Initially when I started loosing weight I tried to suss out my diet and exercise myself. I lost about 20kg that way and was thrilled but my weight loss also needed a boost.
When we moved to Brisbane I joined the local Fitness First gym and they were offering a deal for personal training taster sessions for a charge and I decided to give it a go.
I was matched with my current trainer after completing a questionnaire. I am sure I was a nightmare because I contradicted what I wanted i.e. someone who wouldn’t shout at me but would be firm. The match is actually great and I have a great trainer who motivates me to want to do better.
Initially I was unsure because I was matched with a male trainer but it really has not been a concern for me that he knows my weight etc as we both work on me loosing weight.
I know lots of people loose weight without a trainer and it is not the cheapest option thats for sure so I have had to adjust my budget to afford it. However I am very glad that I decided to work with a trainer and I feel it is really paying off.
The benefits I have found of having a trainer have been:
1) He sets my weekly routine for me – I train on a Monday and Friday with my PT but he also sets the schedule for my gym sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This means I know what I am going to do day to day and it is targeted at my weight loss goals.
2) I am accountable – I record my exercise on the PT app we both access and my weight and food synch from my FitBit app so he knows what I have or have not been doing. This makes me want to do my very best.
3) I receive regular support – some weeks are tough and I have felt like giving up, especially when I have not had any losses on the scale but when I turn up at the gym ready for a session with my trainer and he is excited by a loss or that I can all of a sudden increase the weights or do a sit up then it is a real boost.
4) Inundated with information – looking online you are inundated with information, plans, data etc. and it’s tough to work out what is or is not correct. My trainer is focused on my specific goals and plans for them and cuts out all the unhelpful information. I still from time to time hear about a new meal plan or exercise regime and will read the article but don’t get bogged down in the information.
I have no regrets over my decision to work with a PT. It wouldn’t be for everyone but if it works it really works.