Also, are you happy with the decision to hire one? Is it helping you? Does he go with you to every work out session or you meet occasionally (how often?) to revise and set up a work out plan? How much do you pay ( want to know the average) and where do you live? Thanks so much!!

Mine is a she and comes to my house. Over time I have acquired a variety of workout equipment so we do lots of things, always changing it up. She is $37.50 an hour and I cut back on many things to be able to afford her,,, without her I don't think I would work out. Right now I am in training to be able to do pull ups/chinups, but am interrupted by a bunionectomy. We are still workng out, though, just not from a standing position, LOL!!!

If your first choice doesn't suit your personality, keep trying. I was lucky and met mine through a friend. I am in the best health of my 60 year life.

Mimi

Hi! I live in So Cali so my rates are probably more than most peoples. But I found mine at 24hr fitness, he was awesome BUT the gym charges ridiculous fees 5- 50 minute sessions for $389, 10 for $569 etc. which I never intended to keep up with but I liked the trainer so much I kept it up for an extra 2 mts. It was an invaluable way to get into an excercise routine and for someone who was very intimidated by excercise and the gym atmosphere it was the best way for me to kickstart the habit and teach me things I didnt know about weight loss and doing excercises the right way. I would not recommend getting trainers that work for the gym unless you're not hurtin for cash cuz they take alot of it! However I see alot of trainers in the gym that will just offer their cards or website flyers with info on their rates- much better. You can get college kids for much less too. My trainer was in grad school and was studying kinsiology so dont let their ages fool ya! Some of them do know what theyre talking about and they do it for alot less green! If you go to a gym you can also just spot the "regulars" you'll quickly know who they are and often many of them train people too both in and out of the gym. The actual gym trainers will often times moonlight outside of the gym training for less money- keep in mind tho you pay over $50/hr to the gym for training they still only make $10-13 of that! So they're willing to negotiate. On craigslist you can also find trainers and group sessions in my area like meetings at the beach or a park to walk or excercise. My trainer gave me a schedule of things to do when I worked out alone and with him, we talked about my goals for the week, the month and over all. He always had new routines for me to do and was great at modifying workouts for me because at 300+ there was alot I still could not do. I broke 300 with him in fact! He kept me motivated by telling me how much better I was doing and also developed a friendship where he would even talk to me about unrelated issues to my workout because early on we determined I am a stress eater! So having a trainer was helpful in a lot of ways if I could afford it I would meet him everyday! I work out much harder and consistantly when I have a pair of eyes on me, its much easier to slack off when you're your only check/balance system!! Not to mention a handsome guy is a great motivator. Have fun!!

I was blessed to be introduced to my PT by a friend...the friend didn't keep up but I have for 2.5 years and I am in the best shape of my life at 60.

Mimi

Hi. I am in New York. I started with a trainer that was a friend of a friend. He charged $50 per session. We worked out twice per week for about 60 - 90 minutes depending on the night. I was with him for 5 months. I just switched over to a gym - LA Fitness. I booked a trainer with them. I made a 12 month commitment to buy 6 thirty minute sessions a month for $26 per session. I like it because you get 6 sessions in your "bank" every month. So if one week you want to do twice a week you can and the next once etc.. Also if you want to buy an extra you can for $26. The sessions carry over from month to month. You can change trainers or stay with one you like - up to you.

The trainer has been my saving grace! He got me to join a gym in the first place and got me doing things I never would have thought possible before. I totally recommend some sort of trainer even if it is just once per week. Good Luck!!