Jean in Newcastle Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I asked my cardio kickboxing instructor if she does personal training and the answer was yes. I love this lady. She's a drill sergeant who is also lavish with the praise once I've almost passed out.;) Here's my current workout schedule - Monday - cardio kickboxing Tuesday - Zumba Wed. - swimming and relaxing my muscles in the spa per my chiropractor's orders Thurs. - Zumba Friday and Saturday is not really scheduled and so I end up not doing anything most of the time. What I think I want: * help with weight loss (66 pounds to be exact). Can a personal trainer help with that? * something beneficial for me to do on Fridays and Saturdays. The classes available do not mesh with my schedule on those days. Can a personal trainer help me get the most out of those days without a class? What do I tell her? (I have fibro but when I've mentioned it in the past, people get scared off and don't want to let me do anything. This lady has seen me work out and once she got over her first impression that I was going to die on her, kicks my butt.) What do I ask for? I'm thinking that I can only afford to commit to 3 sessions with her - to give me a leg up. Money has to be allocated wisely and I want it to be worth it financially as well as healthwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 If money is tight, and weight loss is a main goal, and you don't yet walk, I'd really add walking (or walk/running per c25k or Galloway methods) to Friday/Sat/Sun before I'd spend it on a trainer. You need to burn calories, and you don't need anything fancy to do that. If you can't walk in your neighborhood or another convenient location easily, then I'd spend that $$ on a home treadmill (or something similar like a recumbant bike or elliptical or nordic track x-c ski machine or a real bike if you would use it . . . anything you'd USE) before I'd spend it on a trainer. You just need to sweat for an hour a couple more days a week more than you need specialized advice, IMHO. Now, if $$ were not an issue, a trainer could be great for encouraging, teaching, etc, but I'd see that as more of a long term investment (say once or better yet twice a week for 3 months or more) than as a short term fix. I think a short term fix with a trainer could be helpful if you needed help meeting some specific goal (running form, speed work in running for a particular race/time, learning how to best use weight equipment at home or gym, learning swimming strokes/techniques, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I would add strength training 2-3X/wk. If you can afford a trainer and need help making your own workouts I would get the trainer. Otherwise check out books like these to learn how to lift weights: http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Health-Big-Book-Exercises/dp/1605295493 http://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting-Women-Goddess/dp/1583332944 These books tell you the hows and whys plus there are workouts in them you can follow. Strength training will change your body shape, burn fat, build bone mass - there are so many benefits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) Yes, I think personal trainers can be a great asset, but there can be a lot of variation in their skill level, philosophy, and education level. In many states there is little to no regulation. Many personal trainers label themselves as such and really don't have much formal education. That can be okay for some folks, but sometimes I think they hand out dangerous or erroneous advice. Like any professional you deal with, tread cautiously, and find out about their background, training, etc. in advance. A few continuing ed courses is IMO not enough for certain populations that personal trainers may take onto their caseload. Edited January 4, 2012 by Momof3littles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 If money is tight, and weight loss is a main goal, and you don't yet walk, I'd really add walking (or walk/running per c25k or Galloway methods) to Friday/Sat/Sun before I'd spend it on a trainer. You need to burn calories, and you don't need anything fancy to do that. If you can't walk in your neighborhood or another convenient location easily, then I'd spend that $$ on a home treadmill (or something similar like a recumbant bike or elliptical or nordic track x-c ski machine or a real bike if you would use it . . . anything you'd USE) before I'd spend it on a trainer. You just need to sweat for an hour a couple more days a week more than you need specialized advice, IMHO. Now, if $$ were not an issue, a trainer could be great for encouraging, teaching, etc, but I'd see that as more of a long term investment (say once or better yet twice a week for 3 months or more) than as a short term fix. I think a short term fix with a trainer could be helpful if you needed help meeting some specific goal (running form, speed work in running for a particular race/time, learning how to best use weight equipment at home or gym, learning swimming strokes/techniques, etc.) :iagree: If money is tight I'd consider free. I think if you are okay doing Zumba then you should be okay doing a 30-60 minute run/walk program on the weekends. Alternately have you looked into something softer, yet a good work out? I'm thinking about tai chi. I do really well with it, and am looking forward to moving to attending 2x a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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