Is this a good idea, a bad idea, or a horrible idea?

[lookout123]

When you join most gyms they give you a week or two with a personal trainer. Use it. That gives you a person to encourage you, someone who knows what you should be doing, gets you over the alone in a gym issues, and to top it off they probably aren't an axe murderer during their working hours.

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by lookout123

When you join most gyms they give you a week or two with a personal trainer. Use it. That gives you a person to encourage you, someone who knows what you should be doing, gets you over the alone in a gym issues, and to top it off they probably aren't an axe murderer during their working hours.

What gyms are those? I've worked in four gyms over the years, and the only one that did that was a gym for women only. None of the coed gyms did that. They would have someone initially take you around and show you how to use the equipment, but that's it.

Also, personal trainers are expensive. Generally they do not work FOR the gym - they are independent contractors. It is possible sometimes to get a deal with a trainer, like a beginners special or something, but not all trainers will give you deals. If you have the money and you can afford one, it is good investment though, especially if you don't know what you're doing.

[jinx]

Originally Posted by sugarpop

What gyms are those?

The gym I go to (not a woman's gym) gives you 3 trainer sessions (plus a personal yoga instruction, spa treatment etc..) when you join, they have tons of trainers who work there - and if they're not training someone at the time they're happy to help you learn a machine or answer questions.

My trainer was working out at the same time I was yesterday and ended up working with me on pull ups and dips just for the hell of it.

They also have drawings for free training sessions and other ways you can win or earn them, although not very often.
Normally, it's $60/hr or $35 half/hr - or its cheaper if you get 2 friends to join you as a group.