I was curious as to why people do NOT hire a personal trainer to help them with their fitness goals so I threw the question out on twitter.
Since most people’s initial response is money (whether that is true or not), I asked for reasons other than financial ones.
The answers were very interesting!
@lesleyheizman says: ”having to schedule a workout at a specific time…that would be one of my reasons. although i think trainers are awesome”
Great point! Although a specific time might work to hold you accountable, right?
@leavingfatville says: ”no guarantee you’ll get the results you want after you shell out the cash.”
Yes, I totally agree. Although, it isn’t always trainer error. You still have to be responsible for what you do and eat during the many hours you are without your trainer. Sometimes though, as @leavingfatville then pointed out, the trainer has completely unrealistic goals for you. Anyone who promises you are going to lose 50 lbs in a month is most likely trying to scam you!
This goes hand in hand with what @JennFowler says:
“effort. How do you find a good one? Then you have to get off your duff & go to the gym. . .”
You might have to try a few out before you find your match. I’ve had a few that were just downright awful. Do your research (what kind of certifications do they have, experience, get referrals, etc.) A trainer should motivate and inspire, not fill you with dread. Once you find that match, you will probably find that effort too! 
So gang–do you have any specific reason (other than $$) why you are NOT hiring a trainer?
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I was actually all gung-ho for hiring a trainer, but I have found precious few that have been willing to work with my previous injuries and my diet restrictions. I don’t care how awesome you are, if you can’t work with what I give you, I get to keep my money. So, the search continues….
Leaving Fatville´s last [type] ..Why the Biggest Loser is Ruining Everything
It’s all about the money! At least for me. I know some people I would LOVE to work with if I had the extra cash. Trainers can do some awesome work.
@PamelaMKramer – A Renaissance Woman´s last [type] ..Mamavation Monday – Doing The Dance!
I managed to lose 100lbs. on my own w/o a trainer and I think I did a pretty good job at it with the help of my dr. I don’t like gyms, or houlier than thou types. I’ve had bad experiences at gyms, so at home it was. I personally think they’re great for those who need accountability, but for those of us who work great solo and feel annoyed by having others around me, I think working out w/o one is just fine. Have a plan. Everyone needs a plan.
Annie´s last [type] ..ispeakz- @hundredfloors Gee- I cant imagine why I wouldnt want her living with me either LOL
Annie, GREAT point! A trainer isn’t for everyone and you obviously have done a fantastic job on your own!
I have worked with trainers in the past and, like you said, some are definitely better than others! I highly recommend taking advantage of any free sessions offered when you join a gym, just to make sure you’re using correct form and have a decent program, but whether or not you continue with a trainer is, I think, a very personal choice.
I’ve had some negative experiences with trainers: once I had to cancel a session because my daughter was sick, and I got the whole “I-still-have-to-charge-you-for-the-session-you-need-to-keep-up-with-the-workouts-no-more-excuses” harangue from a person who didn’t have kids. Or the guys who take one look at me and immediately give me the pink 2-pound weights, assuming I must be weak ’cause I’m a girl. On top of it all, there’s the sales pitch, pressuring me to buy the super-ultra-deluxe training package that costs more than my house.
This is something I am trying to do right now, only thing holding me back is the $$
Trish @I_am_Succeeding´s last [type] ..The Day Is Here
I’d love to have a trainer, not for the accountability, but to really whip me into shape, and provide motivation while I’m working out. But, as a new mom in a newly single income family, the best we can afford is a gym membership and a couple work out apps (they actually really help).
I think NOT having the $$ is a VERY good reason not to have a trainer. I would love one, maybe one day when/if i have the disposable income but until then I can’t even consider them as an option.
Eschelle´s last [type] ..so apparently i drink no water
Eschelle, I didn’t mean to discount that money is a HUGE factor. I just wanted to hear other reasons outside of the financial ones.
I just wanted to say thanks for asking this question. I’ve wondered about people’s reasons but have never asked.
Jenn (GH)´s last [type] ..Girl Hero Lori
For me personally, it is boils down to the $$ period!! I once tried to hire a personal trainer thru a community center, the only one they could give me and that I tried to afford, was brand new, and didn’t listen to me. Even tho he was new I gave him a chance as initially our conversation went well as I laid out my goals. But when it came down to it, he started taking me thru the circuit of machines, which is just what I didn’t want, I never went back as I felt like I wasn’t heard. Wish I could afford the good stuff, but it is not an excuse, we just don’t have that kind of money, so I keep searching the internet, taking a class here and there etc… Where I really want to grow is in using my KBells, I will try a class there soon! I can do a little on my own, but am fearful of bad form, feel safer with an RKC there.
Wow, I’ve never polled anyone on that before. Really interesting answers. I find that people use money as an excuse all the time not to hire a trainer. And it might be true. I say just buy less crap to eat and invest it in yourself. People see it as an expense not an investment.
susan@Home Workouts´s last [type] ..Plant Based Diet An Actual Cure For Cancer
Sorry friends! in these days, Money is definetely a big reason, years ago I willl not think twice to spend some extra cash in these matter, but having kids. You totally think different! like vacacions, Christmas, extra gifts, B-day parties,clothing, etc. But I tried and the results were incredible! based on that I learned how to push myself when I worked out! but any personal trainer that would love to take their Masters.
Try with me!!! sounds good!
Perhaps it’s the same guy mentality of never asking for directions, but I would rather succeed or not succeed all on my own. I will gladly accept tips on techniques or thoughts on how much to train, but ultimately I want to only be accountable to myself–and I think subconsciously it’s less threatening to fail to myself than to myself and someone else! Conversely, it’s more rewarding for me if it do it all myself!!
Yup – it’s $$ for me too.
I’d love to have someone give me tips and workout plans…Saving up for it actually. I want to know if my “made up” weights and cardio plan is a good one.
Geosomin´s last [type] ..Pulp Fictionfitness edition
It is a great idea to have a trainer assist when you have a big goal to lose A LOT of pounds. BUT even with the best trainer, with out commitment or dedication no GOAL will be reached.
great point sylvia! unless one is willing to do the work (exercise and nutrition!) outside the session, there won’t be any success!
Most of the people I’ve chatted to about this are middle aged women. For many of them, the biggest thing they are looking for in a trainer is someone they can connect with and feel comfortable. That usually doesn’t include guys in their early 20′s who are sporting 10% body fat, have zero life experience, and can’t keep their heads from swiveling when the young girls pass by.
Other issues include the obvious ones already mentioned here; who is properly qualified, who will be genuinely interested in helping me obtain my goals, and not merely stringing me along for as long as possible for the money.
Paul´s last [type] ..Iovate Hydroxycut Advanced Review-
Paul, Yes, that is a huge element! Unfortunately most of the big name boxed gyms have these kinds of trainers working the floor. Before I had kids I never understood why my stay at home mom clients could not find the time for working out. Now that i have 3 kids, I fully “get it”! Life experience is definitely key and finding someone that matches your personality and needs.
Lisa; you are exactly right – that is exactly the type of trainer working the floor at many of the big franchised gyms – and that is exactly the type of trainer most women – at least the women I have talked to – do not want.
I haven’t hired a trainer because I have a hard time feeling motivated to work out alone. I’ve had the best success with group classes (total body, dynamic strength training, Zumba). It’s just more fun and it doesn’t feel like “work.” Plus, classes are included in my membership! My gym does offer an hour of free training a month, but that’s more to help you set up your plan and check your form.
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