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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To splurge on a personal trainer for 6 months...?

97 replies

JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 18:56

I have some money squirrelled away but I had it in mind for things like house emergencies (ie if the boiler broke) or a sudden financial emergency that needs a buffer. Or for something that is a luxury but will do us the world of good such as a holiday - basically something that benefits our family as opposed to just me. I add to it all the time, little and often rather than big lumps, and I don't dip into it if I can possibly help it.

I have managed to put on lots of weight, and also have lost my fitness. I won't go into too much outing detail, but the bigger and more unfit I feel it's harder to find the motivation and it feels like an uphill struggle. I am probably 3 stone overweight now. I also am a Type 1 diabetic which also complicates things, as well as several injuries. I find the idea of getting into classes or even just going for a run far more daunting than it ever was, and I have just found myself in tears when trying to do things at home as I feel disgusted with myself. I am also 50 soon and feel as if it might be now or never.

There is a place ten mins from my house who do personal training sessions, and also know what they are talking about re both injuries and my health condition (I popped in today and went through it all.) They have an excellent reputation and I know several people who have trained there and it has made a massive difference to them, long term too. Someone described it to me as 'the best money I have ever spent' as it helped get them out the bad habits and into good habits, and they are fitter and stronger than they were in their 30's (they are now 57.)

The issue is, it's far FAR more than I would normally spend (talking £200/300 a month for the first three months, after that it would probably be a bit less - it works on the basis of the fitter and stronger you get, the less input you need unless you want it).

I can afford it but it'd make a significant dent in my savings, and the way prices are rising it makes me feel quite guilty and perhaps I should just accept my current shape and lack of motivation, or AIBU to go ahead regardless for purely selfish reasons...?

Perhaps this is more of a what would you do, than an Am I Being Unreasonable but I am interested to hear views and particularly if anyone has been in a similar situation re their body to me.

OP posts:
AlaskanSnow · 16/02/2023 18:59

How much more per month would it cost, compared to what you put into savings?

Your health is important, more so when you have a condition.
If you would still have enough savings for an emergency then I would.

Bootsandbooks · 16/02/2023 19:00

Do you need to commit to a package of classes up front, or is it a pay-as-you go system (in which case you can give it a go and see how it works for you)? Do they offer a free class upfront, for you to at least get a try of how it is? If you don’t get on with that particular trainer, are they happy to let you switch trainers?

Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 19:18

@AlaskanSnow usually put around £200-500 in savings a month, but I don't know what the precise amount for the training will be till go in for the in depth chat. Luckily I have heard they are not remotely pushy re signing up, otherwise I would not be going!

@Bootsandbooks Its not classes, it's 1:1 sessions that are tailored to your needs and requirements. Probably hence the cost!

OP posts:
BunnyMum2000 · 16/02/2023 19:29

I’m in a sort of similar situation. I very luckily won a 6 week “boot camp” which I have just finished. I’d love to continue but it’s £125 a month, which I can’t really afford.
I’m going to go have a look at the local gym tomorrow which is only £40 a month - and for that I’d have access to the gym and fitness classes and pool.

I guess it depends on the type of person you are, can you motivate yourself, or do you need that one on one?

can you treat yourself to a month maybe, and then see if you can carry it on on your own?

Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 19:32

I used to be able to motivate myself but now I find it hard, and it also think that the more you have to make up in terms of fitness (and subsequent healthy weight) the harder it is. I have previously done two Olympic distance triathlons so I am not a long term couch potato, just one that is suddenly looking like one!

OP posts:
Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 19:33

So, is this initial 12 weeks a head start and then it'll be easier to keep up...? That's the idea anyway.

OP posts:
FawnFrenchieMum · 16/02/2023 19:34

I think given it’s in the region of what you normally save (maybe need to use some of your savings as a top up) I’d definitely do it especially if you think once you’ve got back into the swing of things that you would continue alone.
Your health is so important. I know how awful it makes you feel. I joined a running club a few years ago (started with couch to 5K) and was running regularly. I felt great and looked better than I have in years, then my chronic illness flared. I have just never managed to get back on the wagon. Each time I start I’m bigger then the last time and end up quitting so quickly. If I could afford it, I’d do it in a shot.

Ponoka7 · 16/02/2023 19:37

As someone of a similar age and weight, if I had the income to do it, I definitely would. My plan is to drop a stone and a half, then get PT sessions in my local gym. Your health is worth investing in.

EmmaStone · 16/02/2023 19:40

If you used to be able to motivate yourself (was that before kids though? They have a habit of using up a LOT of your time!), then I'd go for the initial group of sessions which you can then use as a springboard to building good habits and continuing them yourself.

I see a PT fortnightly, have been seeing him for years, over time it started as weekly, then I dropped it to fortnightly, which is enough to keep me accountable (if I don't work in between, I'm wasting both our time and my money, plus it REALLY hurts 😂). When my eldest was a baby, I saw a PT once a month, again, it was enough to give me something to work on between visits, and he could set me new goals each time.

I think you need to see this an an investment in yourself which you will all benefit from - you'll have more energy, feel better about yourself, and, I'm my experience, get less narky with the kids 😂.

BCBird · 16/02/2023 19:40

Go for it.

Scottishflower65 · 16/02/2023 19:42

Absolutely go for it. It’s an investment in your current and future self. Also I think because it’s a large outlay for you, it will motivate you to get the most out of it to get stronger and fitter faster so you won’t need to continue at the same outlay in a few months.

Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 19:49

Thank you for the replies. I agree with the good points, and it makes a lot of sense, it just feels irresponsible when prices are going mad with everything else. It's easy to say you can do exercise vids or go out for a run etc, but the reality isn't proving the same. It used to once upon a time but not now!

OP posts:
Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 19:50

@FawnFrenchieMum I used to run and always came back feeling brilliant about how fit I felt. I tried a run the other day and came back and cried!

God, I sound really wet. I am not normally, honest!

OP posts:
mumontherun23 · 16/02/2023 19:51

Do it! You say the money was saved to benefit the family not just you - this will do exactly that! If you are healthier and happier that's a good thing for the whole family in so many ways. You've got this 💪

Ireallymissmetime · 16/02/2023 19:52

oh definitely go for it if you can afford it! I did exactly the same , I turned 50 at the end of last year and was 2 stone overweight. I signed up for a 3 months package PT sessions about 6 weeks ago and it really had changed so much for me ... I eat better, have more energy and find it has really motivated me to adopt other healthy habits! Do it!

Stellaris22 · 16/02/2023 19:53

I started with a PT nearly two years ago as my health and weight was awful, it absolutely is a worthwhile investment and you shouldn't feel bad about it.

My weight still isn't great, but I'm hugely fitter, stronger and healthier than I was. The bonus on improving my mental health has definitely been worth it.

validnumber · 16/02/2023 19:54

Just do it.
You are worth it.
You being healthy and happy will benefit your whole family 😃

AreYouSeriouslyThere · 16/02/2023 19:59

I bought myself 12 sessions with a PT 8 years ago and it was the best money I've ever spent on myself.

It transformed my relationship with exercise and as a result, with food.

Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 20:04

Oh my goodness, these replies are really inspiring! This is the thing, it's not something I intend to keep going but I do need a jump start. I am kind of anti diet (ie things like Slimming World) and prefer to focus on being fit and healthy but I am currently none of those things. I also think, at my age, it's getting past the point of no return if I let it fester longer.

OP posts:
Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 20:05

It sounds like, while there are admittedly lots of free things to crack on with, the PT route pays off in terms of results.

OP posts:
Original poster
JemimaPyjamas · 16/02/2023 20:08

BTW I suppose I should have said this in the OP, but I am self employed and hence my income can vary. I have a vague idea, and I do tend to overestimate, that the PT sessions over 12 weeks would come to around £1000. Written like that, it sounds mental.

OP posts:
Backstreets · 16/02/2023 20:13

I'd go for it. I really miss having one but can’t afford it right now. I’ve never been fitter.

he drove me nuts though (clashing personalities) so I’d maybe do a little chemistry test before you commit. I remember telling him once when he got me strong enough I was going to punch his lights out.

Mummadeze · 16/02/2023 20:15

I think you should do it. But I also recommend Couch to 5k to get yourself back into running if you have lost your fitness. I am also contemplating getting a nutrition coach at the moment after putting on 3 stone. And I also feel rubbish about it. But my DD needs counselling so I need to prioritise that before spending on myself. If it wasn’t for that, I would go for it.

Loopylands · 16/02/2023 20:15

You could but unless you change your diet and stop overeating you probably won’t lose much if any weight!

I was slimmer when I did PT and found I was actually hungrier after. I never lost weight on it but I got stronger which is great, but if your main objective is weight loss then you might be disappointed.

NoWeaponsOnTheTable · 16/02/2023 20:16

Investing in yourself is priceless.

In the last year I am slowly getting back into fitness with a combo of classes and pt. Which has motivated me to do workouts at home. And also just take a bit better care of myself in general. So I'm eating better, taking time to do better skincare etc. Listening to music and doing things that please me.

It has been invaluable. I'm rediscovering who I am and who I want to be. Maybe sounds a bit ott but it is making such a huge difference to me so I'd say go for it!!

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