Advice for Working with a Trainer

[Jockstrapper]

I am new to going to the gym (started in January). I have been happy with my results so far. I have lost 10 lbs and started to tone up. I have been seeing a trainer 2x a week for 30 min. each time. Would it be better to see him for 1 hour once a week or is breaking it up the better thing to do? I know I should see him more but money is an issue. I am already maxed out on my budget.

 

[ManTubeula]

maximizing your time at the gym is what a trainer is best suited to help you do but for me personally, i just start getting warmed up after a good half hour. As long as you're putting in supplemental workouts alone you should be good depending on your goals.. just keep to it. the idea is that within a few months you will be able to build on what you've learned from your trainer and grow from there. good luck.

 

[Snarky_succubus]

I am new to going to the gym (started in January). I have been happy with my results so far. I have lost 10 lbs and started to tone up. I have been seeing a trainer 2x a week for 30 min. each time. Would it be better to see him for 1 hour once a week or is breaking it up the better thing to do? I know I should see him more but money is an issue. I am already maxed out on my budget.

It really depends on what you're hoping to get from your trainer. Are you trying to learn? Are you just going to him for motivation? What are your fitness goals?

 

[Jockstrapper]

I am going to learn because I really don't know my way around the gym much. He done manage to kick my ass pretty hard in 30 minutes. Right now I want more muscle and definition. My main goal is some pecs!

 

[Exbiker]

I'm taking another break from the personal trainer to save money, but when I do it I like to do two a week.

I'm going to restart in the summer.

I think it's about learning lessons on different issues; programmes and splits, specific exercises, form, diet, etc. The more contact you have, the quicker you can learn and respond.

As well as extra incentive from criticism, etc.

But I see mine in the locker room when I'm there anyway, just doing my own thing. He's telling me I'm looking good, which is probably not a good way to sign me up for more business :wink:

 

[Stratavos]

if you're paying your trainer for motivation, then the half hour times are good, especially if you're staying after the allotted time to work on things further.

 

[Spoiler]

Get one that relies on basic routines. Too many trainers try to reinvent the fitness world with things that are just stupid like weighted exercises while standing on a BOSU ball, etc

 

[Snarky_succubus]

I would agree that 30 minute sessions are better if you're just going for motivation. Hour sessions might be best if you're going to learn how to be effective in the gym. Have him teach you basics and explain to you what muscles you're targeting with different lifts and in what order to organize your workouts. Also, have him create a workout plan for you to follow on the days you're not training with him. It's always good to do your own homework, too. The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding (Arnold's bodybuilding bible) was incredibly helpful for me

 

[Jockstrapper]

Thanks for all the tips guys (and gals). I am going to stick with 2 30 min meetups for now, it keeps me motivated all week long. Will definitely take a look at Arnold's book.

 

[coxslover]

Why don't you ask your trainer this question? He should be able to give you an honest, unbiased answer, if not, he's not looking out for your best interests. Plus, as your half hour session is winding down, ask him (or her) what you should do on your own for the next 45 minutes. Good luck.

 

[Rekroywenthe]

Get one that relies on basic routines. Too many trainers try to reinvent the fitness world with things that are just stupid like weighted exercises while standing on a BOSU ball, etc

Exercises on unstable surfaces are not stupid. they develop proprioception, and improve core strength and balance. Most people have muscle imbalances, poor motor control, and poor core strength. Personal training organization insist on the value of training and addresses those issues.

 

[Spoiler]

Exercises on unstable surfaces are not stupid. they develop proprioception, and improve core strength and balance. Most people have muscle imbalances, poor motor control, and poor core strength. Personal training organization insist on the value of training and addresses those issues.

Respectfully disagree.........

 

[Rekroywenthe]

Respectfully disagree.........

so does reseach

 

[Spoiler]

so does reseach

Depends what research paper you're looking at

 

[steel33]

I would have him help you with getting your firm perfect on your core lifts, lifts that you can recreate in your gym if he trains you in a different site. You can have him add a few ancillary lifts each session. Don't forget to go over diet and discuss aerobic or anaerobic excercises to help also. Warm up and stretching too.
You should also do research

 

[steel33]

Your own research. It's your body and at some point you should try to start to understand what works or doesn't and why.

 

[970172]

As a Personal Trainer myself I think that 30 minutes is OK as long as you do the warm up and prep stuff without the trainer. Then he/she can direct you in a solid resistance routine. The best thing the trainer can do is motivate you, keep you honest on your form and reps, and instruct you. I agree with @mocsb984 on the value of balance work but its not necessary to spend a huge amount of time on it unless you are in a physical therapy session. Two or three things to address imbalances and then move on. I like to get my clients working on stuff that challenges balance and core at the same time as resistance. Like standing and unsupported work (dumbbells, kettle bells, cables). Never on the machines - takes too much time to get anything done and the whole point of the machines is to enable a person to be unsupervised.