Personal Trainer questions

I had a free personal training session that was included in my gym membership. It was a 30 minute session. We didn't use any machines. This surprised me b/c the only other experience I've had with a trainer (many years ago) was basically learning how to use various machines and making a list of which machines to use and when. This trainer prefers to do exercises that don't involve the machines. I was sore for days and definitely learned some helpful tips.

I have no idea what is a normal price to pay for training sessions. The sessions are 30 minutes long. If you make a 3 month commitment, it's $30 per session regardless of how many times per week you choose. A 6 month commitment is $25 per session. Based on my schedule, I'd probably only be able to commit to once per week. The trainer said he would tell me things I could do on the other days that I went to the gym.

Is $25 or $30 for a 30 minute session a good price? Is 30 minutes enough? I'd run for at least 30 minutes after the session. Is a 30 minute session once a week even enough to see results? I would go to the gym on other days, but would be doing stuff on my own. TIA.

Re: Personal Trainer questions

First of all- you are getting a fair price.
As far as going once a week, if possible I would try to bump it up to two. I see great results when doing 2x week with a trainer. On weeks I've only done one session I can definatly feel the difference.

I know he'll be telling you what to do the other days, but one thing I've noticed about myself is: I don't push myself as hard as my trainer pushes me. You might be able to do that. But my trainer really pushes me past my limits.

Either way, whether you do once or twice a week you're getting a good price.

Re: Personal Trainer questions

I go twice a week and I pay about $30 per session. It's a half hour session and it's plenty of time for me. I've been going for a little over 6 months and I definitely see a huge difference in my endurance, strength, and muscle tone.
I have to work on making sure I get into the gym on the other days.....but having an appointment with a trainer is great because it makes sure I get there at least twice a week.
(I lack self-motivation)

Re: Personal Trainer questions

$25 -$30 is a really good price for a 30 minute session. If the trainer is good, 30 minutes is plenty as long as you are doing your cardio after your session.

Just make sure your trainer is qualified, ask him/her what certification or education they have. A lot of gyms will hire uncertified trainers and pay them less to save money - the current economy has started this terrible trend.

Re: Personal Trainer questions

Yes that is a good price! I love having a PT. My workouts are so much better! I only do once a week b/c the other days I either take a body sculpt class or do weights on my own!

Re: Personal Trainer questions

That's an excellent price and I agree with the posters who said to go 2x per week--if it's only a half hour, you can find time to squeeze it in. (I say this bc I used to always say I had no time to workout, but now I workout at the oddest times--friday nights, immediately after work etc. I don't know your particular schedule, so forgive me if you are really juggling many things right now.)

I asked my trainer about machines and she told me that while machines are great, they don't work out any supporting muscles. So if you're doing the bicep curl machine, you are just working that one muscle as opposed to using free weights which force you to engage all of the tiny supplemental muscles.

I wish I could get training for that price in the city! I think after I'm done w/ these sessions I'm just going to take group classes at my gym. I feel like that's the next best thing to personal sessions.

Re: Personal Trainer questions

Thats definitely a great price, and personally Im a fan of the loose weights over the machines. I think the loose weights give you a better workout.

Re: Personal Trainer questions

if you do go only 1x a week talk to your trainer so they are aware of what you are doing on your own the other days. I used to hate when my clients would take my toning classes and the next day train with me...their muscles were being overworked.