GYM v Personal Trainer

rendeldub

Hi All,

Based on experience do people feel that training with a personal trainer offers enhanced benefits to that of going down the local gym route?

Like if the GYM offers a tailored programme and a nutrional plan what is the big difference to going with a PT? Is it motivation or do they bring more to the table?

I've heard of one or two monthly prices around town and the PT's appear to be fairly expensive.

I'd appreciate any advise..

Hanley

There's no right or wrong answer. The more knowledgeable and self motivated you are, the less value a PT offers.

....BUT there's a lot of PTs who pay other PTs/coaches for services in their area of expertise as they recognise the value in it. I'm looking for a physique coach to help me nail down the last few % body fat on my diet, I have some PTs paying me for coaching.... it's all a big circle.

If you're not happy with your results, and can't figure out why, or need someone to hold you responsible - get a coach/PT.

El Horseboxo

If you're looking for something specialized I'd agree with the benefits of hiring a good personal trainer. But if you're just starting off, trying to get in shape or are a casual gym goer not making much gains etc I don't see hiring one as the answer to all your problems. In particular I'm talking about the dime a dozen ones that done a short course and are now personal trainers in box gyms offering the same basic services across the board regardless of a clients needs. With the availability of quality content on the internet there is no need for personal trainers in the aforementioned circumstances in my opinion. Of course there are great personal trainers that are highly beneficial to all levels. But a lot of people seem to try use them as a magic bean. They think paying for one will provide something more than they can achieve themselves. When I was back in Ireland I went to Northwood for a while. There was this one young skinny guy that seemed to pay for the services of one of their maim personal trainers for what had to be well over 6 months. The young guy never changed his physique or seemed to increase his lifting. The personal trainer barely seemed interested and would be looking around ignoring his clients bad form. Always felt sorry for the kid handing out all that money when he could have easily used a better source of information for free.

Hanley

El Horseboxo wrote: »

If you're looking for something specialized I'd agree with the benefits of hiring a good personal trainer. But if you're just starting off, trying to get in shape or are a casual gym goer not making much gains etc I don't see hiring one as the answer to all your problems. In particular I'm talking about the dime a dozen ones that done a short course and are now personal trainers in box gyms offering the same basic services across the board regardless of a clients needs. With the availability of quality content on the internet there is no need for personal trainers in the aforementioned circumstances in my opinion. Of course there are great personal trainers that are highly beneficial to all levels. But a lot of people seem to try use them as a magic bean. They think paying for one will provide something more than they can achieve themselves. When I was back in Ireland I went to Northwood for a while. There was this one young skinny guy that seemed to pay for the services of one of their maim personal trainers for what had to be well over 6 months. The young guy never changed his physique or seemed to increase his lifting. The personal trainer barely seemed interested and would be looking around ignoring his clients bad form. Always felt sorry for the kid handing out all that money when he could have easily used a better source of information for free.

Very good post. And fully agree.

The trainee needs to take responsibility too. Unless they're happy just to pay someone to babysit them for an hour in the gym!!

A good PT and motivated client = incredible results.

A motivated and knowledgeable client = incredible results, too!

brownej

Hi OP I use a personal trainer once every 2/3 weeks or so and I have to say I find it great. I do find I have to put in alot of effort into the session in terms of preparation so that I can get the most out of it. When I go in for my PT session I need to clearly articulate what is and isn't working for me and what I feel my weak areas are. The PT assesses and either agrees or disagrees and tailors the program as we see fit. Your goals change as time passes so you need to find a trainer that is interested in you and keeps up with your changing requirements.
One of the main reasons I got a trainer is that I am not very confident in trying different exercises. I have read alot in the area but it is hard to wade through the different opinions on everything. As everyone is different, what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. You need a trainer that will tailor a program for you.
A good trianer will show you how to perform exercises safely and correctly. they will invest way more time in this than a standard gym program will.
A trainer isn't a quick fix either. You need to put in the work. If you only exercise when you're with the trainer then you're wasteing your time as well as his. I find the time with the trainer is more for learning and tweaking techniques and programs than it is for doing the complete workout program. If your trainer is woth his salt then he will dump you as a client if you don't put the work in outside his sessions.
I've been with my trainer now for the last 8 months and I think I've come on alot since then.
Trainers are expensive but I find it worthwhile. Other people manage fine on their own.

Transform

About a third of my business comes from clients all over the country coming to me for an hour to put together 6 week programs which they can do from home or in their chosen gym.

reality is that at least half i will NEVER see again because they didnt bother their arse doing what was given to them and eventually end up trainer or class hopping i.e. next month they give bikram yoga a 'try' then bootcamps a 'try' etc

Find a trainer or gym close to you that has someone that trains their clients in the way you want to train or that you can get on with and then stick to it. really common problem i also see are clients thinking the grass is greener on the other side and move away from a trainer or training method that is producing good results already (same for nutrition).

All the best

OMCCABE

This is simple.

If you're SERIOUS about achieving results then just go and get a skilled personal trainer on your side. The amount of crap info out there far outweights the good and as a result a lot of time can be wasted and potential physique improvements lost.

If you want to go it alone then you will need to become an expert in nutrition, weight training and gain a correct understanding of how your body works. A lack of knowledge in any of these results in yoyo dieting, muscle loss, a drop in metabolism, sickness, injury, or most commonly..NO results at all.

Can you do it on your own..yes..but its rare. Remember that most people in great shape that didn't have a personal trainer had a friend/mentor who could guide them(i.e personal trainer). Most of my clients originally came to me having tried to exercise them selves for 1-2 years and got frustrated by getting nowhere. People are amazed when they are nailing their nutrition and training consistently and all of a sudden the scale starts moving in the direction they want.

Remember that when you first begin to exercise, your body will respond better than it ever will again so don't spend it making mistakes. Make the most of your time now or you'll regret it later.

Good luck

Oisin