We’ve got more questions & this time it’s personal…

by

I am 31 year old 193lbs (my goal weight is 145-150). I have joined a gym and have been going and doing cardio for about a month now and feel that I am ready to step it up. I understand the basics of what it will take but don’t know how to get started. I met with a trainer at the gym when I signed up, the guy was so condescending that I decided then and there that I wouldn’t waste my money. Now I am rethinking my stance. I don’t want to spend the money but I also want to see results and need a kick in the pants. What if any advice do you have for me?

While I did have a smidge of trepidation with regards to posting this letter, apprehension that the Bumbling Band may feel we’re again beating that dead fitness horse, I decided to anyway.
It’s amazing how many of us share the same struggles and, in my opinion, this emailer asks a question which cant be answered too often.

Its been my experience that I can hear the answer to the same question *repeatedly* but, for some reason, a slightly different phrasing will finally spark a JOLT! moment for me.

The AH HA! when it all suddenly clicks into place.

So here’s to some joltage for the Bumbling Band.

First? kudos on joining the gym and not waiting, as so many of us do, until you were almostatgoal.

It can feel intimidating to go through the whole drawn out enrollment process when you dont feel as though you are your best self yet (why is it such an ordeal?). Pat yourself on the back for that non-scale victory.

I also wanna give you a woo-hoo for realizing/deciding that it’s time to add in the iron. Too many people, women especially, fear adding in weight training until they are at goal weight because of the myth that it will add bulk & make one look bigger.

We women dont have enough testosterone to bulk up, the added muscle will sparkenhance your metabolism, and there’s the added gift of, when you reach your goal aesthetic*, lean shapely muscles will already be there waiting to be revealed.

(*no. I didnt say weight. Not only because Im not a fan of the scale but because muscle weighs more than adipose tissue. Suffice it to say Miz is ALWAYS a winner at those carnival games where the ‘game’ is to try & guess the person’s weight. I weigh far more than the carnie folk would ever surmise…)

There are myriad ways to plan your weight training routine.

You can buy books, watch dvds, create a workout from my free facetime videos, ask people at the gym who seem to know what they are doing, create an album of exercises torn from fitness magazines —– the list goes on and on.

(as do the favorite books/dvd debates. Bumbling Band? Have any favorites?)

And, while any of the above can work, Im always in favor of supplementing with a personal training session.

None of us have enough extra time that we can afford to waste some doing exercises which wont get us results. And not seeing results is the best case scenario.

The worst case? You accidentally injure yourself through improper form.

Bottom line: I’m glad that you kicked your first personal trainer to the curb. There are ways to know if you’ve found a quality trainer but the best way is what you experienced: listening to your gut.

Now I encourage you to get back out there and try one more time to find a trainer.

You know your goals (you want to step up your routine, lose 40 or so pounds), you understand the basics, and you simply want a program & a kick in the pants.

Translation? you are a dream client.

I’d urge you to prepare as you choose (Id often have people greet me at our first meeting laden with dogeared books/magazine & computer printouts of what they envision to be a good routine), try a different personal trainer, and make it clear to him or her that you want to learn a routine and do it on your own. (I’m using your not wanting to spend money sentence as my rationale for saying only a session or two. In my opinion there is no money better spent than on knowledge which will save you time in the long run.)

As in all careers there will be people who are amazing & are truly working their passion and those who suck at their jobs and seriously shouldnt be allowed to call themselves trainers might have faired better at a career different path.

Dont let one condescending trainer spoil your view of us as a group. We’re not all like that—-I promise!

Our next email comes, at long last, from the WINNER of the MBT giveaway. An update.

Dear Mizfit,

I want to first say thanks for Mizfit. I enjoy starting each day with your words of wisdom. It really helps me stay focused and healthy and LAUGHING (MizFit note: you already Christopher…no need fer ingratiating.)

As a proud member of the Bumbling Band I also want to say thanks for the opportunity to win a pair of MBTs. As the winner, I received a pair of
brown Gil Gils. They are a cross between a sandal and a sneaker and are very comfortable. As someone who has suffered back pain for 10 years, I
was excited to give these a try. I won’t lie — they took some getting used to. I was careful not to wear them for too long when I started.
After a few days, I’m trotting around town and feeling great. Walking in MBTs just makes you feel funky (and I mean that in a good way).
Thanks,
Christopher

There you have it, Bumbling Band. A call for your help and an opportunity to ask ANY lingering MBT shoe questions (to a man no less!).

Please to hit us all up in the comments…

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Comments

  1. Holy Smokes!!! I think I’m the first commentator!! I just want to say thank you to the Academy!! hahaha, thanks for the post, this is a very salient issue for those who are embarking on the first steps towards a healthier, more fit lifestyle.

    All the Best,

    Andrew R

  2. What great advice! I agree with the personal trainer bit. Sometimes it can be a bit frustrating to find a good match for you, but once you do, they can be a gem. I suggest asking friends/family. People grow very attached to their personal trainers and are usually eager to give referrals!

    Good Luck!

  3. So MizFit…are you banned from visiting all your favorite carnie guys??? You’re in the “do not guess” pile??

    When I first began weight training – I just tried to do it myself – guessing completely at what to do. And I floundered. The smartest thing I did was buy a couple of books – and READ them! And USE them! So, while I didn’t hire a personal trainer, the knowledge from the books, and included workout routines, became my personal trainer. That said, an actual personal trainer would have been very beneficial, as well. Just to help keep me motivated, make sure I was doing moves properly, and to give me a kick in the pants when I needed that. So I say – see if you can find someone who is a match – it’s a great way to start your program off right – and give you a running start toward success. Good luck, and keep fighting for what you desire!

  4. If you want to get advice that is geared toward the equipment available at your gym, you may want to look around the walls. If you are lucky, your gym is like mine and they have put together example workouts that you can follow, laminated them and stuck a few copies in a folder on the wall. If you are VERY lucky, they also have little grids and pens available for you to track your weights on these suggested programs. Some of the advantages are that you get a handful of well-balanced workouts (upper body, lower body, full body in 8 movements, full-body in 14 movements are the kind of stuff my gym has put up) and that you know that the gym has all the equipment required for those exercises.

    Good luck!

  5. The way I did it? I went to Body Pump for a bit. Learned the routines and the form that way. Then mixed that up with bits and bobs on the internet. I can come up with a pretty good strength training circuit now, and I’ve never once gone to a PT (I’m terrified of one-on-one sessions, I know I should know better but I just DON’T like answering difficult questions!) If you have the guts to try a different PT though I definitely would though, you’ll get your plan tailor made.

    MBT Christopher – noticed any improvement in your back though?

    TA x

  6. lovelove BUMBLING BAND LOVE (and Andrew your comment cracked me up).

    now.

    off topic-ish.

    movie anyone?

    I love this line:

    Circus folk. Nomads, you know. Smell like cabbage. Small hands.

  7. It was very wise to kick the first one to the curb, but there have to be ones that aren’t jerks, right? I hope so for your sake (and mine…I plan to use and abuse their knowledge once I get to a gym again!). I would try again if I were you. Next time you’re there, take a peek at the trainers and see if there are any that stand out. Or, talk to them before hiring.
    Had to look up the quote…didn’t remember it from AP. So need to watch that again!

  8. I have no idea what movie that is from. Can’t wait to learn the answer.

    I’ve never had a trainer, but from watching the Biggest Loser I would imagine it’s very important to feel comfortable with him/her.

    I have a shoe question. How do shoes designed for different kinds of pronation work, as in how do they differ from one another. Is it for reals or is just marketing pooey?

    Well, I just saw it is supposed to be an MBT question and i don’t have any of those questions, so I’ll leave my off topic question for now. 😀

    Heather

  9. Stalking. Or, you aren’t psycho like me, lurking. I tend to go to the gym and just somehow manage to be working out near a trainer and trainee to see how I like the staff. So in the event that money falls from the sky – I already know who I like, and which super hot guy is never EVER gonna see me in spandex…

    MBTs? Stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllll FUGLY!

  10. Ditto what Miz says – test drive other trainers until you find a fit. Can you chat them up prior to paying for a session? They gym I went to has only ONE trainer. I liked her at first, but I recently divorced her when my gut – to which I listened – said that she was too much about herself and not enough about her clients.

    Yo, Miz – did I mention that she actually TOLD me that she was pissed that I’d spoken to you about food and fitness? She was jealous! And she was peaved that I picked other brains about eating clean. That was the clincher for me. She was so all about herself in that moment…it was pathetic.

    I use the Biggest Loser DVDs for some beginner weight training. Number one is my favorite. I definitely advocate strength training with weights. I’ve gained lots of muscle tone and lost lots of inches in the last six months. Now I have to find ways to maintain that since I have tossed the gym to the curb.

    Make it a great day!

  11. That is what I did, Miz, when I met with the guy who ended up being my trainer for a while.

    I brought everything. Pictures, books. magazines all to be sure he understood what my goals were before we started.

    I thought it might annoy him (if it had I might not have hired him) but he liked that I was motivated I think!

    great tips.

    I would like to know if Christopher feels like he looks silly wearing the shoes.
    I want a pair but….

  13. I had the same experience when I joined the gym and wanted to have a personal trainer – the guy I was paired with first acted like he was doing me a favor so I kicked him to the curb! I now have the perfect trainer and her and I work really well together. Don’t give up you know what you want and go get it – it is tuff at times but trust me it is well worth the effort. Thanks Mizfit for your wise words.

    Mara
    http://24stepstogo.blogspot.com/

  14. No MBTs or personal trainer here…………maybe Santa will get the hint 😉

    Seriously, I would love to have a trainer and see what a trained perspective could do for my body! I just have never given it much thought up until watching the Biggest Loser.

    If I was in the process of choosing one, I would certainly go with my gut until I found the right one.

  15. That was absolutely great advice Miz. One bad trainer does not mean that the entire industry is this way. The easiest way to get going is to increase your knowledge. I think that’s why that person wrote to you in the first place.

    Austin Powers on that movie reference.

  16. movie? Austin Powers.

    Love.

    Linda? Sadly I’m sort of surprised your trainer was miffed.

    In a way, had I recommended a 18232 day cleanse where you eat nothing but dried beef, I can see her wanting you to trust in her plan completely & only follow that (Yes, I’m being kind)…but when I was a trainer I was always thrilled to have my clients read & consult other ‘things’ (people to dvds to books) as it readied them to leave me.

    I was a big TEACH & RELEASE’ER.

    Really good tips you guys and, where I am at least, it’s not yet 615 a!

    Thanks!

  17. Oh thank you, you just gave me a lightbulb moment of my own! Get a personal trainer for two sessions to start off the weight training aspect of my fitness regime. I’m so used to not spending a dime on anything, but you’re right, this would be money well-spent.

  18. You need to talk to other people in the gym. Find women lifting weight who look good and ask their advice. Maybe they can point you to a good trainer, or even better, take you under their wings and offer free advice.

    Here’s some advice for you right now to tide you over and get your muscles in better shape before you ever pick up a weight. Until you find somebody, start doing bodyweight exercises. Push-ups (start on your knees if necessary), bodyweight squats, and the plank to strengthen your core muscles:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHQmRINu4jU

  19. yay hanlie! & cue confetti shaped like lite bulbs.

    A few fast thoughts:

    *be clearclear about your situation. Don’t be timid about saying I can not afford to continue this. CAN I GET WHAT I NEED FROM 2 SESSIONS AND THEN COME BACK FOR A CHECK IN OR A NEW PROGRAM IN 6-8 WEEKS?

    *don’t buy into a trainer who says you *need* 128328 sessions. Period. *do* hear the trainer if s/he says:
    It may take 2-4 sessions to learn everything properly.

    I often said that, meant that, when/if the person stuck to only two meetings we just did what we could!

    and I really meant the use my free videos as well. CLICK HERE for some and HERE.

    (or just search through the facetimes or youtube under CHICKENBUS2006)

  23. leah Im so laughing as I just announced to my husband last night (as he was getting out of his car after a longass day at the office) WE NEED TO USE THE WORD ASSHAT MORE OFTEN as our expletive of choice.

    great minds swear alike, huh?

  24. I’m sure it’s better if one has a trainer that is pleasant to be around.

    I haven’t always liked all the teachers I have had. I’ve tried to see if there were things I could learn despite those feelings. I think sometimes people look for reasons to fail and give up. It’s useful to be vigilant of that tendency.

  25. good stuff. I also wanted to add that it was helpful to me to ask people I saw training with trainers at my gym if they were happy!

    good way to get references.

  26. I am curious about the shoes because I had never heard of them until here.
    about the trainer? i have never found one I liked.

  27. I think maybe finding a good trainer is like finding a mate….you might have to kiss a few frogs? 😉 What a jerk, though! I can see how it must be frustrating, especially after spending $ on the trainer. Most gyms have several trainers to choose from, hopefully at least one of them there is nice! And I would fo’ sho’ write a letter to the gym manager regarding the “mean” trainer. I’m all about writing letters. 🙂

  28. great suggestion Holly.

    When I was a counselor I often urged people to write letters to VENT their feelings (& often not ever to mail them).

    Either tactic works here!

  29. Ooh yes reiterating that bit about find a new personal trainer. Even just for one session- they’ll give you a whole new perspective (and you sure don’t want one that you don’t get along with).

    If you feel like doing a little mini workout every day until you manage to find an exercise plan/personal trainer that suits you I’m doing a 100 reps challenge every day for December- would love it if anyone else wants to join in!

    Also great follow-up on the MBTs:)

  30. Way back when I joined the 24 hour gym. I got two free sessions and the 12 yr old trainer put me on the squat rack with something like 50 pounds. He was judging my strength by the size of my quads. What an idiot he was. And me to. I was sore for a week.

    At my current gym, it still looks like they are hiring 12yr olds. And I wouldn ‘t listen to them even if it were free. However, the head trainer knows her business. And I’d pay for a session with her.

    If I were the emailer, I’d ask at the front desk which trainer is most popular. And ask around. Who looks like they know their business.

  31. Love (and miss) my personal trainer. Oh, why can’t I be wealthy? (wealthy in the monetary way vs. all the other ways I’m loaded with prosperity)

    Most of the trainers I’ve talked to practically salivated at the idea of helping someone build their own workout plans, and ALL of them have been very open to books, websites, and programs other than their own. (It’s what makes the conversation interesting as I grunt through pull-ups and they watch.)

  32. Definitely seek out another trainer! You want to make sure you’re using correct form. Whenever I tweak a muscle, it’s usually always from lifting, not cardio. Form is so important!

    Other good ideas are group strength classes or DVD’s. That way, you can learn the exercises and then do them on your own, but I still think consulting with a personal trainer in the early stages is wise.

    Diet counts as well, and so maybe speak with someone about nutrition. If you are building muscle and working out, you will need MORE fuel. You want to make sure not to cut calories too much. Sometimes, it’s hard to find that balance, at least for me.

    Good Luck-you’ll get there!

  33. i think you should definitely try to find another trainer! it took me a few trainers before i found one that was a good fit, and she was incredible!
    i agree with heather that you should also seek out some help with nutrition and maybe get a trainer or rd to write out a nutrition plan for you.
    kudos for taking such a great step towards your health- we’re all rooting for you!

  34. In regards to the first letter, most gyms have a myriad of personal trainers to choose from! Def. interview a few and find one that fits your personal style. And I want to echo what MizFit said about KUDOS for going and just trying. Anything is better than nothing and overcoming your fear is a huge step! You’re going to be successful with your goals with a great attitude like that:)

    And thanks for the update on the MBTs!

  35. Oh, I DO have an MBT question. I’ve been thinking about putting them on my gift list but I have a bad bunion on my right big toe. Certain shoes affect it — high heels, of course, but also my Danskos, which have a curved sole. So, I’m wondering if the dramatic curve of the MBTs would be a problem. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. You might not know, but I figured I’d ask!

  38. I agree with others – hopefully there is more than one trainer at the gym and the emailer can try meeting with a different one.

    That being said, I’ve pretty much done it on my own. I started out with dumbbells at home and a routine from a magazine. Then I was in Future Shop one day and found a Kathy Smith Personal Trainer DVD. I’ve continued on from there – additional DVDs, workouts from magazines, etc. That has worked out fine for use of free weights. When I did belong to a gym for a while, they offered orientation sessions to new members, so I did get an orientation on how to use the weight circuit. That seemed a bit more intimidating than just picking up a dumbbell. 🙂

  39. Oh how I agree that a new trainer would be an excellent choice. Sounds like someone is ready to kick it into gear, and with the right trainer, you will!

  40. First off, some trainers are jerks. Unfortunately the rest of us are not allowed to keep them locked in the storage closet. Also, if a trainer takes you over to the weight machines, run like hell. There’s no reason you should pay someone to have you use a machine (and I’ve seen it done at some chain gyms)

    Secondly, if there are boot camp or body sculpting classes that your gym offers, I’d suggest those. I agree (to a point with dragonmamma) about the other women in the gym, but some of them may not want to help, and others may want to help, but be rushed for time. Scout the area out and try to find a friendly woman who doesn’t seem to be in a rush.

    As for DVDs and books, Tamilee Webb’s I want that body! is phenomenal and each workout is about 15 minutes. And Liz Neporent’s The Ultimate Body: 10 Perfect Workouts for Women got me into strength training (she also tells you what to think about while doing each exercise to help make sure that you’re using the correct muscle groups).

    The Women’s Heath website also has a lot of different workouts that you could try.

  41. The last time I was a member of a gym I was all addicted to cardio and only lived in the step and kickboxing studio so I saw no need for a personal trainer. That was back when I was seriously short-sighted. If I belonged to a gym now, I would definitely love to have some sessions so I could learn to use the equipment properly and correct my form.

    (OT: Mizfit, do you have a video on how to do a proper lunge? I just don’t get the whole “knee should not go beyond ankle” thing? On which leg? And how is this possible unless one does the lunge while in a split?)

    So how have I learned some routines without a personal trainer. I’m addicted to FitTV (Verizon/Fios cable), particularly Gilad (the Toning and Sculpting, NOT the Bodies in Motion–the 80s outfits scare me!) and some crazy lady who does this awesome core workout on the ball. I record the shows on my DVR and do them for a week or two before recording new ones.

  42. To your emailer:

    I have went all ways when it comes to trying to get myself fit. I started at 300+ lbs at a place that was just for women and that taught classes like step, pilates, yoga, ramp, cardio, etc. I think this really helped build my core up and prepared me well for when I finally found myself at a gym. So if your gym offers classes I would suggest going to some.

    For weight training, my husband and I started with a trainer. She was a fly by the seat of her pants woman though, a single mom with 5 young kids. I really did like her but I needed someone that wasn’t going to cancel appts every time I turned around and I need someone dedicated to really helping me progress. I just felt she was involved for her 30 mins and past that I wasn’t getting anything.

    So my next step was buying a book for weight training. My husband and I have been doing the workouts in the book for 6 weeks now and I can definitely feel a difference in myself.

    It’s definitely true too that muscle weighs more than fat because size wise I look more like I weigh about 20-30 lbs less than I actually do and that’s definitely from the weight training. So I also recommend getting yourself a tape measure and start to keep track. You’ll be amazed even if the scale isn’t going down that your inches will be.

    About finding a decent trainer, I suggest watching when you’re at the gym. There is one trainer at my gym that if I ever decided to have one again I would pick him. I have heard him talk to his clients about nutrition and all kinds of things. I think a good trainer should keep a file (or notebook) on you with them as they train you. They should be invested not just for the 30-45 mins they are training you but also giving you a plan for when you aren’t training with them.

    Anyway, I hope you can get yourself a routine that works for you because bottom line that’s what it takes, finding the right plan for you.

    Best of luck,
    Dawn

    Mizfit, I think this was a good post thanks for putting it out there with your great advice. If you lived in my town I would so want you to be my trainer *smile*.

  43. I have unabashed love for my trainer and think hiring her has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I had a couple of bad experiences years ago with disinterested and almost rude trainers at gyms, so I was initially reluctant to try again. I found a trainer who is not affiliated with a gym, though, and I’ve had a completely different experience. It takes work to find a good one, but it’s definitely worth it.

    I’m in the process now of trying to detach from my trainer and it’s hard. I swear I’d meet with her every day for the rest of my life if a big pile of cash dropped in my lap. I almost think I’m scared to let her go, but that’s a story for another day.

  44. Great advice about trying again on the trainer! And good point about how smart the question writer was to get to the gym and start considering weight training.

    I know I am practically alone in the health blogging world in being content to do many of my strength training exercises on machines. But one of the advantages of the Cybex or Nautilus or whatever machines is that it’s a bit harder to mess up and injure yourself, if you start with low weights and follow instructions.

  46. it’s GROUNDHOG DAY UP IN HERRE.

    I am compelled to say, again, how much I appreciate every single one of your comments.
    I read them all (& yet still get the emails asking if I do 🙂 yesyesyes. when I dont wanna I shall stop the Miz) and am honored you take the time to share.

    cloning? yes.

    please to also see this fine piece of cloning cinema as I believe that’s what would happen to me (click here).

    anyone else even see that movie??

  47. I should really see a personal trainer.

    I’ve always used the “too expensive, plus I’m independent and smart enough to follow these diagrams/DVDS/magazine instructions” approach.

    But I would LOVE to have a program designed for ME. It just feels like it would be such an indulgence…

  48. I like how you used the word JOLT as I think that is what I needed.
    what I need.

    I read workout programs in magazines and then try them at the gym. The problem becomes when I am not certain I’m executing the exercises properly (as you said) and then I wonder if I am doing anything at all and then I inevitably quit.

    reading this made me realize I might NEED to spend the money on a few sessions with a trainer so I KNOW what I am doing.

    thanks for posting.

  49. I just came from the gym and saw a newbie working out with a “trainer”. AUGGGGH! I could barely restrain myself from shaking her by the arms and screaming in her face “DON’T LISTEN TO THIS MAN!” What a useless waste of time and money that hour was. He started out showing her the machines (which any employee there will do for free) and then moved on to sitting bicep curls and twisting side to side while holding a 4-pound medicine ball.

  50. The trainer question is a GREAT one. I’d seriously find a couple of trainers and then ask for references. Call their clients and see what kind of a trainer they are. Are they friendly? Easy to work with? Empowering? Knowledgeable? Have the client’s best interests at heart?

  51. dragonmamma? I have had that feeling sososososo many times.
    I resist but not completely. Ive been known to give the TRAINER who should know better a long hard long long look.

    sometimes it’s the trainer’s ignorance (then no look. just a tiny internal sigh) and many times (at the chain gym I frequent) it is laziness on the trainers part.

    tfh? the trainer is money definitely well spent. I. So. Cheap. really. I pick a pedicure over a massage because the massage is so ephemeral and at least a facet of the ped lasts!

    (insert benefits of massage lecture here. also bear in mind I rarely do either.)

    the info you’d glean from a few sessions with a trainer is *so* worth it!

  52. I went from 185 pounds to 135, size 14 to 4 on my own with Body For Life, so I have a place in my heart for that program. But there are so many that are good. All of them include weight training (shorter/higher intensity will speed things up), eating healthy food combinations frequently throughout the day, and high intensity cardio. I do think that if you do it on your own (and you totally can) that choosing a program with the above components that’s already lined out for you is easiest-still not easy, but so worth it. Also important, creating a blog (accountability), cutting yourself some slack/forgiving yourself immediately when you bobble (you will) so that you don’t give yourself the option of giving up. I’ll add this, too, about Body for Life..the “free day” was a lifesaver some weeks!

  54. Great response Miz, you are right it is a question that I could have asked myself. all the cardio I do yet nothing gives results like ST. Once I get over this injury i will bring ST back into my routine for good.

  55. Miz,

    I’m still terrified of getting a personal trainer. Dunno why, but it might have something to do with the idea that they’ll be judging me. *shrug* I’ll get over it eventually ^_^

    Strength is one of the cornerstones of my workout. Definitely can’t get fit without it! Plus, a lot of people are already sneaking in strength without knowing it! If you use the “resistance” setting on the stair machine or elliptical machine, then you’re actually doing strength training already, so there’s nothing to be afraid of!

    Hmm questions about MBT’s….with the additional instability built in, do they bother your knees and/or ankles?

    -Meg

  56. viv? Thanks for saying that. I try and yank the questions which will apply to the broadest cross section of readers….I get some *great* ones but ones which apply to only the sender/a few others.

    Oh that I had the time to answer em all.

    Meg? The judging thing makes complete sense (and I feel the same way just w/a different industry!) but I can’t emphacize enough that, with a good trainer, there is *no* chance of that happening.

    Even when I see people lifting/working out wrong (wrong being potential for injury) I’m not judging—–just wanting to *lend a hand*

  57. I am so glad you posted your emailer’s question. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve felt that way. And you’re right. Getting past the enrollment process is a huge feat. And thank you for the reminder to get on the iron. I’m one of those women you speak of 🙁

  58. I agree with Crabby that the nautilus-style machines can be a good place to start, if you want to avoid the trainer. I prefer free weights now, but did nautilus for years. But I also agree if the idea of personal training appeals to you, you should search for one that meshes with you better. It sounds like a great investment!

    When I joined my gym, they offered three free personal training sessions. I didn’t take them, and I’m not really sure why.

  59. We are planning on purchasing a membership for the family for Christmas, at our local (*new*) rec center. It is a fabulous facility. I fully intend to book an initial 1 hour with one of the trainers to go over my goals and get a ‘plan’ in place. To me it will be $60 well spent, and may even follow up every couple of months with a 1/2 hour session to change up the routine.

    I’ve been doing a mish-mash of *stuff* for strength training, and feel like I’m floundering a bit in this area.

  60. I highly recommend the Cathe Friedrich DVDs. I used to watch her on FitTV and tape the episodes. (www.cathe.com) The “Body Blast” series will absolutely KILL you, but I found it was something I could work into at my own pace (that’s what the Pause button is for). I also like the Pyramid Upper and Lower Body. You need some dumbbells to do her workouts – for a beginner, maybe a set of 5, 10, and 15 pounds. It’s a small investment that pays off; it’s always useful to have your own equipment in the house.

    What I like about her DVDs, as opposed to the wealth of information in books and the Internet, is they are follow-along routines. When I first started with weights, I used to spend a lot of time standing around not knowing what to do. With these you do it in real time, like following an aerobics class. That helped me pick up knowledge bit-by-bit and gradually increase my range of experience, which can then be applied to a gym setting. I still go back to them sometimes when I’m tired of the big weights and want a change.

    Also I like the Gilad videos. The “Interval Workout for Men” (don’t worry, it’s just as suitable for women) can be done with 5-pound weights in your living room and it will kick your ass. I also like the “Elite Forces Fat Burning Workout.” It’s a kickboxing type workout, no weights, but it’s definitely going to build up some muscle.

    I was thrilled to discover that you can rent a lot of workout videos on Netflix and Blockbuster – try them out before you decide to buy.

    Good luck and congratulations for starting!

  61. Great post! I’ll add to the others who commented by telling your letter-writer not to fear weight training. It absolutely made the difference in my reaching my goal aesthetic (love that!).

    For videos that incorporate weights, I absolutely recommend anything by Cathe Friedrich. That woman knows her stuff and she’s got amazing form. She does some killer cardio, too!

  63. I volunteer teach CPR/1st-Aid for Red Cross, and some of my fav “students” are Personal Trainers (and/or Yoga Teachers) getting their re-certs. That said, their personalities and the … demographics, shall we say? of people they train are all over the map. Some of them work gyms, some have their own studios, some only see people in the clients’ homes in Potomac. In a 4 – 6 hour class, it’s easy to see which ones are used to the intense long-term relationships with their clients, which are providing a professional service to a range of clients for the facilities they are associated with, which ones are people-junkies who just want to to shower as many people as possible with love and encouragement and health, which are the nomads still working out what they’re suited to best, and so forth. Interviewing them for my own purposes, it would be a lot harder. I really think you want to go with word-of-mouth and think about what personality-type trainer you’d be most comfortable with.

    Personally, I could only see myself doing long-term and intense with a yoga teacher. I’m with Miz that the 2-3 session tune-ups periodically are probably the best way to go. (Full disclosure: I’ve only done that with Yoga Teachers, never had a Personal Trainer) And people-junkies just make me uncomfortable, so I’d want to go with the professional-at-your-service types or an interesting nomad, but that’s just me, you have to know your own personality and who you can commit with.

  64. I’m meeting with a trainer again tonight. The first visit I came to the table knowing exactly what I wanted to do. At the end in order to make the trainer seem invaluable, she talked about how much I know and how much she knows. Then, asked me if I can achive my goals with only what I know. I could have taken that as condescending, but knew she was just pitching her invaluable knowledge to me.

    However, she was right I do need a lot more knowledge in order to reach my goals. Luckily most of it’s free online. I do plan on paying for an occasional training session to see where I can ask questions, and learn. It would be great to have a professional trainer(not just an online certificate trainer) to be with me every week.

    They know their stuff.

  65. Oh gak. Stupid, stupid industry. I know exactly what you mean. We have one trainer at my gym who is just about dumb as rocks. But he looks the part and makes the sales, so the management keeps him around. Le sigh . . .

    Ask for references, and ask for testimonials. If you’re paying $50-$200/hour for this person’s time, you deserve to get the very, very best from them each and every time you see them. It’s their job to prove to you why they deserve your business; they’re salesman, and they should be able to make a sale. And (IMHO) any trainer worth her/his salt will want to prove to you why you should train with them.

    And if you live anywhere in Kansas, I can recommend a great trainer for you 😉

  66. Yeay! I’m so glad to see a bunch of DVD recommendations. I’m trying out a gym this week–mainly to try something new and to quash some irrational gym-phobia–but I do enjoy working out at home first thing in the morning, and DVDs also help me try some new things in a comfortable setting.

  68. Definitely listen to Miz & the Band! Proper form is FIRST PRIORITY – especially when working with weights. Stumptuous.net has some good videos too if you don’t find what you’re looking for here at Miz’s. The advantage of a trainer helping you learn form is that he or she can see where you are going wrong (hopefully) right away, and you can correct your form before it becomes bad habit: it’s tons easier to learn correct form from the start than it is to unlearn bad/relearn good at a later date. Like Miz says though – a few sessions should do ya, since you obviously have a little of your own getupandgoinitiative! A few books that might be useful include “The New Rules of Lifting for Women”, which in spite of the name, goes back to compound movements (ie more functional and less time) and has great descriptions, also the men’s version (no it really doesn’t matter your gender); check also “The Men’s Health Home Workout Bible” with some great basic info, and “Starting Strength” by Mark Rippetoe.

  69. I was incredibly lucky to have a great trainer, who I still have, who worked with me when I was 70 lbs heavier than I am now – well over two hundred pounds… He has trained me from being obese with a spine injury to running half marathons and working out daily (mostly hill runs and weights).

    I cannot stress how important it has been to changing my lifestyle (started the whole project of weight loss and half marathons 2.5 years ago) to have someone who was great about working with me in a variety of stages of health and physique…

    I also learned how to lift to accommodate my injury and to build the muscle needed for my racing goals..

    Guess, I am just saying its totally worth finding the right trainer.

  70. Pubsgal:
    I totally relate. I started out with Turbo videos at home, then finally got the guts to get back to the gym. Even then, who knows if I’ll ever join an aerobic class. Something about some of those moves are just easier done when their’s not a mirror in front of you =)

  72. I was happy to be reminded to wear my MBTs today. They felt great and I took a long walk all over town. That ended up being my workout (though I’d planned something else).

    Hooray for MBTs! I live in a great hippie town for wearing weird shoes, too, so no one thinks I look odd. 🙂

  73. I am trying to lose 20-30 lbs before hiring a trainer. I have been pretty diligent about increasing my endurance, but since I have a limited budget, getting a trainer near the end of my weight loss goals seems like a good way to break through a plateau.

    I have a friend that goes to a trainer and they have helped her to transform her body.

  74. What AWESOME comments and great advice!
    I’ve worked out with a couple different trainers at my gym. Holy personality differences. One I COULD NOT STAND. Now that I think about it, I actually haven’t had much luck with the trainer service that the gym has contracted.
    You can always hire someone from outside the gym. The one I loved came from a friend’s recommendation.

    But I do agree with the commentor that suggested the Body Pump class. It’s a good place to start. (the teacher might be a good reference as well…)

  75. Great advice on the gym! I’m a bit shy and cheap so I generally don’t use trainers. I’ve found a cardio-circuit class that I love (I get challenged and I don’t have to deal with talking to someone for an hour while I exercise). 🙂

  77. I love those weight guessing carnival games! I actually won a few lunches from co-workers because they would not believe that I am over 145 lbs at 5’2″. Hey – it is not call taking advantage of the situation if they are the ones that want to bet and we are using their scale.

    Whenever I want to learn something, I always pick up the Dummies series. There are even Dummies series for workouts on DVDs that offers great pointers on form.

    For strength training, you might want to try:

    Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies (love the video instructor!)

    15 Minute Workout for Dummies (another one of my favorite video instructor)

    The only problem with the Dummies series is that after 2 months, it is time to upgrade because you really do not need the extra instructions after you master the proper lifting technique. Do it might be a good idea to just rent these workout dvds from the library or from Netflix.

  78. I agree with you Miz… all of us personal trainers out there are not like that. However, there are some that give us all a bad rep. Many years ago (before I was a trainer myself) I met with a trainer for some advice and I felt like I was talking to a used car salesman rather than someone who was supposed to value my health! It was awful. I left that conversation feeling awful and irritated.

    I think it’s important to just FIND the RIGHT trainer. They are out there! There are those who honestly have the clients needs and desires at heart. I get so thrilled to help my clients because it makes me happy to see them succeed. Of course, I can kind of do things my own way because I just train out of my home… but if you search, I really think you can find a trainer who will give you that added push you are looking for!

  79. The woman who submitted the first question is at a pretty good place. She’s already at the gym and here on your site! You have endless helpful resources!

  80. I’m very glad that you posted this, especially for this young lady that probably would’ve not decided to exercise at all due to the jerk at the club.
    Finding a good personal trainer can make all the difference in the world, if you can affords em..

  81. I thought having personal trainer was a waste of money and they can be extremely expensive. Good thing I had the opportunity to “auditioned” the trainers. However,even you have own personal trainer do take advantage such as having discussion about whats latest exercise, diet that might work and open two communication to meet your expectation.

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