People who have used or have a personal trainer

[springsally]

I've just joined a gym and there's a special offer on PT, but I've never been to one. Can anyone tell me what you do with your PT and whether it's worth it? I am not sure if it will be any more than the sort of things I'm intending to do at the gym like using the cardio and weights machines?

Depends what you want out of it. Mine helps me do things outside my comfort zone, that I wouldn’t usually do if I am planning my own work outs. I do more weights with my PT than I do on my own. It is nice to have something to work on with my PT. I can then use some of the things I do with him when doing the sessions on my own.

Mine helped me to do exercise right and meant that I'd have to actually go to the gym.

Mine corrects my form and technique, which is vital to avoid injury. I get personalised workouts according to what I want to achieve and pushes me to really get the most out of each session. She tracks my progress and alters routines as needed. I’ve been with my PT for over a year and love the progress I’ve made.

Mine motivates me and shows me how to do all sorts of things with the equipment that I wouldn't think of by myself.

I wouldn’t have exercised if I didn’t have a man turning up and forcing me to do so twice a week!

I've just signed up with a PT once a week. How often does everyone go to theirs? I can't afford more than once a week.

I go twice a week, but my PT has the trainerize app where she’s added lots of her own routines. Warm ups, stretches, hiit circuits and basic routines. She’s recorded herself doing most of the exercises so you can check correct form when working out solo.

You will absolutely never push yourself to the limits like a PT will. You'll get half way to max and think you're done. That's why they get good results. As pp said, they ensure your form is correct, which is hugely important for results and to avoid injury. And they mix it up, help you learn when to increase weight etc.

My last one absolutely beasted me (like puke after!), but man did my body look awesome at my goal date.

I used to have one (long story why I don't now!) and he was good for making me do exercises I'd never do on my own (like burpees in the middle of the gym floor), heavier weights that I wouldn't trust myself to do on my own and form technique. I would say that he wasn't great for goal setting or working to specific targets, but then the guy who briefly replaced him promised a load of that but was never around to actually deliver sessions. So it often felt like "workout of the week" rather than Personal Training but I enjoyed it and it was a session a fortnight where I didn't have to think about what i was going to do in the gym.

Thanks to all who've replied here, it sounds like it's worth it so I will give it a go I think.

How much does it cost roughly?

My core is shot to shit (diastasis recti) and therefore my form is awful when trying to do glutes etc.

I don't have much money, but may ask for some sessions as a gift from family if it could actually help.

Personal training can be a great investment in your fitness journey. Your trainer will create a customized workout plan for you based on your goals and make sure you're using proper form to avoid injury. And speaking of personal trainers, it's important to note that most reputable gyms require their trainers to have personal training courses from organizations like ACE, NASM, or ISSA. These organizations offer training courses that cover essential aspects of personal training such as workout design, anatomy, and injury prevention.

I agree with a lot of pp.
One thing I would add is that not every PT is the same. I've had a couple where we just didn't gel. A temporary one never learned what my capabilities were so I wasn't being pushed sufficiently. Another I had to hint strongly that it was only gym advice and not diet (and definitely not supplements) advice that I wanted.
Look up their specialties and see who looks to be the best fit and don't stick with one if it's not working

Same for me and I’ve had a PT for more than 10 years now. I need the discipline of being made to work outside my comfort zone and not just do what I think I can achieve.

Absolutely! Starting with a personal trainer can be a game-changer. When I first joined a gym and was unsure about personal training, I took the plunge. My personal training Sea Cliff not only showed me proper techniques for cardio and weights but also tailored workouts to my goals. That personal touch made all the difference—I felt more motivated and saw results faster than going solo. It's like having a fitness buddy who's an expert.