Gym or PT

[BossyFlossy99]

Deciding whether to pay for a PT for 6 weeks (2 sessions per week) to kickstart me into exercise and diet routine or pay for an annual gym membership which, knowing me, will be used for a few weeks and then I won't go. I have no one to go to a gym with either.

I keep watching programmes where they do a 6 week plan, see a PT twice a week and I think that looks easy, I can do that! I have a BMI over 41 so have a lot of weight to lose.

Go for the PT. They'll get you going with something that works for you. That will then make it easier to continue with positive habits in the long run.

If gym motivation is hard to get started on, it will be harder to get that momentum started.

PT

I use a PT and gym simultaneously now but before the PT I was in a rut and not really pushing myself they have taught me so much about exercise and switching it up

You can then take your understanding and use it in the gym

Could you do group PT?, I've just joined a gym, first time ever, would'nt have a clue what to do on my own, so opted of the group PT sessions which are 3 times a week, between 3-10 people at each session, you partner up with someone your own level if you can. I pay £68 a month, PT 3 x a week and also includes all other classes and use of all facilities. The fact you have to book onto the group sessions motivates me to go

Hi BossyFlossy99,

Of the two options, I’d pay for a PT to get you comfortable in the gym and to give you a beginner programme. But they’re not your only options.

The quality of PT’s is highly variable, and there’s a big risk that you get someone who pushes you too hard too soon.

I guess your ultimate aim is to get into habits that help you to lose weight and get fit. You’ll be able to make a lot of headway on your own.

First, I’d work on your aerobic capacity. Simply focusing on getting a daily walk up to an intensity that’s harder than a casual walk but where you can still speak full sentences. Try to do this daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Once you’ve nailed frequency, then increase the duration. Roughly 10% longer week on week. Do this week on week and you’ll be able to add intensity: hills, carrying a backpack, hiking etc.

I’d then work on strength. Simple at-home exercises like body squats, bench press ups etc are a good place to start.

One other option, if you want external motivation, is to split your budget between a PT and a dietician (sports dieticians are good). If weight loss is an aim, diet plays a larger role than exercise.

You need more than a 6 week plan. You need a life plan. Obviously, you need help with overeating, as well as exercise guidance. 6 weeks won't be enough, although it's a start.

Think about what you like doing physically. Get into the habit of doing it.

Ask yourself why you need to have someone to go to the gym with? Maybe see a PT for 6 weeks to get started, then commit yourself to twice weekly visits to the gym, to do the same thing there.

And walk to the gym. Walking as part of your normal everyday life should be a fundamental change.

I didn't get on with either a gym or personal trainer. What helped me was listening to a lot of podcasts about exercise, diet and health whilst doing bodyweight and dumbbell exercises using you tube videos and logging every improvement, measurements, weight, fat % etc in excel to see I was making progress.

PT 100% then once you’re confident you can join the gym with the plan they have given you

Another vote for PT here. I started with one in March and I have significantly changed my body shape. I've gone from size 16 to size 14 jeans. I go twice a week and I walk there and back each way (a mile each way) which all adds up.

Its changed my life, truly. I love going. Its an appointment that I have to keep. Whereas if I just vaguely said to myself "I'm going to go to the gym this week" it would be hard for me to stick to and motivate myself for.

Choosing between hiring a personal trainer (PT) for a 6-week program or opting for an annual gym membership can be a tough decision, especially when considering your personal motivations and circumstances. While seeing the success stories of people following structured 6-week plans with PT sessions can be inspiring, it's important to find an approach that suits your needs and preferences.

If you're concerned about your ability to stick with a gym routine long-term and feel that an annual membership might go unused after a few weeks, there's another option you might consider: becoming your own personal trainer at home. While you mentioned not having anyone to go to the gym with, there are other ways to find support. Joining online fitness communities or forums can provide you with a sense of accountability and motivation. You might even find virtual workout buddies or like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement. By taking charge of your fitness journey, you can tailor your workouts to suit your specific needs and preferences. There are plenty of YouTube channels, workout apps and online resources that offer guided at-home exercises and routines for all fitness levels.

Thanks everyone for replying. I have spoken to a few PTs and all have said they can do some gym sessions but I need to be a member of a gym. They can't take me as one of their customers. So I had a rethink and have started doing bits at home. Not a lot but 20 minutes here and there and have tried to increase my walking too.

That's a shame and I'm sure isn't the case at all gyms. I see a PT at a small independent gym and the deal is that I just pay him and if I want to become a member of the gym as well I get a discounted membership, as he is the one essentially bringing the business to the gym. At the moment I just pay him and am not a member of the gym,

It might be worth checking out the smaller gyms rather than the big chain-type gyms. Or have ask around on local Facebook pages - some PTs run their business out of converted garages or by renting rooms etc.