AIBU - to stop using my personal trainer (first world problem!)

[IndigoHexagon]

I’m not really BU but I’m struggling to make this decision and I don’t know how to tell her!

For the first time in my adult life I have finally lost (most of) my excess weight and increased my fitness beyond what I could have imagined possible. I’ve done this by using MyFitnessPal and by using the services of a personal trainer. I am currently training with her once a week (and three/four times a week at a monthly paid gym), but trained with her twice a week last year. Altogether I have been training with her for two years and it’s made a big big difference to my success this time around (never maintained a weight loss before and I’m the smallest I’ve been since I was a teen - done from size 22 to a 12). I love my sessions and they have been the highlight of my week.

I’ve been very hesitant to stop my sessions with her as I’m so scared of going backwards but three months ago I joined a fitness group that allows me to train three times a week with my current membership plan and I’ve come on so much in this time.

My PT cost me twice as much a month as this fitness club (which I love too) and so we can use the local leisure centre I pay £20 a month on top of her fee. I could increase my membership at the fitness club for £10 extra a month and go unlimited number of times. The sessions are always different and concentrate on different types of movement and workout every session, which is what I liked about working with a PT.

I think I know I need to stop my sessions but I feel like I’m letting her down. I like her as a person very much and she’s so supportive.

How do I tell her? I feel so disloyal especially as I am basically choosing the fitness club over her!

I need to grow a pair I know! How do I tell her?

I should add - my sessions with the PT have been a massive luxury for me, and although expensive have been worth every penny ( and not much more than weight loss club membership and diet foods would have cost me!)

Does your PT do anything (or would she) like a maintenance program? So a monthly workout rather than weekly where she can assess your progress? Can you afford that? Would you want that?

If not I would just cancel and tell her why and tell her how beneficial she has been and that if you do find yourself slipping or you can afford it in future you’ll see if she is available to train you again.

OP, you sound too nice .

I think PTs are used to people moving on - it is a sign they have done their job well in a way as you learn how to train and program for yourself - I know you have the fitness club but often people stop just because they have learned enough to carry on on their own or with the occasional class or top up.

I think I'd say she has been brilliant for you. And then depending how honest you want to be, say you are now able to enjoy and benefit from the fitness club so you are going to have to stop weekly sessions (or just say cirx have changed) but maybe you could have an occasional one if there is something you are struggling with (if you'd be happy to do that) and you will recommend her to your friends.

That’s not a bad idea KennyRodgers.

You put into words, what I’ve been trying to say, very nicely! I am so lucky to have been able to train with her and to have been able to afford to do so, but I’m finding it harder to justify now I’ve come on so much with the other training group. I am so aware that if not for her, I would never have had the confidence or felt fit enough to join this group and I’m so grateful to her.

She will be used to ‘losing’ clients, as you’re so grateful a card with a message about how she’s helped that she can display or post and social media and leaving her a review would be lovely of you but don’t worry about ‘quitting’.

Really don't worry. I work in this area and have had lots of clients coming and going some returning a year later etc. There's always movement as people's lives change and adapt to different circumstances and with seasonal fluctuations too in people's habits. I wouldn't feel offended if someone decided to use a gym instead, as often that is the more flexible and cheaper option. But yes I'm sure it would mean a lot to her if you left a good review and recommended her to your mates!

Think of it this way, you’re ready to continue your journey alone and can free up a slot for someone new to join her.

My PT went on mat leave 3 months after I met my goal so I didn’t have the difficulty of this decision. Currently thinking about starting up again with her but not sure if I need to or just want to!

I think she’s become something of a safety blanket - someone to be accountable to instead of the scales at slimming world!

I’m going to have a chat with her tomorrow x eek

Just wanted to say how impressive you have been dropping the weight and getting fit.
I'm giving you a round of applause. 💫

Thank you Rationalcat x