Hiring a Personal Trainer - what to ask??

[ZigZag]

I want to start a fitness program with a personal trainer and not necessarily one that is attached to a gym. I've got the contacts of a couple in my local area but I've put off ringing them because I've got no idea what I should be asking them & what to look for in picking a personal trainer - any ideas? I'm totally unfit and need to lose weight as well, so have decided to spend the bucks on one 3 times a week so want to get it right. .......hmmm, after just typing that, I've just realised perhaps they won't do it that often? Do you only see a p/trainer once a week & get homework? Maybe they won't want to see me 3 times a week

Anyone else got a personal trainer?

[Pandora]

I see mine about once a fortnight. Most of her clients see her weekly.
I chose her cos she was approachable, fit and seemed nice, and I think its really important to feel comfortable with and get along with your trainer. It helps when they are pushing you to push yourself.
I have my training at the gym ( she works out of a gym) get a new program at each session, and do this myself in between.
I think 3 times a week might be overkill, you can still follow the prgram your trainer sets you in between sessions....

[Adnil]

Just out of interest, how much does a PT cost you? I get a new program & fitness assessment every 6 weeks as part of my gym membership, but love the idea of something more...

[MummaBear79]

Hey Amy! Its Claire here...we met at Robina that day. My hubby is a fantastic personal trainer and is more than happy to train people in their homes, beach, park etc. You can train with a personal trainer as often as you like. From 1 day a week to 7 if you feel up to it. Its totally up to you and what you want to achieve. He will sit down with his clients and work out a 'plan' etc. If you are interested, email me claire_margin@hotmail.com and ill give you his details. Usually he trains out of the radisson resort gym in Merrimac. You dont have to be a member. You go there as one of his clients. But like I said, he is happy to train you where ever you feel comfortable. He is a fantastic trainer. He works with alot of mums helping them get back into shape etc. Definitely recommend him hehe.

[ZigZag]

Thanks for your responses ladies.

Linda - I'm not 100% sure of cost but I think they are in the vacinity of $40-$50 an hr? Mummabear79 (Claire) might be able to correct that?

Claire - I've sent you an email.

Still deciding what to do.....and getting fatter by the minute!!

[BellyBelly]

They are fantastic! I have a personal trainer who I go to them, its a specilised PT centre. Because you need to make an appointment you are more likely to go than commit yourself to gym xxx times a week. They push me harder than I would go myself and they have me doing weights more than I would do because I have no idea what I should do and when to increase etc. I have had a break from it the last couple of months to save money for a little bit and I have been soooooooooooo busy - John also goes and loves it. You build up a relationship with them and I could never go back now!

[{sarah}]

*bump*

Does anyone else have any suggestions on what to ask when looking for a personal trainer? I want to get fit & am thinking this could be an option....

[Lucy]

OMG. I never thought in a million years I would be able to post in this thread, my how times change, LOL!

Anyway, I have been using a personal trainer for around 5 months.

I was recommended one by a lady I know locally who has lost a lot of weight, so that was a good start: personal recommendation.

I then chatted to the trainer over the phone.....and we talked at length.

She explained that the reason she didn't work in a gym is that she wanted to be able to freely impart all of her knowledge, whereas most chains of gyms encourage their trainers to be fairly tight lipped on the WHY issues being fitness, so that members sign up and part with their cash time after time!

I am doing a two group training sessions with her a week. It works out at $24 a week. For that I get 3hours of her time and knowlege, a massive amount of supportive envouragement, the use of her gym and equipment (including books) as well as a whole load of other "freebies" such as high ropes course, a pedometer, a t-shirt etc etc.........

Here are some questions I would ask:

~ How is it structured
~ How much does each session cost
~ How many sessions would the trainer recommend
~ Is it cardio or weights or both?
~ How is cardio practised?
~ How much "homework" is expected
~ Do they focus on just diet? Or just fitness? Or both?
~ Do they also work on the emotional/mental aspects of a healthy lifestyle........ie do they acknowlege limiting beliefs and help you move forward from those?
~ Will they guide you to train for an event?
~ Do they do group sessions (which are often a lot cheaper!)
~ Are the available sessions convenient?