I opted for ActivTrax (AT) because I know personal trainers are a whole lot more per hour than a free computer-generated printout. But, isn't it the truth that you get what you pay for.
After AT and I parted ways, I checked into personal training at my Y, and was introduced to my trainer, James. I have worked with trainers before, so I have an idea of the reasons I like to work with actual trainers.
1. The camaraderie with my trainer. He notices if I do a great job on a set; he laughs with me; he shares a little about himself. I never did learn whether AT was single or in a relationship.
2. The ability of the trainer to adjust the workout to my energy today. He hears the energy in my voice, listens to my comments about the last few days, and can either ramp things up, or slightly tone things down to compensate for what he's observing. AT basically was set in his ways and did NOT adjust.
3. The encouragement that a personal trainer gives. James celebrates when I keep my balance on a tough set of kettlebell toe raises while standing on the bosu ball. He gives me "style" points for form that goes a little above and beyond. He notices and affirms my physical strength. AT was all, "Just the facts, ma'am."
4. The adherence that an appointment encourages. Old AT, he'd be there anytime, whether or not I showed up. James and I make a plan for a certain time, and I show up at that time. That kind of accountability is great in a fitness situation.
5. The knowledge that a trainer has. The computer can show you a video on how to do a bicep curl, but a trainer actually helps you make adjustments in your technique, which enhances the effectiveness of the exercises.
6. The taking me beyond where I think I can go. "10 more seconds!" "You can do it!" "You're almost there!" Those kind of comments keep my focus on the goal, on the success, and off of the tiredness and fatigue. AT was always conspicuously silent.
7. The value I believe I receive when I pay for this service and see the results which come from sticking with it. Things cost money. We pay for things we value.
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You are lucky to have gotten such an understanding and adjusting trainer.
Thanks. All the trainers I have worked with (5) have had these characteristics, though. I would not be willing to continue to work with someone who was inflexible or unpleasant to work with. Have you had a different experience with personal trainers?
And now I feel like I need to go lift weights. :)
Your post made me giggle. The way that you compared James to AT was so clever. I mean of course your preference would be James, with AT's "Just the Facts" attitude and all. :)
So, Alex, what did you do with that feeling??
Thank you, Lynda! Yes, James is worth the money I pay for him, and then some!
Hee! That whole thing made me laugh. Poor AT, I feel kind of bad for him - dumped for a lowly human. I'm so unmotivated about exercise that I would probably benefit from a trainer, but the thought of someone watching me exercise gives me the heebie jeebies.
My PT is going to run with me in a 10km fun run next month and that's provided a whole lot bigger boost to my training than those clever apps on my phone.
My PT and husband came down and cheered me on last time I did a triathlon. They share their trail runs with us and we are inspired to get off the footpath and out onto some bush tracks.
A good PT can make a giant difference.
Bob
My PT is going to run with me in a 10km fun run next month and that's provided a whole lot bigger boost to my training than those clever apps on my phone.
My PT and husband came down and cheered me on last time I did a triathlon. They share their trail runs with us and we are inspired to get off the footpath and out onto some bush tracks.
A good PT can make a giant difference.
Bob
Bob, you have a great trainer! That's another great example of how a PT comes alongside and does things no computer can do.
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