Is a Personal Trainer Worth the Expense?

Personal trainers aren't cheap and in these economically challenged times most of us think carefully before we spend our hard earned cash. I've been indulgent and have been going to a trainer for the past 8 months. Do I think it's worth it?

If you are seriously committed to achieving your goal of having a healthy, well-toned body, the right trainer it is worth every penny. Mine happens to be the best - a cross between a mother hen and a drill sergeant. Stephanie hovers over me, making sure I am doing each exercise correctly and with the proper form. She rarely takes her eyes off me, as though I'm her baby chick. The next moment she is all demands, the stereotypical drill sergeant, pushing me to work harder than I thought possible, and then unrelentingly ordering me do it all over again... and again! Just when I am able to do a task well, she makes it even more difficult! She knows exactly what I need.

Stephanie isn't my first trainer but she's by far the best. Perhaps a woman understands what my body needs more than a man and she doesn't push me further than I am able to go, stopping just at my limit yet constantly challenging me.

Getting stronger, feeling those hidden muscles growing, is quite a satisfying experience. I might never be content with my body but the differences are apparent and I love feeling those new muscles. Where have they been all my life and why have I waited so long to use them?

If you've never worked with a trainer you probably have some questions. How much does a trainer cost? How often should I train? How do I pick the right trainer? What does a session consist of? When will I see results?

Personal trainers charge between $40 to $70 and up, per hourly session. My sessions are thirty minutes long, twice a week. This is enough time to work a specific area of the body, especially if you follow the session with some cardio. Between time, you'll find me at the gym at least five times a week, engaged in different activities. Don't forget that those challenged muscles need time to recover.

Finding the right trainer is the key. They're easy to find, just ask at your local gym or look on Craig's List, but finding the right trainer might take some work. At the gym, it's fairly easy. The folks in charge should be able to help match you with a trainer who'll meet your needs. Don't be afraid to try out a number of people until you find one that suits you. Of course, they need to be certified, but they also need to care about what they're doing and care about you. A trainer who just stands there and looks around while you work out really isn't what you need. He or she ought to have their eyes on you at least 95% of the time and be there when you need them. They should help set up a program which meets your needs as well as encourage and motivate you. The right attitude is essential.

Don't be afraid to request an interview with a prospective trainer. Make sure you are satisfied with the person you select. You might consider asking other people in the gym who they recommend. Look around and find people engaged in training sessions and watch from afar. You will soon be able to pick out the caring ones from the ones who are not so involved with their clients.

During my training sessions I target an area - it can be as specific as "legs" or as general as "lower body". I do a lot more arm work than anything else since they're my biggest problem area. For example, Tuesday we worked on legs, today arms, next time it will be the back. The other day we devoted the session to triceps. Anything goes, it's really up to you and your trainer.

What exactly do we do? I work with weights, resistance training on the machines and some floor exercises. There is almost always something new to master, it keeps things interesting and progressing. The actual types of exercises you do will vary, depending on your fitness goals.

How long does it take to see results? You should see some results in a month, sometimes less. Your endurance will increase and, if you are anything like me, you will come to enjoy the experience of fine tuning your body. To answer the question - is a personal trainer worth the expense? I suggest you book a few sessions and decide for yourself. Of course, a healthy diet goes hand in hand with exercise, together they are an unbeatable duo.