Trainer Help

[mrmugs]

Okay here's the deal.
44 203 - lost 80 lbs, been going to gym now 11 months. Using the Mens HEalth Personal trainer for 3 months.
I do Su & W cardio and longer abs work out.
M-Tu Th and Fri machine weights 45 minutes and cardio around 30 minutes, plus abs and stretching.

The Trainer question is simple, I had a club trainer in the beginning to help me on form, technique etc. We never got into the free weights because of some lower back issues. The doctor seems to feel that I can excersise freely, But modify or avoid what seems to give me discomfort ( usually no specific pain associated with any excersise).

I want help so that I can expand my routine with Barbells and Dumb bells. The issue is that here in NYC the club wants $75 per hour or $55 per half. That's a lot of money, PERIOD.

I have seem many of the work out demos, have many good books, however a trainer will correct the mistakes BEFORE they happen.

Any ideas of options, or do I just cut out my toys and do this one time correctly?????

[bryanc]

Geez, I am in the wrong profession (wait a minute...I'm not in a profession). I could use $75 an hour these days.

My advice would be to shop around. Just because you go to one gym doesn't mean you can hire a trainer at another gym. Ultimately, you want the biggest bang for your buck and that spells qualification and experience. While it's great that you started with a club trainer to look at form and technique, the question that sticks in my mind is, "Well, if you haven't used free weights yet, and have been using machines, exactly what technique and form really needs to be looked at?" Check out other gyms to see what they're charging, keeping in mind that qualification and experiential knowledge are likely the two most important characteristics you should be looking out for. University and college campuses are a good place to look too. Just be aware that a BS or BA in Kinesiology or Physical Education or Movement Science or whatever they're calling "gym" these days doesn't necessarily mean that person knows anything about lifting technique.

The other option you might consider (and I don't know if these are available to you) is looking at group courses in lifting. These are often given at university campuses as part of their recreation programs and may be a cheaper alternative to getting private sessions.

And lastly, you can be sneaky if you think the weight room attendant knows what he/she is doing and ask for help--many are quite willing to help out on a lift or two, but depending on your gym, may or may not do this.

[mrmugs]

GREAT SUGGESTIONS, THANK YOU.
Regarding techniques, I have been doing some barbells and dumbells for tri and Bi also cable.

I guess my needs are the bench work, presses etc and lifts, squats at that end.

I know I can probabely get some staff person on the side.

You gave me many great ideas, let's see wher I end up.

This is "The Big Apple" unfourtunately so is the costs of all things here.

[fitone]

mrmugs, I am a personal trainer in NYC where do you work at? PM me maybe we can work out a deal or something.