Thinking of starting with a PT

[Gardenclems]

Hi,

I’ve recently rejoined the gym and I’m thinking of starting with a PT. But I’ve never used one before so I’ve got some questions

How often do people meet with their PTs? I’m thinking once a week for a few months then maybe once a month to keep focused and progressing. But is once a month a bit pointless?

does it get weird working out and sweating while someone just watches you?

Any other insight would be great
Thank you

Once a week for the first 2-3 months is good - you get feedback on how to perform the movements they can assess mobility and learn your pace of progression. Plus, you get into the routine and have some accountability.

After this, once a month is more than adequate and it’s not unusual to move to once every 3 months. As you get into the swing of things your program shouldn’t need adjustment much more frequently than once every 3 months.

On the sweating and watching front - it might feel weird the first few times as it’s a new environment, but PT’s will not even by thinking about it. I’ve found good PT’s are nothing but supportive and enjoyable to spend time with. You’ll quickly get used to it and it won’t be an issue. Go for it!

Hiya I started with one in June. Prior to using them, I did swimming a couple of times a week for a month, then did spin and pump classes twice a week for about six weeks, then joined the gym and did a basic circuit on machines for about a month twice a week. The first session I had with the PT I was amazed how much more I could do than I thought. So it is well worth it. I was only planning to have the taster then ended up doing a month, then a second, and just heading into my third, I train once a week with them.

It has been great on so many levels - technique, encouragement, variations. I'm now going into 9th week and I was looking at my progress pics and realised my glutes are looking good.

I'm really torn as I don't want to let her go, but it is ££ and I am motivated so I also think once a month is probably ok but need to think about it as I will lose access to her app.

Mine is quite chatty but knows when not to talk to me too i.e. when I am focusing or recovering.

I started with twice a week for about 3 months, just to force me to actually go to the gym. Afterwards I moved to once a week for 3 more months. During this time I was doing exercise once on my own and once with the trainer. Finally, once a month for a couple more months.

I suggest you start more often, just to get you going and to help you learn exactly what you need to do and how to do it. When I moved to once a week with the PT I started doing a class as well. So I was doing 1 PT session, 1 session alone, 1 class.

I do twice a week with the pt. We do one upper and one lower session and then I do full body by myself.

I did go down to once a week but missed her.

I see mine once a week. She's brilliant. I've always hated exercise and haven't done any - she gives me confidence, encourages me and pushes me just enough (but would never make me do anything that I really didn't want to) It's quite pricey because I see her one on one in a private studio (I wouldn't feel comfortable in a public space). Obviously I'd rather have the money and rely on myself to do exercise, but I know it would never happen and there'd always be a reason why I couldn't do it. She keeps me focussed.
Literally the best thing I ever did.

I go to group PT sessions at my gym, 3 times a week, part of the monthly price, sometimes there are 8-10 in the group, sometimes its just been me, would that be an option?

My PT is amazing, you need to find one that you click with that's the most important.

I meet with her 3 times a week (1 x Full body, 1 x Upper body, 1 x Lower Body). I think once a week is okay if you're prepared and feel comfortable going on your own between sessions.

I don't find it weird that she's always watching, it's helpful as she can instantly correct my form if she needs to or provide tips. She's also watching to see how I respond to the exercise to see if I need to increase weight/reps ect.

She's the best investment into myself I ever could've made.

I started mid November 1xweek 60 min. I learned so much aboit exercises and when nkt to push my body too far. I stopped paying for the gym because I am moving away and decided to up my pt sessions to 2xweek for 4 weeks to learn more technique for exercises which are specific for my back aches and pains.
Ideally I would do it 2x week but can't afford it. 1xweek made such difference to my body already.

Hiya,
Paying for a personal trainer was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I think the most important thing is to find someone you feel comfortable with. I trained three times a week.It was very expensive but I saw results very quickly and altered my lifestyle accordingly.
I personally need someone standing over me and pushing me to my limits.
I would highly recommend it.
BTW I started in my fifties.

Same here.

Also, mine has developed the art of standing slightly out of my direct vision. I can see her occasionally in my peripheral vision, but mostly I am responding to her audible instructions and don't see her so don't notice her watching me.

She will move back round at the end of a set to discuss form etc.

It took me months to realise this was what she was doing, by the way.

She really is a genius. Such a good investment, I agree.

Can I ask how much people are paying and how long each session is? Thanks.

£40/60 min

£35 ph 60 mins. £125 for block of 4 . A lot depends where you are . City/suburbs. South/North.

Do it, my PT costs £40 a week (1 session a week).
I would have laughed 18 months ago if someone had said how much I would enjoy the gym.
He is basically a friend as well as a counsellor and PT.
He has never judged me, only ever been kind and supportive while pushing me so far out of my comfort zone. I can do things I would never have dreamed of being able to do, I look better. My mental health is a million times better. I'm healthier and happier.
I was so nervous but as a PP said, find someone you click with and you won't regret it.