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Original poster

Which personal trainer would you choose?

35 replies

CovidCorvid · 08/09/2021 07:18

I’m looking to lose weight. Had a taster session with two different trainers at the gym and really liked them both. Which do you think I might get better results with as I have no idea how to choose?

Trainer A was more of a traditional heavy free weights focus. So lots of deadlifts, squats, leg press, bench work with dumbbells. Really pushed me with heavier weights.

Trainer B was weights focused but mainly cable machine and also incorporated cardio stuff into the routine to get my HR up such as battle rope slams.

I did feel I was going to puke with trainer B and didn’t with trainer A. Which also means I enjoyed trainer A’s session a bit more.

Would it really make a difference which one I choose? Both the same price. A has slightly better availability. Do I just toss a coin?

OP posts:
Figgyboa · 08/09/2021 07:58

A. Free weights tend to get better results overall than cable weights.

Dozer · 08/09/2021 07:56

PT is ultra expensive relative to other exercise options, and if your main goal is weight loss your resources might be better used elsewhere, eg meal planning and food budget. Weight loss is mainly down to food.

Easy to do cardio in other ways, eg classes, gym or swimming, jogging.

Laufeythejust · 08/09/2021 07:50

Do they have Instagram? If so follow them both and have a look- it’s a great insight to their personality and how they are with clients.

Both seem like they’d be good and it’s just your preference really. I prefer free weights so I would go with A but one of my main things is if I ‘click’ and get on with them.

Original poster
CovidCorvid · 08/09/2021 07:44

Yeah I'm sure if I said to A can we do stuff to get my HR up more he would.

I see a woman in my classes who uses B and she's dropped a load of weight.

OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 08/09/2021 07:34

I would probably choose A - especially if their availability is a bit better. Are they up to incorporating exercises that you’re interested in? If I asked mine to do battle ropes or whatever he’d include them for me.

Caramellatteplease · 08/09/2021 07:33

Either will work. Cables carries less chance of getting it wrong and injury. Weights are particularly good when losing weight.

Which one could you tolerate telling you to keep going when you think you can't?

Original poster
CovidCorvid · 08/09/2021 07:29

They both have a degree in sports science, both over ten years experience, both level 3….possibly A might have said level 4?

OP posts:
Original poster
CovidCorvid · 08/09/2021 07:28

A said if I carried on with him he’d get me on the boditrax fancy scales and monitor weight/composition. So I get the impression nutrition would come into it.

B asked about my diet. Gave me a much needed kick up the bum about cutting carbs and increasing protein and gave me some ideas of quick protein rich meals. And also said about using the boditrax scales.

OP posts:
Helspopje · 08/09/2021 07:27

A will likely do you more good

Assuming you don’t have particular needs like post partum training or recovery after injury or significant illness check they have decent qualifications; I usually look for a sports science degree and level 3 PT and a S&C qualification would be a bonus but the easiest way to work out who is decent in the gym is to ask who the trainers go to for sessions. I also seem to work best for the sarky bastards that give minimal praise rather than the gushers.

Xmasfairy86 · 08/09/2021 07:22

I’d choose free weights over cable assisted so I’d probably plump for A.
Did either say anything about diet/nutrition? It’s all well and good exercising but if you live off crisps you’ll get no where fast 🤣