Does anyone have experience of a personal trainer ?

I’ve had two experiences with a PT. one was a waste of time and didn’t help at all. The other was recommended and brilliant. I don’t see him anymore but we are firm friends. I would go with a recommendation if you can and also a trial if you can. Not cheap either. I think mine was £45 for 90 minutes.

So sorry to hear that today has been hard for you Shinamae. I have experience of personal trainers and of anxiety.

Do you enjoy the gym? I ask because perhaps if you haven't been for some weeks it's because you don't really enjoy it. Is there something else you could do that you would enjoy more and would lift your spirits? A hobby or sport perhaps? Whilst exercise is good for anxiety, it has to be something you enjoy otherwise it's just another thing to be anxious about.

A personal trainer would definitely focus your mind on the gym if that's what you want. They are not cheap though and they are not all the same. You would need to find someone who understands what you're trying to achieve with your fitness and your anxiety.

Just talking to your GP can't do any harm can it? Talking therapies might help you and then you could avoid medication. That said, in my experience medication isn't something to fear and can make life so much more bearable when one is in a bad place.

I hope tomorrow is better for you and will be thinking of you.

Thank you both….????…Scones, no I don’t really enjoy the gym but I’m sure I would once I started to see some results and realise that could take a while…

I miss going to the gym so much. I also used to have a sauna afterwards and enjoyed chatting to people there. But I no longer go because of covid. It really did lift my mood and released endorphins. I know people that feel the same way about swimming and cycling. A friend of mine uses a personal trainer. I think she has one of those big ball thingys. It’s worth giving it a go. Do you have a local Facebook page that might recommend local personal trainers?

Oh, and, I know I’m a bit of a bore about it these days but I find my Shakti mat very relaxing and also Paul McKenna relaxation tapes.

I’m thinking now maybe buy some weights and try to find a YouTube video and walk some more!!

Shinamae, I wish you well. I too am feeling anxious - especially first thing in the morning. Like you I am reluctant to ring GP. I have rejoined my aqua class and it's good to be back in the pool. I have also plucked up courage and joined a bicycle exercise class. Big room and not many people there. I choose a bike at the back and pedal ( very gently) for 45 minutes. This really lifts my mood ! and I feel like a different woman when I finish. I am the oldest in the class!! I recognize this is not appropriate exercise for everyone but my point is that getting moving really helps me.
I do hope things improve for you , good luck !

Walking each day is good for fitness and anxiety and is free

Walking outdoors obviously has its own benefits, but with winter coming have a look at the various Leslie Sansone "Walk a Mile" videos on YouTube.
I enjoyed these during the lockdowns and she was recommended by another Gransnet member.

Shinamae perhaps the gym isn't right for you. Where I used to live I joined a community fit club run by Age UK. It was for 12 weeks. This was in 2018 I hadn't exercised since I was at school. Because of health problems I did the arm exercises sitting down and held on to the back of the chair for the leg ones . I loved it.

When I moved here 2 years ago joined a sit fit group. Loved it as it was above a cafe and we used to sit together for a hot drink and natter. There was a maximum of 6 in the class. That closed due to Covid.

I exercised at home all I had learnt but after a while lacked motivation. So Googled sit fit classes for over 50's even though I am 63. Found my local council run several courses they where by GP referral. My GP happily did it for me. Went for my assessment and found the Active Ageing program was best for me.

It's chair based. Sit down for some exercises using a resist band which they gave us. Standing up for others and includes walking exercises. I walk with a stick. It's free for 12 weeks then £2.50 a week for between 45-60 mins.

It's held in a church hall . We are all doubled jabbed including all the instructors . Spaced out and don't have to wear our masks. There are 5 of us with a new one starting next week. I am the youngest and the oldest 93.

Our instructor doesn't let up on us. The core aims are strength and stability. I have been going 9 weeks and the church has finally let us use the kitchen so last week we had a drink and biscuits and a chance to have a natter.

I have my motivation back and do my exercises at home. My strength has improved and my stability. And makes me feel better.

Perhaps that is the sort of class that would suit you. I live in the north west. See if your local Age UK do a community fit club or if your council does.

Hope you find something that is right for you.

Shinamae good luck. Like dentists, hairdressers, GPs, cleaners and other people we have a 'close' relationship with, some we get on with really well, total trust in them, and others, though very good, we find we just don't connect.
Talk to friends, colleagues, acquaintances just like you would if you were looking for a plumber! You're looking for a motivator. Recommendation is key imo.

Exercise has never released my endorphins, but I do feel better about myself for having done it later.

Thank you all. That’s the thing I just lack motivation, I was all set to get up and go for a walk this morning but what I did do was watch a bit of the news then went back to bed for three hours which certainly has not helped my mood. I have resistance bands I bought them about four months ago and have used them twice I think! I do think I probably need the discipline of going to the gym,the gym l am a member of has a personal trainer so on Friday (working an extra shift this week on Wednesday ) I will make a point of going into have a chat with him .I only work three afternoons a week now so usually have Monday Wednesday and Friday off. The buses here are absolutely atrocious at the moment not reliable at all but I could walk to town in 20 minutes and walk home so that would be extra exercise. I’ve certainly got a lot to think about…this anxiety is driving me crazy, I’m sat here crying worrying about things that MIGHT happen to my children and grandchildren which is totally ridiculous and I realise that but can’t stop the thoughts coming into my head …

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 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..

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 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.

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.

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

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!! ?

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!

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

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…

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.

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.