I have always been good at cardio, but always do weight training 1/2 a**. I have decide enough of this; it is time to reach out to a professional to help me build a solid foundation. In a sense, I need to learn how to fish properly so I can fish on my own. I have all the knowledge from books and DVDs, but not a real progressive plan. I wish someone would design a couch to body builder program lol. The question, my VST friends, is how to go about finding a trainer? I have a couple local gyms about 10 minutes away and was thinking about dropping in to see if there is a bulletin board with available trainers. I want one that will work for me and help me meet and beat goals progressively. Right now, I do not have the focus or discipline to sculpt my body now that I have lost the weight from cardio, cardio and cardio.

Ip Trainer it's a killer app give it a try. Or pick up Jillian Michaels revolution or P90X give them there 90day try if your still needing a Personal trainer than Go for it

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Well, in my not so humble opinion, if you're looking to actually build muscle, don't go to 24 hour fitness trainers. They have the lowest level of certification needed to become a personal trainer (some aren't even certified as entry level, they're GED graduates with advanced first aid certs from red cross), and I've had them tell me numerous times very conflicting, and troubling information (at times things that could lead to serious injury). Chances are, there are some solid muscle mass folks in your area, unless you live in a very small secluded area. In all regards, finding a training in your area isn't all that important these days. I've trained with Ken "Skip" Hill from Colorado for years, only meeting a few times when he was in Dallas, or I flew up to hang with him, and strength wise, I made tons of progress. My past trainer, Josh Bryant, also trains folks online and has had some great clients to work with. There is going to be a pretty sizable problem however with their recommendations for Protein intake and supplements. I've spoke with Josh and Ken about this, and several other trainers in the area and hopefully, we'll be able to figure some things out. I have a buddy, also a cop, who lost a ton of weight via the sleeve, and has started competing in natural bodybuilding competitions, and doing pretty damn well in them. He's phenomenally shredded, but busted his ass a whole lot to get where he's at.

Just make sure you research who you're going with. Check their certifications and make sure they've got something other than entry level. The ones I can think of are AFAA, ACSM, ACE, Cooper Institute, ISSA, NASM, NCSF, NESTA, NFPT, NPTI, NSCA, PFI and PFIT. Most 24 hour fitness trainers are ISSA, it's a freaking 1 day...pathetic course that just barely skims the top of the iceberg for personal training. If you can find a NSCA certified coach, most of the are focuses on strength, since our certifications come straight from strength related fields, hence the "National Strength and Conditioning Association". You can search their website to find a NSCA trainer in your area even. http://www.nsca-lift...Find-a-Trainer/

Where do u live? I have a great trainer I'd recommend. I'm in CA.

Well' date=' in my not so humble opinion, if you're looking to actually build muscle, don't go to 24 hour fitness trainers. They have the lowest level of certification needed to become a personal trainer (some aren't even certified as entry level, they're GED graduates with advanced first aid certs from red cross), and I've had them tell me numerous times very conflicting, and troubling information (at times things that could lead to serious injury). Chances are, there are some solid muscle mass folks in your area, unless you live in a very small secluded area. In all regards, finding a training in your area isn't all that important these days. I've trained with Ken "Skip" Hill from Colorado for years, only meeting a few times when he was in Dallas, or I flew up to hang with him, and strength wise, I made tons of progress. My past trainer, Josh Bryant, also trains folks online and has had some great clients to work with. There is going to be a pretty sizable problem however with their recommendations for Protein intake and supplements. I've spoke with Josh and Ken about this, and several other trainers in the area and hopefully, we'll be able to figure some things out. I have a buddy, also a cop, who lost a ton of weight via the sleeve, and has started competing in natural bodybuilding competitions, and doing pretty damn well in them. He's phenomenally shredded, but busted his ass a whole lot to get where he's at.

Just make sure you research who you're going with. Check their certifications and make sure they've got something other than entry level. The ones I can think of are AFAA, ACSM, ACE, Cooper Institute, ISSA, NASM, NCSF, NESTA, NFPT, NPTI, NSCA, PFI and PFIT. Most 24 hour fitness trainers are ISSA, it's a freaking 1 day...pathetic course that just barely skims the top of the iceberg for personal training. If you can find a NSCA certified coach, most of the are focuses on strength, since our certifications come straight from strength related fields, hence the "National Strength and Conditioning Association". You can search their website to find a NSCA trainer in your area even. http://www.nsca-lift...Find-a-Trainer/

Thanks for the info about certs. I never would have thought to "interview" the trainer in this way. I'll look around the link you sent today and see what I can find. I don't mind paying a little dough for a few months to finally get real about strength training.

Where do u live? I have a great trainer I'd recommend. I'm in CA.

I am in WA state near Everett in a small community called Lake Stevens. We have a Team Fitness very close and another another gym not much further ( both less than 10 min away). If I drive about 15-20 min, I can find LA fitness and 24 hour fitness. I have been a member of both in the past. I like LA fitness because of sheer size, number of machines, pool, sauna, etc, but the dues tend to be high and I usually always only see the gym rats there. No normal folks like myself. The 24 hour clubs tend to smell like locker rooms and are over crowded. For some reason, they tend not to maintain their machines as well. The Team fitness is nice because it is small, has a good set of high quality machines and typically has the normal people in it. However, they have a high enrollment fee and high month dues. I like that they interview everyone and keep the membership low.

I have not joined any gym yet since surgery because I have two good Precor machines in my house to use. They are older ( off Craigslist), but have served me well. Both are commercial quality. treadmill is from 12 years ago and elliptical is from 15-20 years ago. They both do the basics very well, but tend not to have the bells and whistles you see on newer machines. Besides, i enjoy working out at home because it gives me less of an excuse to miss my workout.

i have dumbbells of 2, 3, 5 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 lbs and use them occasionally, but have not committed to a program that leads to results. I think I like running too much and give less attention to the strength training. I have Bob Harper Inside and Out, but I think his easy workout is too easy and can only make it 20 minutes into his hour long workout. It is very challenging. Maybe I should just keep Bob as my trainer and keep at it.

For some reason, I think that having a personal trainer (in person)would help me focus better and would not allow me to push stop on the DVD. I need to get to a point in my strength training where I am progressing from week to week, much like my running has progressed. For some reason, I have no problem kicking my own butt when running. It comes naturally.

find a crossfit gym. they are extremely serious about form and technique, and though they have a really hard core reputation they work with anyone. it's a team environment, encouraging, and never gets boring.

i train in jiu jitsu, and they have a crossfit style class there as well, and it's a killer, total body workout that covers cardio and strength.

most "trainers" out there have no idea what they are doing.

You can search for one online or by going to the locally gym. The key is telling them what you want, checking out their background, and if they have any success stories. Don't settle for just anyone and if you don't like their style at the gum, you can request a different trainer.

find a crossfit gym. they are extremely serious about form and technique' date=' and though they have a really hard core reputation they work with anyone. it's a team environment, encouraging, and never gets boring.

i train in jiu jitsu, and they have a crossfit style class there as well, and it's a killer, total body workout that covers cardio and strength.

most "trainers" out there have no idea what they are doing.[/quote']

So I find the idea of doing crossfit intriguing and have found one near where I live. Wondering if they will take someone with little to know skills. I need a drill Sargent to kick my butt so I can get skilled at strength training outside of running. It sounds like crossfit is a good place to get whooped into shape. I am thinking like 3 days a week.

they absolutely take anyone at any skill level. they are FANATICS about making sure your form is correct, so it helps avoid many of the typical injuries. it's not so much a "drill sergeant" attitude, but instead it's a teamwork environment.

it can be intimidating because a lot of the people that are involved at crossfit gyms are in super incredible shape, but they typically are all really excited to get people involved.

go give it a shot and see!

Thanks for the information and motivational pep talk. I am going to check out the Everett Cross Train facility tomorrow and see about becoming a member.

http://crossfiteverett.com/

Although rule 5) has me worried:

http://crossfiteverett.com/gym-rules/

Sounds like this is what I need in my journey to optimizing my health. The monthly cost is not too bad either @ 120 for training 3x a week.