good don't come cheap!

Jonathan Aluzas 5-20-2009 @ 8:33AM

I agree with all of Bob's points, and I also understand the economic concerns people have about the costs of personal training. However, his recommendation to share a session with friends (which is generally called semi-private training or small group personal training) is a great way to reduce the cost and add an enjoyable social component to the workout.

The #1 reason the clients at my facility cite for personal training:

Because if they didn't have an appointment they simply wouldn't work out.

Now, I know it is perfectly possible to work out on your own, but if you're a person who is simply not going to do so and is honest enough to own the truth of that, then supervised training is a very important step to take for your health.