When to use a personal trainer

[lurker101]

Hi,

I’m hoping for some help! I’m trying to regain my fitness and lose some weight around 2 stone to lose :( I’m a gym member and I’m currently doing C25K and considering a PT. my question is, would I be better signing up for some sessions now, or waiting until I’m a little fitter? What are your experiences?

I took the plunge and got a PT last year. I had exactly the same thoughts as you 'will get fitter first' but that just didn't seem to happen. Honestly, the best thing I ever did. I've lost nearly 3 stones and feel so much fitter and stronger.

I've been seeing my PT for years - beware, it becomes addictive!

I'd say start as soon as you can - they'll be able to sort a programme for you to do in between sessions, and you'll never work yourself as hard as a PT will, so you'll get fitter much faster than if you do it yourself. They'll also be able to teach you good form, and exercises that will support the running, so both should become easier.

When my eldest was very young and I needed a kick up the bum, I saw a PT once a month, just to keep me on the straight and narrow, and worked out in between. It was really helpful in tracking my progress. Now, I see my current PT fortnightly, I now know what I have to do in between to make my sessions with him useful.

Thanks so much for all your help! I took the plunge and bought some sessions at my gym and had my first this morning. It was fantastic! Really hoping this is going to set me on the right track

Great news, glad you enjoyed it! Keep us posted.

I've found a half way house - small group sessions. Having someone notice what you are doing and when you are missing really helps

I've had a PT session once a week for the last year. I've dropped around 11kg (I think that's just under 2 stone) and have come off asthma meds (peak flow predicted at 390 - my last test I did 500, twice in a row). I can lift heavy shit and jump, and do push ups, and burpees (I almost enjoy burpees). I have visible biceps & triceps, and have dropped 2 dress sizes. I'm now in the "normal" BMI range at 69 kg, although I think there's a fair bit of muscle weight in that!

My PT takes me through the technicalities of strength training, and we do a bit of cardio which has also improved - my fastest treadmill running used to be 7-8kph, now I'm comfortable at 10kph. Lifting heavy stuff (regular training weight for deadlifts is 50-60kg, and leg press 100kg) means I don't have to run all the time.

And I just turned 60.

My PT should be on the NHS, she is so fantastic.

you'll never work yourself as hard as a PT will, so you'll get fitter much faster than if you do it yourself

I'm glad you said that - I sometimes feel guilty that I never work as hard as my PT works me, although she's suggested several ways in which I could!