AIBU to quit the personal trainer even though I’m making progress?

Sapho47 · 05/03/2021 00:19

@SkeletonSkins

I’ve been working on losing weight for around three months now and I’ve lost 2 stone. I’m sure this is mostly through diet - I’ve reduced my carb amounts, and pick healthier, wholemeal ones, eat lots of protein, lots of veg, avoid loads of sugar, calorie count etc. I aim for 10k steps a day. It’s working - I have PCOS and I’ve managed to get back to a previous weight I was aiming for and I’m a few lbs off a healthy BMI. I want to keep going to get securely into that bracket but I’m feeling happier in my clothes etc.

The past month I joined up with an online PT. She is really nice, she focuses on resistance/body weight/weight exercises, I video my workouts and send them over and she gives me advice on form etc. I work out three times a week for about 50 mins and I’m seeing good progress. The thing is, I absolutely HATE it. I dread it the night before, I hate doing it. It’s not something I can continue with long term because I really don’t enjoy it. I walk every day, and when lockdown lifts, I can go back to swimming three times a week and doing a hobby that gives me some activity once a week. I’ve paid £100 for March, and told myself I should just keep going this month but god I want to pack it in, even though I’ll just lose the money. I’m just worried it’s going to impact my weight loss, especially as I know weight training is good for PCOS. Plus I don’t want to gain weight again as I’m not able to get back to swimming until April at the earliest.

So what would you do? Keep doing something you hate because you know it’s good for you? Or is life too short?

What don't you like about it?

Tell your pt and they will change your sessions.

Original poster

SkeletonSkins · 05/03/2021 00:44

I don’t enjoy the actual exercises, I find it pretty boring and I find it hard too. I just spend the whole time waiting for it to be over. Things like squats, push ups etc are just hell to me, and I’m not sure how she could change it really as what else can you have in a home workout. For a while I did Just Dance and that seemed to burn a fair few calories and I enjoyed it, but I feel like the resistance/weight stuff is probably better for me even though I hate it.

OP posts:

Sapho47 · 05/03/2021 00:48

@SkeletonSkins

I don’t enjoy the actual exercises, I find it pretty boring and I find it hard too. I just spend the whole time waiting for it to be over. Things like squats, push ups etc are just hell to me, and I’m not sure how she could change it really as what else can you have in a home workout. For a while I did Just Dance and that seemed to burn a fair few calories and I enjoyed it, but I feel like the resistance/weight stuff is probably better for me even though I hate it.

So yeah tell your pt and they'll change the routine

Things like squats, push ups etc are just hell to me

In what way? Boring or difficult? Because they're meant to be difficult but they get easier with time.

Theyre always bloody boring though.

Just having a thought but is there a just dance style thing with resistance bands could be more fun?

The les mils (spelling?) Body pump/body move classes i found excellent but I think you will have to wait for the gyms to reopen for that

Do you have any space you could do circuits in?

They can be a bit more motivating and fun as you can try to set and beat records etc and you're not just doing the same over and over.

Original poster

SkeletonSkins · 05/03/2021 00:57

Definitely difficult, but also so dull. Yeah, I’m thinking there are definitely different workouts I could do that I would enjoy more, and maybe if I tried a few different ones this month that would tide me over until gyms reopen (hopefully). The thing is the PT only really does resistance/weights and I’m wondering if that type of exercise is just not really for me... I prefer exercise where I don’t really notice I’m exercising, if that makes sense.

OP posts:

Biggles001 · 05/03/2021 01:30

Maybe start by working out what you want to achieve? If it is just to lose weight, then diet will do that. If you also want to tone up and get fitter, then you need to find something else. How about online classes etc that are led by an instructor (as opposed to you filming them, you do it at the same time they do). There are loads online (instagram/youtube), many are free. Davina mccall does one called "own your goals". There is usually a free fortnight trial and there are all sorts of classes on there

CuntyMcBollocks · 05/03/2021 02:02

Have a look on YouTube - there's loads of different things on there. I've just recently started to try and get in shape and have been doing a different workout each time. There are some really great 5min, 10 min, 20 min etc ones.

ZaraW · 05/03/2021 03:54

I do Jo Wicks HIIT with kettlebells. Workouts range from 18-25 minutes. I also do Pearce Pointers Cross Fit Power Abs 5 times a week it's tough but my core is so much stronger and workouts are only 10 minutes.

Sapho47 · 05/03/2021 06:07

@SkeletonSkins

Definitely difficult, but also so dull. Yeah, I’m thinking there are definitely different workouts I could do that I would enjoy more, and maybe if I tried a few different ones this month that would tide me over until gyms reopen (hopefully). The thing is the PT only really does resistance/weights and I’m wondering if that type of exercise is just not really for me... I prefer exercise where I don’t really notice I’m exercising, if that makes sense.

Yeah everyone wants the easy no pain no effort solution but sadly it doesn't really exist (not since DNP got banned). You need the physiological strain to force your body to develop.

Your muscle mass is largely based on usage and will go up and down quite fast.

Resistance and weights is excellent for starting weight lost as the increase in muscle mass increases your bmr so youre burning more just sat on the sofa being alive.

Plus when you then go walking etc youre also burning more because there's more muscle to power.

It might be worth keeping it up while your losing fat then ease it off when your desired measurements and let the muscle fade out.

But this is one reason why I'm a big advocate over measurements instead of weight. You can gain a fair amount of invisible muscle under your fat and so have demoralisingly slow progress on the scales.

GettingAwayWithIt · 05/03/2021 06:25

The thing is with body weight and weight exercises, they’re really effective for building muscle. But building muscle is hard work which is why press ups, lifting dumbbells and doing squats is hard work.
More muscle makes you look leaner and makes everyday activities- walking up stairs, lifting a toddler, manoeuvring a trolley around a supermarket- easier. As a PP mentioned above you also have a higher BMR so you burn more energy sat at a desk or sleeping than an unfit person does.

I’d say try and stick it out this month. Look for the positives - maybe you could only do 6 press op last month and you can now do 10. Maybe you’re not aching as much. Maybe your waist is a bit more defined. It is hard, you’re paying money for something to make a difference. You don’t get changes if it’s easy!

Good luck with it

Gardenvisits · 05/03/2021 06:27

Could you zoom a friend and do it together?
Or watch tv/listen to music or an audio book while you do it?
It is dull but it’s so important for the health benefits now and in later life as well as the weight loss now.

NewPapaGuinea · 05/03/2021 06:41

You certainly need to enjoy to a certain extent what you’re doing for long term. Resistance training can be boring which is where making progress (more reps/weight) can hep motivation. If you’re struggling with the exercises speak to your PT about scaling them back. The idea is not make you hate it and then you can adjust in the future when you’re more comfortable. It’s better to start easy and ramp it up than start too hard and turn people off. Stick on your favourite music.

The filming sounds like a faff. I’d probably drop that for now and focus on just doing the work and feeding back to the PT what you did. Quitting should be the last resort and explore other options first.

user1493413286 · 05/03/2021 06:48

I would tell her and ask for something different; it seems silly to have paid for it and not at least try to find something that you’ll enjoy more.
I used to do a lot of weight training and it definitely helped tone my body but I was quite slim already and the gym trainer who set my programme used to say to me that the exercises will tone the muscle but it’s diet that will make the difference in terms of being able to see the difference. I used to listen to fast music when I was doing weights but I think the gym environment helped my motivation too plus I hate cardio so I do get where you’re coming from and it’s hard to be motivated when you hate something

peak2021 · 05/03/2021 06:50

Just do March and no more. Others have made suggestions as to what you might consider for April and May before swimming pools open. It may be easier knowing it is time limited (just three weeks or so more).

thecatsthecats · 05/03/2021 06:55

I've been with my PT for three years now, and the trick he learned with me is that I can and will do almost anything, but if I get bored or annoyed, he needs to switch up my regime to keep it fun.

I've had a horrendous week, and he's promised that I can go punch things for an hour this morning.

The best diet and exercise plan is one you can stick to. My advice is to build the number of healthy choices you can make until it's all a habit.

RhymesWithOrange · 05/03/2021 07:03

Congratulations on your progress.

I'd commit to one more month with your trainer. Count down the sessions - only 12 left etc.

Then in April find a RL personal trainer or join a gym/exercise class when you can.

Strength training and core strength are so important for life, not just for weight loss. It will keep you out of the care home for longer, it will ensure you enjoy your walks for longer.

I appreciate they are boring but it's only 150 minutes a week.

Well done again.

Bmidreams · 05/03/2021 07:05

I agree it sounds like you need to keep the exercises up, but what are you actually getting for all that cash? That would hurt me more than the squats.

Surlyburd · 05/03/2021 07:09

I do les mills on demand and i really enjoy it. Its still hard work though, and there are still some days i dont feel like doing it.

rookiemere · 05/03/2021 07:15

When gyms reopen you could do Bodypump classes. Somewhat boring and hard work, but costs less than a PT.

blueluce85 · 05/03/2021 07:18

You definitely need to do something you enjoy doing, and that's coming from someone who loves weights, however I love weights when I'm at the gym but the zoom classes we currently have do bore me! But they are group classes not 1-2-1 which I would hate! I like knowing others are sweating and suffering with me!! 😂

This people have mention les Mills and also another one is Peleton, these offer loads of variety. But unfortunately no accountability if that is what you need.

However most people focus on exercise and wonder why they don't lose weight, the big part of weight loss is food, and you've already addressed that and are doing that all on your own.

Well done, but enjoy life!

junebirthdaygirl · 05/03/2021 07:25

I would finish the month as by the end of March you will be finding it easier and one day you could suddenly think...hey l like this!
But l think it's too long so after March find a free one online that lasts about 20 minutes and do it more often. At that stage you will be very good at all the exercises and should fly through 20 mins but if you increase the speed and intensity it will benefit your body and you will feel great.
Measure your waist thighs etc now and at the end of March remeasure and you will be pleasantly surprised. Even if weight stays the same the inches will go.
Keep it going!!!

gannett · 05/03/2021 07:25

Music is the key to making resistance training slightly less boring for me.

MissyBB · 05/03/2021 07:27

Les Mills online classes are fantastic, body pump weight training in particular. Never boring with the upbeat music and some classes are filmed outdoors with beautiful scenery, very uplifting.
You need a smart TV no more than 6 years old for the apps to work or use a amazon fire stick or the like as I do.

YeahYeahThatsMoi · 05/03/2021 07:29

Can you find a PT where you train together in the park? This is what I'm doing & its so much nicer. Otherwise I'm not into squats/lunges etc usually.

Well done on the weightloss. You're doing amazingly

Rewis · 05/03/2021 07:51

Of course you can quit. But you can also talk to your trainer and work on finding something that suits you. If squats and push ups are not your thing then you can do other stuff. Maybe a resistance band, Pilates etc. If trainer instits on push ups then you can find a new trainer.

I just asked my trainer to do me an outdoor routine that I can do in the park.

As for boringness. It really helps me when I listen to podcasts and I'm allowed to listen to my favourite one only when exercising.

MeltsAway · 05/03/2021 07:58

Weight training is fantastic for your body in all sorts of ways. Squats can be boring, but boy oh boy, they are an amazing all-body work out. You get quads of steel, and abs to match.

Try to stick with it - it’s only 50 minutes 3 times a week, but the benefits last all week.

But talk to your PT, or find one to work with in person - if you’re 1 to 1 and outside it’s legal. My PT has kept me sane during lockdown.

But gosh I miss lifting the heavy stuff. When I first started serious lifting I was enthralled. I’ve danced all my life, and done lots of other kinds of physical activities but learning to lift heavy weights changed my body, my eating, my fitness.