Does anyone have experience of a personal trainer ?

I did quite enjoy it ? But my legs are aching this morning because I’ve never done any machines with my legs as I have stick thin legs and virtually no backside!! But Nathan did say I need to do full body workout so that’s what I’m doing…whiff I will find it difficult to remember how to use the machines but he is printing out the instructions for me so hopefully like your friend I will soon get used to it. I have arranged to see him again in two weeks…

Shinamae, do something you enjoy, dance classes, walking groups anything.I find gyms so boring, everyone staring in the distant listening to music to get the stuff over. Life is too short doing things you don’t get pleasure from.

Shinamae I hope you enjoy your gym workouts. A friend of mine goes and had a personal trainer for a few times until she got used to the machines. But she is able to do things she never thought she could. She has been going over a year.

But for me I couldn't use machines but love my exercise class. Doing the type of exercise we do has improved my strength and balance. Also for me doing it in a group we encourage eachother and we laugh . Which I suppose is an exercise for our facial muscles ?.

Wish you well and as our instructors tell us if it hurts stop. You should feel it but no pain. ?️

Had my taster session with Nathan today, it went very well but there is a lot to remember so he is going to print it all out for me so hopefully now I will be going three times a week on my days off to the gym Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, fingers crossed I can stick to this! ?

Went today and had a chat with the personal trainer who is called Nathan,I would say he was in his early 30s. Anyway I am going on Monday for a taster session that costs £10,after that it’s £30 a session so I will see how it goes Monday…

I have a personal trainer, he’s called Oscar, and he gets me up and out whatever the weather for a long walk in the fresh air. He raises my moral by always being happy to see me and keeps me company when I’m feeling low. Shinamea, I think a dog would work wonders for you too.

I have a ‘trainer’ I Nordic walk with, ideally, weekly. Probably the main activity that maintains my sanity - it turns out exercise is the bonus!!

I really value my personal trainer Jill. I'm 72, a bit arthritic and in reasonable health but not remotely sporty. Jill is about 64 and very energetic and sporty but very understanding. She pushes me to my limit of fitness and always uses plenty of imagination to motivate someone as lazy as me. It does cost £20 per session but is an investment in keeping well and helping to avoid falls and limited mobility

Many years ago my doctor referred me to the gym on a scheme where we got reduced cost memberships. I was surprised that I quite enjoyed it as long as I went in off peak times with all the other unfit, overweight referred people so I didn’t feel so inadequate. I was allocated a trainer who kept a check on me so not exactly a personal trainer but an advisor who guided me and kept me going. After my referral ended I joined and went regularly until we moved areas when things didn’t suit me so well as I found the local gyms less friendly.
Since then I’ve started walking more, encouraged by my Fitbit and competition with a few friends with linked Fitbit accounts.
Since retiring I have joined a group going on a local weekly walk. We go on about an hour’s walk and end up at the local public hall for a coffee in the outside courtyard. It’s sociable and I found I knew a few people already and am getting to know others. There are walks of different difficulty at various times and starting locations and are called ‘Simply Walk’ in Buckinghamshire where I live.
They are free to join, led by volunteers and the only cost is the coffee at the end - not compulsory! Maybe there is something similar in your area which you might enjoy. I only go once a week but there are walks on other days including weekends.

Sorry Shinamae this is a bit long!

I had a scuba diving accident some years ago which left me unable to walk properly after a spinal embolism, which was treated with decompression. The NHS were useless, by the time I got to see a specialist I could barely walk and had to wait even longer for physio.

I talked to some of the trainers at the gym and started to work with one. He was brilliant - he started by assessing my whole frame, and I was really shocked at how out of balance my body was - the result of nearly a year of trying to walk when one of my legs wasn't working properly and my back was in a lot of pain. Over a year he helped me get my balance back, sort out my back problems, and develop some muscle in my legs and back and get my fitness back. I realise you don't need all this, and maybe just want someone to spur you on, I thought it was worth mentioning that trainers can help in lots of ways not just by getting you moving.

I would suggest checking carefully what qualifications people have and get to know them a bit so you know you get on with them, before hiring them. If you can, watch them working out with other people. Nicey-nicey instructors are no good to me, I need tough love and lots of laughter to keep me going ? Other people may need the nicey-nicey.

Also, what about joining yoga/pilates/dance classes, if they have them? Has the added bonus of people to chat to once you've been going for a while.

Shinamae, firstly, you are not alone in feeling this way at the moment and I hope knowing that will be a help to you.

Secondly, not all doctors will automatically prescribe pills. I’ve worked very closely with my local health centre and I’m delighted to say that they now have a lovely team of MH professionals who are available to help people in exactly your situation. They recognise that many people, especially over 50s, have become both more anxious and more isolated. The team offer a tailored six weeks (can be slightly flexible) programme in which goals are set and monitored with patients/clients and then patients are moved on to appropriate activities or offered further support. One of the most successful activities has been a series of walking groups where people can walk at their own pace and choose to interact, or not, with the other participants. Early indications are extremely positive and patients are reporting less anxiety and higher motivation.

My suggestion is to find out if your health centre offers something similar and if not, join a walking group in your area. Motivation often comes easier if you’re with others to cheer each other on.

Hope you are able to find suitable support soon.

Hello there
I havent had experience with a p.t but what I have been doing since July is working out with the Body project on You tube ....I also came accross *More to health *who does walking videos .
If you really do feel you need help dont leave it to long before going to see your GP...life can be a struggle sometimes:...
Take care of you ♡

I have had a PT for years. Find someone you get on with and who will listen to your needs rather than what they think you should be doing physically. Mine is 24 years younger than me and loves her job, but, she knows my limitations. Each session is different and she encourages rather than demands. Try and go for 30 minutes to begin and then increase slowly to an hour.
Listen to your body. Good luck.

Someone posted that you have to enjoy going to the gym to remain motivated......but you only get motivated once you’ve developed the habit of going regularly and start seeing the results and start being aware of the mental benefits too. It’s very hard to get going, and a personal trainer helps initially because you’ve arranged a set time to meet up for your session .....you’ve made the ongoing commitment with him/her. Developing the gym habit isn’t easy ..... but it’s one of those things that’s best not thought about too deeply .....just get on and do it and I promise you if you truly want to be on a more even keel mentally as well as feeling stronger and in better shape physically, then making the gym as ‘normal’ and a regular part of your life as making the bed or doing the laundry, then this the healthiest and most rewarding long term investment you can ever make for yourself.

I had a personal trainer before Covid. -I signed up for 10 weeks and she was really good. I had to be willing to cope with the commands to do a few more lifts, circuits or minutes but it did mean I knew how to use all the equipment. Since the gym reopened I’ve used swimming, aquarun and aqua fit classes instead on any days I’m not working. You get to meet people and join in without the extra cost of a PT.

A nearby village has built an outside gym for people to use. What a great idea. I’m certainly going use it given that I’m still not happy at the thought of going to an indoor gym.

By the way my gym is Anytime fitness and they are really clean and they have fabulous showers as well. I did go to PureGym but I was not impressed with them…

My gym is £27 a month and all classes are included in that price (not that I’ve ever used the classes). Obviously the personal trainer will be an extra cost, not sure how much yet because they are self-employed but will find out tomorrow when I have a meeting with him… we don’t have a David Lloyd in my area to my knowledge but I certainly would not be paying that amount of money

vickya

I belong to a David Lloyd club and they have gyms and pools. I used to go to the gym and you get a session with a trainer included in the subscription to set a programme and then a free monthly one. I had the first 7 years ago and a follow up 6 weeks later but dislike being pushed to do stuff . I didn't like gym at school or games much.

I used the gym daily, treadmill and weights, and the pool, and now just swim daily and sauna. I don't mind swimming but am arthritic and need to do weight-bearing exercise and walking is less comfortable. We do walk the dog though.

What I've done though for many years in various areas I've moved to is tai chi. That is good for mood, balance and exercise. Since lockdown I found a zoom tai chi class, actually based in the US. This couple are the best teachers I've ever had and the twice weekly sessions work on relaxing, mood and balance, as well as the form. I also do the form by myself daily. Many U3A and local Authorities run tai chi for all or for elderly.

DL clubs are fine if you can afford the £112/month for 2 and that's just 11-4 weekdays and no yoga type classes as they're all after 4!!! Very restricted and I always felt as if I was subsidising all the hysterical gym bunnies who go at 6.30 a.m. and do spinning at lunch then evening classes, then fill the pool with their screaming rude kids at school hols and weekends!! I left as DL changed from senior couples membership @£45/month to £73 flat rate for all!!! The new fees work out more expensive as we get less access! Other gyms are disgusting and too far away.......shame we all cannot get a subsidised membership on NHS? Would save an absolute fortune in other treatments!

mimismo

You may be suffering from SAD (seasonally affected disorder) ie a lack of direct sunlight to the eyes, which influences mood. With so many grey days this year, and if you're not walking outdoors, a sunlight lamp for half an hour a day may help. My brother swears by his. Just a thought. Try to stay positive.

I definitely do not suffer with that because I actually love winter weather and don’t like the Sun!! ?

LisaP

I have a personal trainer and he is brilliant. I think you have to find one you connect with in order for it to work for you.
I see him once a week and then do my own thing in between times. He has taught me how to use all of the equipment properly so that I have no issue going to the gym on my own - which was a big thing for me.
I cycle a lot - like most days and I have an indoor trainer also.
The hardest thing is making the first move I think, but once you do, the exercise works wonders for our mental health.
Where are you based - I'd go with you..

I am in Barnstaple North Devon, I actually have another appointment to speak to the personal trainer at my gym tomorrow at 11:30

I didn’t manage to get to the gym today, it’s been 32 years now.
My personal trainer was drop dead gorgeous. If he was working locally I would be highly motivated.

Now to the OP. Just getting out and about should raise your spirits whether to the gym, for a walk or meeting up with friends. Depression is often to do with chemical imbalances in your body which modern medicines can correct. I cannot understand anyone not wishing to accept medical help.

I belong to a David Lloyd club and they have gyms and pools. I used to go to the gym and you get a session with a trainer included in the subscription to set a programme and then a free monthly one. I had the first 7 years ago and a follow up 6 weeks later but dislike being pushed to do stuff . I didn't like gym at school or games much.

I used the gym daily, treadmill and weights, and the pool, and now just swim daily and sauna. I don't mind swimming but am arthritic and need to do weight-bearing exercise and walking is less comfortable. We do walk the dog though.

What I've done though for many years in various areas I've moved to is tai chi. That is good for mood, balance and exercise. Since lockdown I found a zoom tai chi class, actually based in the US. This couple are the best teachers I've ever had and the twice weekly sessions work on relaxing, mood and balance, as well as the form. I also do the form by myself daily. Many U3A and local Authorities run tai chi for all or for elderly.

Bit early for SAD to start, isn`t it? just wondering

oh gosh I love this thread.. if only, at the beginning, I saw that someone else just cries for no apparent reason! I am like that,, I soooooo hate it,, as I was brought up to be strong, and get on with life!!

I am over 80, good for my age I guess, but gyms etc, not for me, I do get my walk in most days and I am fortunate the nearby are trees etc, but quite frankly I don`t really feel any uplift from nature... I do feel "normal" more like my old self, when mixing with people, not too many though,, ie local church get togethers.. and family, (not enough family get togethers for me though)

contact the doctor! ARGH"! first of all, here, you have to tell all to some receptionist type person,who then decides who soon, or how long to wait, for a telephone appt with some strange doctor... and I am not good on the phone, let alone the tears,, I just do NOT like talking about myself..

here, you can`t see me struggling.

so yes, it helps me to know that I am not the only one struggling

I have a personal trainer and he is brilliant. I think you have to find one you connect with in order for it to work for you.
I see him once a week and then do my own thing in between times. He has taught me how to use all of the equipment properly so that I have no issue going to the gym on my own - which was a big thing for me.
I cycle a lot - like most days and I have an indoor trainer also.
The hardest thing is making the first move I think, but once you do, the exercise works wonders for our mental health.
Where are you based - I'd go with you..