Personal Trainer Good for Beginners? Help!

[theblackajah]

So, I'm pretty resolute about looking out for my health now.

I'm 5'11", 185 pounds- body is, well, carrying around some extra fat in the worse places (ass, breast area, gut).

I'm determined to begin a long-term commitment to becoming healthy, fit, and attaining the physical build I've always wanted to have.

I know it's not a light commitment, and will have to involve everything in terms of lifestyle change (e.g. including a change to healthy eating).

Thing is, I'm clueless about all this health stuff besides what you encounter in the media, etc. In order for me to be able to stick to this commitment, I'd really like to have a solid plan that I know will work for me.

Is it a good idea for me to look for a professional trainer to start me off with some sort of exercise routine and lifestyle routine? (My physical IQ/Gym IQ = 0) Should I visit a nutritionist? Where do I go to find professional, all-encompassing consultation regarding such a lifestyle/health/fitness goal? Will they be able to give me a solid, dependable long-term plan/routine to follow?

HELP! Gym rats/health buffs, please advise! Thanks in advanced

 

[OtterJoq]

At 45, I realized I'd better start taking care of myself. I had never been athletic in the slightest, so I thought it'd be a good idea to work with a trainer so I could learn how to work out the right way.

Bottom line: he changed my life. I never thought I'd have the body I do today, at 46. (Pic is at left.)

A good trainer could be just what you're looking for. Have fun, and good luck!

 

[davy]

you may be different, but when i was in your position, i didn't start with a trainer.

i've been in an exercise routine for almost three years now. in the past i tried other routines, but i gave up on them quickly because it was too much too fast.

i started by walking a little bit whenever i had free time. when walking seemed less like a chore, i started changing my diet one thing at a time. when i finally got used to the way i ate, then i started picking up on the exercise.

i did very small increments at a time because it seemed that jumping into something always made me give it up. remember that you're changing the way your life works; it takes a lot of getting used to. (then again, i'm in a different boat; i was a LOT bigger than you are).

i didn't start seeing a trainer until very recently.

whatever you decide to do, good luck.

 

[jockboy01]

I'd say a personal trainer is an excellent idea for a beginner for two reasons. One, having a regular appointment for a while helps bring it into your lifestyle. It's a lot easier to say "I'm not going today" if you don't have to call and make that confession to somebody.

For two, and more importantly, it helps you learn the correct way to use equipment, the number of reps, what NOT to do, etc. I had somebody help me... not a personal trainer by profession, but could have been. And I would have been lost with him b/c nobody is born with "gym knowledge". So they can help you get started. That doesn't mean you have to go to them forever, just as a kick start.

As to eating, a nutritionist can help, or you can get general health information off the web... just us a good site. What is a good site? Well, generally anything that comes from a gov't agency (FDA, CDC, etc) is valid info. Also, generally information from large academic centers is reliable (Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, etc, etc). Try www.mypyramid.gov as it looks like a good place to start.

 

[theblackajah]

Thanks for the advice so far guys!

I've been looking around, and trainers are indeed pricey. I'm also really considering this program called "Survivor Boot Camp"- a group fitness program with several people and several trainers. Anyone heard of it/been in it before?

Keep the advice coming in guys, I REALLY appreciate it!

 

[new86]

Wow OTTER, what a body!
it would bne interesting to know hoy it was before.

I'd like to gain some muscle (see my pics)
and will join a gym in the near future.

 

[OtterJoq]

Wow OTTER, what a body!
it would bne interesting to know hoy it was before.

I'd like to gain some muscle (see my pics)
and will join a gym in the near future.

If you start working out regularly and make sure you're getting a balanced diet (including LOTS of protein), you should be able to build muscle mass.

How fast you build it depends on many factors...some of which are out of your control (heredity, for example). But get started...if I can do it, anyone can!

(And thanks for the kind words, Shystud!)

 

[Gomaki]

I was thinking about the personal trainer route. How often each week should you be seeing them?

 

[OtterJoq]

I was thinking about the personal trainer route. How often each week should you be seeing them?

Depending on your goals and your motivation (in other words, how well you can keep going on your own, when the trainer isn't there to goad you on), once or twice a week to start, and then you should be able to cut down after a month or two.

Again, however, everyone is different.

And don't be afraid to shop around for a trainer. Ask other people who have used one, and look for certification...there are a few unscrupulous people out there who are more than willing to take your money for not much in return.

But if you find a good trainer, he or she can change your life. I speak from experience.

Good luck!

 

[SuperPsyze]

A personal trainer is nice, but I think it's a lot easier to get going when you have a best friend to work out with.

Working out can be terribly boring for the most part, so it makes it easy to get lazy and drop out. It's nice to have someone there for company, hired or not.

 

[Luminox]

OtterJoq: (*U*)THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT'S your body ????


...

WOW !!

you must have SOME discipline...Kudos to that !

I respect the hell out of disciplined people !