How frequently should I schedule sessions with a trainer?

I seriously consider a trainer to boost my fitness journey, but they’re pricey. What’s the best way to maximize the value when working with a trainer?

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If you are unsure about what to do in the gym and lack a structured plan, join a gym that offers coach-led classes.

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I had never been to a gym, so I decided to invest in myself. I did two sessions a week for six weeks, focusing on form and learning how to push without injury. Now, I’m doing my own thing and adjusting my routine to fit my goals. It was worth it, and I will likely use a trainer again as my goals change.

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Investing a few hundred or even a thousand in a good trainer can save you months or years of learning. What’s your goal?

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Do you have a gym buddy who’d be open to letting you join them for a few workouts?

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I doubt that’s the case. In my experience, many trainers give subpar advice and lack proper guidance. More often than not, I have seen it work the other way around, where their input does more harm than good.

No, I am quite new to this area and still getting to know it.

Personally, I don’t believe the cost of a personal trainer is justified. There are numerous workout plans available, and the main concern is ensuring you maintain proper form for exercises like squats. Additionally, it would be helpful if you included your fitness goals in your post! :slight_smile:

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I am not entirely certain at this point. Right now, I’m focused on achieving a body transformation, but I also want to develop functional strength. I’ve been thinking about incorporating activities like yoga, Pilates, or calisthenics into my routine, but I know that weight training will play a significant role as well. Balancing all these elements is important to me.

I have never used a trainer at any point in my life.

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Although you can find plenty of information online, having a trained professional assess your form is invaluable. I suggest scheduling a session to focus on basic lifts like the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press. Recording the session can also help. One-on-one training will familiarize you with the correct form and terminology, making it easier to understand online resources.

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It depends on your budget and goals. While there’s plenty of useful information on YouTube, there’s also a lot of nonsense to sift through. Hiring a trainer for a few sessions can help you get started, but afterward, consider choosing a reputable online program once you know how to perform the exercises correctly.

I invested in training despite never having been to a gym before, committing to two sessions a week for six weeks. We focused on proper form and pushing safely. Now, I am training independently and adjusting my workout splits to meet my goals while planning to consult a trainer as needed. It was a valuable investment for me.

Contact gyms to inquire about classes. There’s a local gym that offers monthly seminars on training different body parts, with 3-5 trainers available to help ensure proper exercise techniques.

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It depends on your level and experience. If you are a complete beginner, I recommend paying for two or three sessions to explore different routines, as this will help set you up for success. If you need someone to hold you accountable, consider scheduling sessions once a month after you’ve established your workout routine.

Have the trainer design a workout program specifically for you, then schedule about 2-3 sessions to work with them in person to monitor and correct your form. This ensures you are performing the exercises safely and effectively. Afterward, you can follow the program independently. If you have any concerns or need guidance on your form, you can send the trainer videos of your movements for feedback to ensure you’re executing everything correctly.

I’ve been going to the gym for years and reached a maintenance phase, so I hired a personal trainer for 8 sessions to improve my form and maximize results. The hands-on guidance has already reduced my soreness and helped me learn new techniques and equipment. It’s much more effective than relying on online videos.