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

[JemimaPyjamas]

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.

Just do it. You know you want to really. And good luck

Yanbu, your fitness has a big impact on your mental and physical health. And i say this as someone who does no exercise

I think health and wellbeing is the best money you'll ever spend. So if you can afford it and you think it may make a difference to you, go for it. All you'll lose by trying it is money... by not trying it you are risking less good health.

This is so encouraging, thank you. I am also really enjoying hearing others talk about how it has helped them. It is reinforcing my justification in the initial outlay.

@Mummadeze fingers crossed things work out for you too, but I understand completely how others needs feel far more than ours (even if it's not something as serious as counselling.)

@Loopylands Type 1 diabetes, menopause, extreme stress and a job that now involves a fraction of the exercise it used to - if only it were down to changing my diet and not overeating!

I've done it. It's worth it.

I'm doing it now after not doing any serious exercise for years. I know I wouldn't have the motivation to do it by myself and even after 3 weeks I can feel the benefits. It sounds as though this is something you need.

@ilovesooty that's good to hear. It feels so daunting otherwise doesn't it? All I can see is how far I have to go when I start things which is a destructive mindset but one I can't shake off.

Investing in your health, your mental health, your fitness and lifespan?

No ruddy brainer tbh

Not sure what age you are OP? I’m fitter at 58 than I was at 25. Started at 55.

Thanks - it felt impossible to do any other way. I'm also taking adult swimming lessons : I can hardly swim at all and I've waited too long to remedy that.

@ilovesooty that’s fantastic! Inspiration material right there!

I am really low maintenance but my one luxury is a personal trainer . I’ve been using one for years and they are the best hours of my week. Money well spent .

absolutely 100% do it, you’ll be so motivated in so many other areas when you feel strong and back in control of yourself. PT changed my life. Good luck!

I signed up for PT 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made. I wasn't motivated enough to exercise by myself (except for hiking and yoga) but I knew I needed to do it. I only go fortnightly now as can't afford it due to redundancy last year but I would hate to have to give it up as I really enjoy it.

It's absolutely, totally worth it if you can commit yourself to doing this seriously and regularly. All I'd say is that you confirm with the gym that you have the option of switching trainers if one doesn't work for you, for whatever reason.

Can you also commit to working out at home between gym sessions? Exercise should really be a daily thing, something you just do, even on days when you'd rather sleep in. I expect your trainer will write out a programme for you, but you might also like to try online trainers like Growingannanas, Heather Robertson or Sidney Cummings.

Are you thinking of weight training? I found this far more inspiring and easier to commit to than running or cardio. Have a look at Caroline Girvan... 😎

That's exactly what I've just done. I started in January and work out with a PT twice a week. It's very expensive but totally worth it. I'm 5kg down from my initial weight and back in size 10/12 clothes. If I had not done this, I would have needed a new wardrobe

Yes, absolutely yes do it. You cannot put a price on your health.

I was you at 50. Now 53 and have a BMI of 21, fitter and healthier than I was in my 30s and though I say it myself, looking good.
Its barely cost me a penny, in fact it's saved me a fair bit.
I started small and slowly, walking and cutting out junk and gradually moved to a plant based whole foods diet (very cheap!) and 30 minutes of brisk walking a day. Its simple, sustainable and it works.
I use my savings to travel and enjoy life.

OP you could not spend the money better. Anything that will make you stronger and healthier will also make you happier. I did this and it was life changing. It's no good saying 'do it on your own' because I didn't. I needed someone to help me. Get the help you need.

I agree about ‘doing it on your own’, it’s very hard to sustain. Plus, the PT idea is so it incorporates injuries or medical stuff and is tailored specifically. Hearing others views and success stories has made me realise it’s not quite as selfish as a splurge as it first seems, it’s more of a head start.

The trainer I initially spoke to briefly today said they do a 12 week programme at first as that’s how long it takes to undo bad habits and develop new, which makes sense. It’s then up to me what happens after but I think once I start feeling better I’ll find it easier (and much cheaper!) to maintain.

@5128gap I was previously walking 50-60 miles a week so I’m well aware of the benefits. I work with dogs, so it went alongside. I’ve now specialised into working with more difficult animals and hence I use a private field which is ten mins from my house. That and my old dog now not being able to do massive walks is one of the main factors in me losing so much fitness.

Op I think you should definitely do it. I had 6 sessions once and that was enough to give me A huge health boost. Do it but not for 6 months.

Go for 12 sessions then see how you are.... Go it alone... Then if you need another 6 later in the year have more.

You will get massive boost and not loose your savings

Do it! I did this in 2020. I'd spent a lifetime looking after everyone and everything except myself, ending up hugely overweight and suffering depression. My DDad gave me some money and I spent £1000 on a PT - a fortune for me - never spent money like that on myself ever.

It changed my life. I got fit, joined a bootcamp, lost a stone in weight, felt lively and strong again. And my general mood improved massively. Having th ePT asessions helped me get good form so that afterwards when I joined a class I didn't injure myself.

Going into middle age, the best thing you can do for your health is strength training.

I agree with @Backstreets - trial a few first. I tried a couple - both women - I didn;t want a man to train me. One worked me hard but bitched baout her other clients all the time. the other was bright and smiley and really varied in her programme. She seemed to love her job. I still train at her classes, three years later.

If you’re self employed you really must look after your health. Your biggest asset is your future earning power, to provide for your family. Worsening health and fitness and chronic Illness will really affect that, £1000 is a bargain if it helps you sustain your healthy working years. If you’d service your boiler or your car why not yourself?

Do it. And don’t feel guilty about the mo ey. You’re investing in yourself.

I did a 6 week bootcamp type thing back in 2021. And I’m still going and I’ve left more gyms (and still paid the membership) that I care to admit to.

I’ve gone from being wobbly to not wobbly, and have signed up for 4 strength/endurance events this year.

Best thing I’ve ever done (mid 40s)