Is a Personal Trainer worth it?

[Over40Overdating]

Battling a few chronic illness issues, peri meno is turning me into a barrel and I feel quite meh about my body so thinking about investing in a PT for a couple of months, to give me a kick up the bum.

Is it worth it? Has anyone had great results, lasting habits or is it a bit of waste of time if you aren’t super into health and fitness already?

I have been using a PT for over 12 months now and found it invaluable. Not only has she kept me on track, but she gives great advice, and she has given me the confidence to do more weight and strength training at home by using the knowledge she has given me to use videos and techniques on YouTube etc.

I think it depends on the trainer and what you want to get out of it. I used a personal trainer when I first started going to the gym years ago mostly because I didn’t really know what to do when I was there so having a trainer meant she planned my sessions and I learned how to do different exercises & machines properly, also learned what a “good” session looked like so then when I stopped using her I was confident going to the gym on my own and planning my own sessions.

My PT also helped me with my diet and understanding how different food did different things, helped me understand the importance of protein etc and what food/what amount of food my body needs! So again this helped long term in planning my meals etc long after I stopped using her.

It also (in my experience) helps you get into a routine. When you first start it’s tempting to skip sessions and having a PT waiting for you at the gym gets you past that as you HAVE to go, or lose your money, so then by the time you’re done with them you’re already into the routine of going a few times a week so it’s easier to keep it up x

Thanks @Sanch1 - how often do you see them?

I would say yes, it makes sure you do suitable exercises for your fitness/condition, targets the areas you want to work on, make sure your form is right so you don't injure yourself and most importantly it's a commitment so it makes you do it. There is no way I'd break off from work at lunchtime if I've got a busy day if I didn't have the session booked.

@Mrsttcno1 I am a total newbie at the gym so that makes sense that they would help you get into a routine and habit.

I guess my worry is I am a total novice and will hate it - it’s a non refundable payment up front for 10 sessions.

@ringmybe11 that’s a really good point. So much of my current state is down to prioritising work busyness over personal health / time.

It could be a good, if expensive, way to set better boundaries.

If you find a good PT then I think it would be great for you to gain that confidence & knowledge of training etc with good guidance. I was a total newbie to the gym and found it invaluable to actually learn how to use everything, perform the exercises and learn how to put together a session so that I continued doing so after I stopped using a trainer.

Do they offer a taster session or anything? Most PT’s will offer something like this, even a short session as a trial or a chat with them to see if you are a good match as I do think having a good relationship with them is a big part of it!

Absolutely, best money I ever spent.

You don’t need to see one forever, once a week for 6+ weeks will set you up well and enabled you to make your own routines/ use online ones.

I love my PT he pushes me to do stuff I wouldn't do
He's not OTT, or annoying and takes me as I am

I see him weekly and he charges £20 for 45 mins
DPs trainer is expensive though I think so get some quotes

I started off at twice a week but now I'm more confident with what I'm doing I've dropped in down to once a week.

Would it be a personal trainer at one of the big fitness chains or an independent trainer working from his/her own facilities? I've had both and I can tell you that the first personal trainer (with Basic Fit), was pretty rubbish and it also didn't feel right/make me feel confident to have sessions in a full gym with everyone staring at me. I'm now with another training who operates from a very small private gym and it goes much better. This one knows her nutrition/physical stuff and adapts her training every week to give me the best experience.

Absolutely, yes, but you need to talk to a few and make sure you are comfortable with them - not just their capability but also that you can get on with them. I’m 60 next month. I’ve been seeing my trainer weekly (apart from when I or she goes away) for 2 years. IIt’s been absolutely worth it and I don’t see me ever stopping - it’s the expense after energy in my priority list. I’m stronger and fitter and more confident and I’ve dropped 3 dress sizes (I’ve changed my diet too, obviously, but she’s very supportive of lifestyle too).
As a PP said, the fact she has a private gym was a big plus, abd also that she specialises in women.