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.

Do it!!!

I’ve been doing something similar for the past few months and I’m loving it! It’s a strength training gym and I’ve learned to lift weights. I went from hardly being able to lift the empty 20kg barbell to now being able to lift really heavy. My cardio has improved and I feel so much stronger and fitter. My mood and overall feelings of happiness have really improved and my body is so much stronger. I love the way I feel. I’m still a bit overweight but I honestly look fwd to the gym and my sessions. I never ever imagined I could like any exercise.

You seem to have thought it all through and it sounds like an excellent plan for you 💕

I do it. it costs more than I would spend on anything else for me but it's my physical and mental health so fuck it it. I've been doing it since last summer. I told myself I could stop anytime I wanted (and the first time was free) but yeah, I'm hooked. I'm not stopping.

I’m so pleased! I feel sure you won’t regret it.

But why don't you have your own weights/dumbbells, @GroggyLegs ? I think you need to train with weights several times a week to get real benefit.

I can't begin to tell everyone what a HUGE difference working out with weights has made to my fitness, my physique, my motivation. Truly life-changing!

Thanks Caroline 😃

And we'll done,@JemimaPyjamas 😎

Sorry wrong thread. Have reported to remove.

I had a personal trainer for over a year because I only went once a week and then did a fitness plan visit another day of the week. The personal trainer wanted me to go 3 X week but it was neither affordable nor sustainable. So I chose a balance that got me fitter than I'd ever been and maintained it. I only stopped because I got terrible hyperemesis with DC1. Then obviously couldn't afford it after they were born. But yes do it. You'll feel so much better.

Just go for it. You're no good to anyone including your loved ones if your T1D is not well controlled, and you know that means losing the weight, whatever that takes. You'd be putting THEM first too...

I am in the same boat, btw. Both my parents died of diabetes, and my 3 aunts too. I'd much prefer have my amazing mum still alive rather than own the house she left me with all her hard work!!

It's an investment in your short and long term health.
Nothing more important in my opinion.

@Amabitnewhere I don’t have badly controlled diabetes, but I do find that having T1 makes things tricker.

I have two stone to loose - at least! Eeeek. Am happy to update as and when if it helps anyone in a similar position?

thanks again for the support - it really helped!

Good for you and totally think you made the right decision. It’s great to see how excited you seem and I am sure you are going to feel the invaluable benefits of feeling fitter and stronger soon. 100% worth the money.

I do have my own weights Flower, I do two additional weights sessions & two runs in addition to my one PT session ☺️

But I dont have boxing gloves/pads and she has allllll the kettlebells.

I love the convenience of doing it all at home, not traipsing to a gym, and I work to my absolute limit with my PT.

Worth every £

There may also be some nhs support available if you have t1dm

@Feetupteashot really? Will look now…

Hi there,
I found your thread and wondered how it's going? I'm thinking of doing the same but worried about wasting my money

@FernGully43 I also got a personal trainer about 8 months pp, cannot recommend it enough, I feel so strong!!

You're right, it'll be really helpful to keep you motivated, especially on days when you are struggling.
I have signed up to workout classes twice a week where I pay in advance and if I miss a class I lose the money - it's a great way to push myself to go even if I'm feeling tired or would prefer to sit on the couch.

Actually though, I love the classes, even if I don't love every minute I feel amazing afterwards, so that is motivating as well - at this stage it's just part of my weekly routine.

@FernGully43 I am nearly 12 weeks in and I absolutely love it. I have got significantly stronger, a little bit leaner (I haven’t been as meticulous re calorie counting as I should) and have been pushed and encouraged far more than I could ever have managed doing it myself.

I really recommend it, and quite evangelical about it!

Thanks for getting back to me! That's great it's gone so well. I have signed up with one and am starting a 3 month plan this week :) nervous but excited!

Well done! You'll be bloody knackered but it's SO worth it! I am really pleased for you x

Brilliant!

Go for it! It's still investing fid the future but investing in yourself. 3 months off maximum saving whilst you get started is fine. Hopefully you'll feel more able for classes or cheaper membership in 3 months.