getting a gym membership is a trainer a good thing

[frd150]

I am not sure where to go. L.A. Fitness, 24 hour, Ballys. Any advice.

 

Also, since i am new will a trainer be a good thing?

What is the typicall cost?

How long should i use one?

Would a video be better?

Anything else i should know?

 

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Pyro]

I am not sure where to go. L.A. Fitness, 24 hour, Ballys. Any advice.

 

Also, since i am new will a trainer be a good thing?

What is the typicall cost?

How long should i use one?

Would a video be better?

Anything else i should know?

 

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

Ask around your area and see what gets the most positive feedback. I went to one that was open 24/7 and it was great.

 

Do you know what you want? Lose weight? Gain muscle mass? Cardio? How are you going to go about it? Are you on any type of diet?

 

If you are not sure of any of those questions then a personal trainer would be ideal. I had one and he was great. He answered a lot of questions that I wasn't sure of.

 

Costs will vary so look into it.

[josie54]

Also, all of these places will offer (or should offer) two-week trials, to see what you think of the place. Try two-week trials at the gyms closest to you and see which ones you like best. Each has a different atmosphere, and you might prefer one over another.

 

Don't forget to consider your local YMCA. You won't get the hard-sell sales tactics there, as you might with other gyms. It can be a bit more expensive, but it's a lot more laid-back.

 

In the end, the best gym for you is the one CLOSEST to your home or work. If you have to drive more than a mile out of your way, you probably won't go as often as you should.

 

Finally, you might want to wait before joining Bally's. The company is having financial troubles and is closing the doors of some locations. I just read in the business section of the newspaper that some of its employees are actually taking their personal equipment home with them each night, in case the place is shut down when they get there the next day. Until the company's more stable, I would try other places.

[allina]

 

Don't forget to consider your local YMCA. You won't get the hard-sell sales tactics there, as you might with other gyms. It can be a bit more expensive, but it's a lot more laid-back.

 

 

What? No, the Y is probably a third or less of a gym membership.

 

I go to 24 hour fitness and I love it. I have never used a trainer. But I would recommend one if you're not sure what you should be doing, how much and how often. If you're not used to working out a trainer can be very helpful for getting you started with a program and figuring out your needs.

[LoveLace]

If you have never participated in a regular exercise routine before, definitely get a trainer. Even if your experience is minimal, I'd still get a trainer, cuz there safety issues that you may not be aware of, such as stretching, cooling down, etc, those are things that should be done properly because they are essential for the muscles and for the heart. And there are absolutely safety techniques for weight lifting.

 

Prices vary greatly so you'll need to check around. I go to Club Fitness but I don't know how wide spread they are. What ever you do, try to avoid any locked-in contracts. Don't agree to any specified memberships, like the 3-year kind. Cuz if you stop going, they will still take the money out of your account for 3 years. Where I go, the only agreement I made was to pay monthly, but I can stop the membership anytime I want. That's the way to go. And the trials sound like a good idea. You should also take a tour of each facility to see how you like the set-up and the atmosphere. Some people are comfortable with bigger facilities, some with smaller facilities, some women only like gyms that are all women, etc. Wherever you feel the most comfortable should be your place.

 

Most importantly, don't expect results overnight, which I'm sure you've been told already. But do expect a trainer to work your a** off. They don't kid around. They push you as far as they can. You will probably hurt all over after the 1st-2nd day. But you can't give up. But it will take a few weeks or so to visibly see results. good luck!

[josie54]

What? No, the Y is probably a third or less of a gym membership.

 

When I was looking, I could get a membership at Gold's or 24 Hour Fitness for $20/month or so. The Y costs $52 a month for an individual membership, plus a $100 sign-up fee (which was waived when I joined).

 

I think many of these gyms have a lot to offer. I chose the Y because it was closest to my house and I liked the facilities and atmosphere.

 

Also, with membership, the Y offered four free sessions with a trainer, so if you just need a jump start, it's a good way to go. Beyond the initial four-week period, I think regular sessions with a personal trainer run about $40 or $50 an hour, depending on how many sessions you sign up for.

[Lights]

Sessions with trainers are only as good as the trainer, and are worth only as much as the training offered suits your purposes.

 

I've encountered several trainers that really didn't know too much. And I've trained with some who were good.

 

Your training goals are important; for example, if you have a goal of learning something sport-specific, you'll need to find an instructor with sufficient skill in that (regrettably, this is often much harder than it sounds!).

 

It all depends on the gym, the trainers, your training goals, and, of course ultimately on you.

 

Good luck!

[Enema]

I think if you really wanted to lose the weight, you dont need a trainer. I also find going to classes, which is included in the membership, once a week will give you the motivation to carry on. The hardest part is getting there. Once you're there and have been working out, you dont want to leave. Eventually you'll get addicted to the natural energy highs and its a lifelong change.

[Tony T]

A gym is only as good as your commitment to use it. All of them have good machines and people to instruct you on how to use them. Find your best deal and go for it. Stick with it for at least a year...and then try to continue.

 

Having a personal trainer is an excellent idea but a bit costly, depending on your own pocketbook. You may find a trainer at the gym you join who is there for various people and who works at a cut rate price. Otherwise, gym personnel will usually put you on a program designed for your needs and modify it from time to time at no extra charge.

 

If you don't join a gym, yes...get a good video and DO THE STUFF! Also, go to a health food store and find a good supplement to take while you are in a rigorous exercise program.

[Lezbean]

I go to 24 Hour. It's great. And, if you do sign up you get 3 free times with a personal trainer so they can show you how to properly work out.

[frd150]

Ask around your area and see what gets the most positive feedback. I went to one that was open 24/7 and it was great.

 

Do you know what you want? Lose weight? Gain muscle mass? Cardio? How are you going to go about it? Are you on any type of diet?

 

If you are not sure of any of those questions then a personal trainer would be ideal. I had one and he was great. He answered a lot of questions that I wasn't sure of.

 

Costs will vary so look into it.

 

Well since my break up i have lost about 20 pounds:eek: so i guess that muscle and cardio and proper technique

 

I think i will also need to be put on a good nutrional plan.

[frd150]

Thanks for all the advice guys:D