[47yo]

Okay - I have been weight training since...I guess March. I think I've done pretty well on my own, but since I now actually have money, I'm thinking about getting some sessions with a personal trainer. Any ideas about what to look for - and where to look?

[nelie]

Do you belong to a gym or are you looking for a personal trainer to work in your home or theirs?

If you belong to a gym, my suggestion is to watch the personal trainers and how they interact with their clients. Go up to them and talk to them. They will be glad to talk to you as they are always glad to talk to potential clients. You can also try to talk to their current clients as well to help you get an idea of their style.

If you are looking for a private personal trainer, I really don't have any tips other than to interview a personal trainer and try to gauge their style.

I really like personal trainers that try to do a variety of exercises and use free weights rather than ones that will stick you on the treadmill and then cycle you through various machines.

I would also look for a personal trainer that will give you an overall training plan that you can do on your own. They should teach you form and technique when you are with them but then when you go off on your own, you should be able to apply those techniques.

Also a personal trainer should be able to assist you with your goals. Each person has different goals, whether it is fat loss, body building, sport performance or whatever.

I'm sure other people will have other suggestions. I haven't had a personal trainer in years but my last one was really good.

[Meg]

Check out this sticky thread from the Exercise forum: How To Pick A Personal Trainer

I think you're making a smart decision. Best of luck to you!

[47yo]

Meg, thanks for directing me to the sticky!

I don't belong to a gym, but I think I need to. I have a bench and free weights at home, but no way to do lat pulldowns (I have a chinup bar, but if you saw me even try, you'd laugh hysterically. I laugh at myself!) I think I've read enough to know the basics about what to do - my main concern is how to do it - make sure my form is good and hope I haven't already developed bad habits.

Anyway, thanks to both of you - Pam