As part of my “get buff” goal, I’ve decided that some additional “tools” might be needed. When we were in Seattle, Mal’s sister, who is in excellent shape, spoke very highly of her personal trainer and his ability to really push her during her workouts. She also said that she has made great gains in her fitness abilities.
Initially, I thought a personal trainer would be much too expensive, but after discussing the different options with a trainer at Healthworks, it might be a more affordable investment than I thought!
Here are a few of the “cheaper” options that the trainer and I discussed:
- Partner Training: Train with a friend for a cheaper rate. Pro: Mal’s sister and her training buddy are super competitive with one another during their sessions and constantly challenge each other. Con: You and your buddy might not be at the same fitness level, which slows down the pace of the session.
- Express Training: Instead of paying for a 60-minute session, only pay for a 30-minute one. My session tonight was 30 minutes and included a high intensity, circuit training workout. I was huffing and puffing and dripping sweat by the end. Starting my week off with a workout like this is an awesome motivator for the rest of the week!
- Focus Training (Healthworks-specific): Focus Training at Healthworks is a series of training programs that take place in small groups and have a specific format, schedule, and focus. Included in Focus Training is BURN, Gravity, and Pilates Reformer groups.
- Trainer Check-ins: Instead of twice-weekly or weekly meetings with a trainer, only book a few sessions, and then ask the trainer to give you “homework” workouts to do on your own. Check-in with your trainer when you feel like you need a new routine or a boost of motivation.
I had an excellent session with the Healthworks trainer tonight, so I am seriously considering purchasing a package with her. (Purchasing a package, instead of individual training sessions, is also a good way to save money.) I told her that I enjoyed the session and it challenged me, but I wanted to crunch some numbers and sleep on it before I decided. If you have any advice, please let me know!
Have you ever worked with a personal trainer? What was your experience?
Dinner
I was absolutely starving when I got home from the gym! I actually had the “shakes” from being so hungry, which hardly ever happens to me. I never allow myself to get that hungry. Luckily, Mal threw together a couple of big salads for the two of us.
In the mix:
- Mixed greens
- Grape tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Brown rice
- Black beans
- Fresh salsa
- Pumpkin seeds
For “dessert,” I ate two pieces of hemp toast topped with peanut butter and golden raisins. Mmmmm! 
Juice Beauty Giveaway
Thanks for everyone who entered! The Random Integer Generator picked lucky #29!
#29 Kelsey
woah, what a fancy giveaway!! :]
my favorite product is the aveda caribbean therapy salt scrub. i just used it a few hours ago followed by aveda hand lotion and my hands are literally smooth as silk. woohoo for being a girl and having girly things to play with!!!
Congrats, Kelsey! Please send me your mailing address (tina@carrotsncake.com).
Good night, blog friends! Check back in the morning for a fun giveaway! You guys will like this one! 
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
What’s a reasonable rate to pay a trainer so I don’t get ripped off if I do decide to get one?
@Yasmin: Depends where you live and the quality of the gym. I firmly believe that you get what you pay for!
I absolutely LOVED working with my trainer. He pushed me and motivated me in every session, and kept things mixed up so I was never bored. Not only did he help me lose 30lbs, he also helped educated me and helped bring out my own passion for fitness, which sparked my desire and then motivated me to get my own personal training certification! Yes, there was a price tag on it, but it’s my health, and I’m worth it!
I received 2 free training sessions when I joined Healthworks and never used them! The trainers at the Back Bay location seen great though. Salads look great! That’s what was for dinner at our casa tonight. It’s getting hot out there finally!!
I have been doing group training sessions with my co-workers for about a month now and I absolutely LOVE it! We’ve gotten a pretty sweet deal due to my boss giving us a free month and sadly, I don’t think I will be able to afford it on my own though I’m going to try. They’ve taught me SO much and pushed me when I thought I couldn’t go any longer. The words “I can’t” are no longer in my vocabulary. Okay, maybe they are when I’m supposed to be holding plank for 60 seconds and I can only do 42.
Your dinner looks great! I have a similar salad ready for lunch tomorrow with spring mix, quinoa & chickpeas. Yum!
Is the hemp toast the same as the hemp bagels? I LOVED those hemp bagels and never would have known about them if they weren’t featured here!
Because I’m just one year out of college, I really can’t afford a trainer. I used my gym’s free session, and it was great! Since then, I had purchased a few of the Jillian Michaels dvds and I like to think of her as my trainer
Think you could find that quality of a workout from the cool group classes at your gym?
I’ve never worked with a trainer. I’ve heard the group sessions are pretty good when you’re on a budget, though. And I’m excited to see what the giveaway is!
Tina! Where did you find that hemp bread?? I can’t find it at any stores around the Back Bay area. That bread looks so delish and now I’m craving it after seeing your dessert! Good luck in your training!!!
i like the trainer check-in idea. having homework given to accomplish by the next appointment seems like a good doal to work towards!
thanks for the giveaway! i’m so excited :]
The trainer check in thing is a good idea! When I was a member at Bally’s, I really like the workout but training was just too expensive. I wish the big gyms would offer more condensed (and cheaper) training packages
@Coco (cocoeatsandcritiques): It’s the same brand as the hemp bagels. I think you can order them online. http://carrotsncake.com/2009/06/am-or-pm.html
Good luck with the training!
I’ve worked with a few different trainers in the past and I really enjoy it… when I have a trainer that I like and click with and that’s mostly business. There are some that don’t push me enough and it’s like they just want to be your friend. And I hate the kind of trainers that are basically just counting your reps then telling you what to do next. I really want to be pushed. If/When I get a trainer again, I plan on basically having interviews with them before I commit to anything because I want to make sure they know what my expectations are and are confident that they can help me and also share the same ideals about health and fitness with me. I don’t mind talking diet with trainers but I take it with a grain of salt, especially when they try to tell me to do anything drastic or faddish. It immediately pisses me off and I lose respect for them and then my workout suffers… but that’s just me.
(Hi! I’m a new reader and am really enjoying your blog.)
I splurged for a trainer a few years ago and really enjoyed working with him. He pushed me to do a lot more than I ever thought I could and made our sessions fun. I remember trying a different trainer first and not being thrilled — she didn’t push me enough. Once I found the right person, it was totally worth the $.
I go to Healthworks too and have yet to use a trainer there. One of the (many!) things I love about Healthworks is that the group classes with my favorite instructors are ALMOST as good as working with a trainer — they push me to do more than I would on my own and are fun. I’ve tried a couple of the smaller group classes when they’ve had free trials and I honestly didn’t feel like they were any better than the free classes.
I’ve never worked out with a trainer, but I would love to someday try it. I think it oculd be really helpful.
Great tips! I’ve had trainers – for the gym, private pilates, etc. – although great, t’was really price-y and once the sessions were over I found I didn’t want to go anymore on my own because I “felt bad” I wasn’t pushing myself the way my trainers were.
I never had much interest in getting a trainer but after this post, I’m definitely interested. I’d love to see how hard a trainer would push me and compare it to how hard I work out normally! Thanks for the money saving tips
I went to several trainers that worked for LA Fitness and honestly, I didn’t feel like I got that much out of it.
How great that your hubbie made salads unprompted! I can’t see that happening with my man…it’s typically heavier fare with a side salad.
I guess I’ll have to show him how good a loaded salad can be as an entrée!
i’ve always been curious about working with a trainer but could never justify the cost. it’ll be interesting to hear your experiences!
Your dinner looks amazing! very refreshing for summer
I’ve never worked with a personal trainer, but I have worked with dance teachers and pilates instructors. I think it would be a good experience at least to get you familiar with some good workout moves that you can do in the future. I just can’t really justify the cost right now 
Good luck!
Hey,
Your dinner looked so fresh and yummy but I wonder if you feel you get enough protein from the beans and the peanut butter in your dessert? Hey if you feel good and have lots of energy that’s terrific- just for my body I think it might still be a tad hungry
Deb
That’s great that you may start to use a trainer! I personally have found them to be way too expensive for my budget, but then again I live in downtown Chicago and EVERYTHING seems to be more expensive here compared to most places!!
However, I attend a ton of the free group classes at my gym and I honestly think they whip me into shape just as good as training sessions do! It is not as personalized, but I think you still get great results, and unless you are a serious athlete training for a serious event (which I’m not), I think the group classes get you into awesome shape!
I was in bed with the lights off just reading a couple of my fav blogs before bed, and i just put the light on so i could see my keyboard and tell you that the sessions will be worth it.
here are my thoughts…
GO FOR IT… but be smart. I have been going to a trainer on and off for years depending on my time and financial situation. It has helped me to learn all sorts of funky exercises while also challenging my body. I am currently going two times a week as a treat to myself before my wedding, and it is worth every. single. penny. Two months ago I could do 15 pushups without being exhausted, now i can do 30 no problem. While my weight hasn’t changed my waist is the smallest it has been since the age of 14, and my energy levels are super high. Also, the gym can be so BORING so it is refreshing to have new and fun exercises. It is SO useful for someone who loves exercising but needs that extra PUSH sometimes.
To do it right, don’t necessarily go to one of the trainers that works for your gym. You probably won’t be willing to make that investment continually. I asked around and found a great trainer who works out of her small building’s gym and I only pay $40 per session. To give you an idea, the gyms in my area charge between $55 and $75 a session. I was referred to her by many and in my opinion she is the best around. We don’t do straight workouts because I can do those on my own. Instead we use muscle confusion methods, plyometric exercises, and lots of other funky workouts (BOXING IN BETWEEN SETS ANYONE???)
Feel free to email me with any more questions- trust me when I say this is one department I know REALLY well. I’ve tried out many trainers and I have been into lifting for years.
Happy night!
LOVED your review of the tapa bar, that place looks delish! i’ve often thought about getting a trainer but it is definitely out of the price range for now. i definitely think it would be beneficial to have a programme tailored just for you, i say treat yourself and go for it!
good luck!
Thanks for the tips! Delish dinner, too!
I am working with a trainer now. I have been seeing her for 4 weeks and have really enjoyed it. I started seeing her so that I could learn to lift properly and feel comfortable using all of the weight lifting equipment at my gym. In the short time I have been seeing her, I have seen new difinition in my legs, arms and I am losing inches. I am feeling fantastic and the best part is that now, when I meet my friends/husband at the gym, I know how to use the equipment and what the right exercises are and I can share that knowledge! It is also great motivation to just show up sometimes because motivation isn’t my strong suit
@Deb: Yep, I get plenty of protein!
I like your ideas for alternative training! I worked with a trainer for a brief time when John & I lived in Houston – but I ended the “relationship” because it annoyed me how much he talked during our training sessions – he tried to engage me in conversation during the entire workout. When I don’t focus on my workout, I tend to slack off, and talking is a distraction for me.
I do like the idea of “check-ins” with a trainer!
I love working out with trainers! I’m a member of Healthworks also and am currently training for a triathlon, so the trainers there have been great. I’ve worked with one at previous gyms and they have all been wonderful. It’s a great way to get new ideas to then create your own workouts and to get re-motivated. I’m constantly asking questions while we workout also to get more ideas and tips. Good luck!
You are right on with your trainer tips. My husband is a personal trainer and he really tries to work with people to find a way to make training fit into their budget. Training can be affordable and it is not just for wealthy celebrities! : )
Mal and Tina,
That salad looks so yummy! It’s nice the way you two help each other out…..true love!
Enjoy,
Pam
http://www.alovefornewrecipes.blogspot.com
I have not worked with a PERSONAL trainer but I do have an ONLINE trainer. He is the best! Well, my result speaks for itself. I get my workouts sent to me everyday and also he does my nutrition. He is a mind coach too which is VERY helpful.
Tina – my personal trainer is the best investment ever. She has also become one of my closest friends and knows me so well – emotionally and physically – that she can push and challenge me to go places I neevr thought I could.
Also look into someting called CrossFit – there are several in the Boston area!!
Your dinner looks fabulous!!!
I’ve never used a personal trainer. I guess I thought they were always out of my price range too. I hope if you start using one, you can give us all some tips too!
I worked with a trainer for about 6 months and it was worth every penny. He taught me the benefit of lifting heavier weights with less reps. I got into amazing shape and learned so much about real lifting. Not those 30 reps with 3-5 lb weights workouts touted in most magazines and what you see most ladies doing at the gym. Waste of time!
I worked with a trainer for about 3 years and loved it! Unfortunately he kept getting higher certifications and ended up getting super expensive, even when buying a package. Now I spend my extra $$ on MAT sessions to address strength or flexibility imbalances so I can run more without feeling beat up. I still do a lot of the exercises my old trainer taught me though!
Working with a trainer can really boost the overall quality of workouts you do on your own. I tell potential clients that even if they can’t afford a package of sessions, buy 2-3 to perfect form and technique, get the feel for the level of intensity that should be felt while working out on one’s own, and thus maximize the time you spend exercising by doing quality workouts. They’ve told me that this seems to be the best “bang for their buck”! My clients who do not buy packages will still come back every 4-6 weeks to “check-in” with questions or the need for a new variety of exercises. Also, as a personal trainer and an RD, I’m able to assist on the nutrition end when clients are trying to gain muscle, lose weight, or make any dietary changes to improve their lifestyle. This is an integral component of a physical activity/lifestyle change program, and not many trainers can offer this nutritional insight. When you choose a trainer, ALWAYS inquire about their nutritional philosophies and expertise.
I really wanted to get a personal trainer to learn some new ways to challenge myself but was also concerned about the cost. One thing I did was ask if there were any specials. My gym does a really good one at Christmas-time so I waited for the deal to come around. I also went for 1/2 hour instead of hour. That way I was getting an awesome 1/2 strength train and could stay at the gym after and do cardio on my own. I had a great expirience and learned a lot!
I had a personal trainer at Boston College and at Northeastern – they are usually pretty good, and help to get you started and motivated. I’m very competitive and like to push myself, so I think that the trainer check-in option would be the best for me.
I’m very blessed to have a friend who is a personal trainer and I work out with her most days of the week now. She really challenges me! But I have used personal trainers in the past and have found that they are very helpful at holding you accountable and helping design programs for you to meet your goals.
My answer might be too late but I’ll answer anyways. I hired a personal trainer for 30 session and although she charged 72 per session(of one hour) it was TOTALLY worth it. She would give me really hard workout sessions. I’d totally be sore the next day. I’m not usually that sore after I workout by myself
She also gave me a different workout everytime…she’d do drop sets, reps interspersed with baby reps and stuff like that. I losy a LOT of body fat working with her. Hopefully I’ll continue to lose working on my own.
I would love the idea of a personal trainer, but when my husband, a couple of friends, and I all had our ‘free to new members’ session with in the same week, we all came out barely being able to walk for a whole week! Not the way to sell your service to people who also had normal lives to lead!
{ 2 trackbacks }