Personal trainer

TheCountessofLocksley · 15/03/2025 07:41

In my experience, it depends on the PT. I had one and he was just all about the money, he wasn’t interested in explaining about what you were doing and why, how it targeted muscle groups, alternative exercises you could do etc. His business model was set up for weight loss …..get those before and after pics and move on. There was no longevity to his business model and he wasn’t interested in empowering clients to work independently in the gym.

I changed PT’s and my current one is fantastic. He explains things, is a stickler for form, equips you to have the confidence to work independently. We agree what we are focussing on in sessions and discuss what I’ll do in the gym on non PT days. It works well because I trust him and he is supportive.

Some PT’s use apps, like PT Hub and can set you a programme for independent use. It all depends on the PT, how they work and what you want/your level of expertise/confidence in the gym.

Musicaltheatremum · 15/03/2025 08:10

I'm changing my program just now as I need to increase my cardio. My PT has spent hours writing out several different programmes for me to follow during the week. He's a star.

EmpressaurusKitty · 15/03/2025 08:12

Truetoself · 15/03/2025 07:20

Those of you who have PT’s. Do you get given a programme to follow for the time in between your sessions? Or is the input of the trainer just for the time you are having your hourly session?

My PT wrote six workout plans for me to alternate between & we had monthly check-in sessions. (Past tense because she moved away, which was annoying).

Original poster

Truetoself · 15/03/2025 10:10

What you guys are saying is what I thought as well and helped me make my decision about which PT to go for. Looks like I may need to spend more money than I thought

OP posts:

LittleBigHead · 15/03/2025 19:03

My PT resists giving me a programme to follow. I just do what I feel like I need to do on the days I don’t train with him. But I train 2 to 3 days a week with him then do a couple of my gym’s strength and conditioning (mostly lifting heavy weights) or circuits classes. On the days I feel like I want to do something independently, I generally do what I haven’t done with my PT or use the Stronger by the Day app for a full on workout.

Cranarc · 15/03/2025 19:07

Most PTs I have used have not given "homework" but the one I am currently with, and have been for years now, does. On the flip side, he also makes sure I do not over-train and take suitable rest/deload periods.

AnnadeSea · 13/01/2026 11:33

My PT has always given me a simple plan to follow between sessions so I don’t lose steam, nothing fancy, just enough so I’m not guessing what to do. When I worked with a personal trainer leuven, I liked that they checked in on how things felt during the week and tweaked my plan if I was struggling. Having that bit of structure made the sessions feel way more worth it.

Chasbots · 15/01/2026 18:38

LittleBigHead · 15/03/2025 19:03

My PT resists giving me a programme to follow. I just do what I feel like I need to do on the days I don’t train with him. But I train 2 to 3 days a week with him then do a couple of my gym’s strength and conditioning (mostly lifting heavy weights) or circuits classes. On the days I feel like I want to do something independently, I generally do what I haven’t done with my PT or use the Stronger by the Day app for a full on workout.

He's probably wanting you to rest and recover between sessions.