#26105 - 05/09/05 11:23 PM
Re: Experience with 24hr Fitness personal trainer?
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papaya292
Silver Member
Registered: 08/24/04
Posts: 71
Loc: San Diego, CA
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I've had 3 different trainers at 24 Hour Fitness over the years. I liked my first 2 trainers, but the 3rd one didn't work well for me. Having a trainer makes a world of difference. They work you harder than you thought you ever could. The only thing I don't like about 24 Hour Fitness is they try to sell you supplements and stuff, which I refused to buy.
My first trainer, Derrick, was my trainer when I lived in Hawaii. I was a total step class junkie and did not do any weightlifting. I was intimidated by all the machines. He was great because he showed me everything I needed to know about weightlifting. We didn't use the machines much; mostly used free weights and did some stuff on the ball. He opened a whole new world to me. I was a soft skinny person. After starting to lift weights, I could just feel my metabolism increasing and still going hours after the workout, and my body became fit and firm. I wasn't afraid to work out with the big boys. Derrick taught me how to do powerlifting moves. He also had me read a book titled, "Eat Fat, Lose Weight" because I thought all fats were bad and was eating a lot of carbs. Anyways, Derrick changed the way I look at diet and exercise completely.
Lee was my 2nd trainer at the Balboa 24 Hour Fitness, and then later at the Grossmont 24 Hour Fitness. He was great. Big, muscular, black man. Likes girls with big butts. I was introduced to him because I was interested in powerlifting moves like deadlifts. He pushed me so hard, but I came back for more "torture." He had me doing a lot of moves for my butt, and my tiny Asian butt actually became nice and round. We also did a lot of plyometrics, which is a lot of jumping. He also helped me with my diet. From this, I learned about portion size. I bought a kitchen scale and was actually weighing out portions until I was comfortable with eyeballing it. Now I know what a 4oz. portion of meat is and I rarely eat >4oz of meat in a meal. But I also learned that I could eat a whole lot more fruits/veges. It's great. I can eat a lot as long as it's the good stuff.
Unfortunately, Lee got moved to another gym while I was still training with him and he introduced me to Davina, who is still at the Balboa club. She didn't work so well for me. I don't know why. I guess I like male trainers better.
Later, Lee called me from the Grossmont gym, saying, hey, don't you work across the street at Grossmont Hospital? Why don't you come train with me? So I trained with him again.
I'm sorry if this is long. I guess I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to use personal trainers. I've learned so much from them. I'm sure there are good ones and bad ones. Everyone has their "theories" on what is the best way to lose weight. It really comes down to if they are willing to work with your own personal situation. What works for one person may not work for another. I think if I had the money, I would always work with a trainer, or maybe work with one a few weeks a year. They are definitely worth every penny.
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Tied the knot...7/31/04
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#26106 - 05/19/05 08:20 AM
Re: Experience with 24hr Fitness personal trainer?
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dorieo
Junior Member
Registered: 05/19/05
Posts: 5
Loc: La Mesa
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I've had one trainer at a 24 hour fitness and I didn't like him. He was probably 22 and more interested in socializing with his friends and chatting with them while I was doing my reps. I just thought it was rude, but like a push-over never told a manager. I thought if I way paying the money (which isn't cheap- on top of the membership) I wanted his full undivided attention.
Aside from my bad experience the only other downside to the trainers at 24 hr. is I think you have to buy a series of sessions. They're good for whenever, but I'd rather get one here or there and not pay for 6 sessions upfront. I'd prefer something that's pay-as-you-go so if I don't go I'm not out that money.
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#26108 - 05/19/05 10:03 AM
Re: Experience with 24hr Fitness personal trainer?
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Christina79
Diamond Member
Registered: 12/02/03
Posts: 1343
Loc: East County, San Diego
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I worked out with a trainer outside of 24hr for a few years and she was extremely knowledgeable. After she moved out of town, I tried 24hour fitness and I never found a trainer that I felt was educated in fitness and health enough for me to feel comfortable working out with. I currently work out at 24hr on my own and I am curious as to how trainers that seem to be 20ish have that education on how to correctly lift weights without hurting yourself...most of the time I see them talking with friends or just standing there staring at people do reps that even I can tell arent being done in good form. Its scares me....just my opinion....I'm sure there are qualified trainers out there, I just never found one at the 24hr I frequent. You may have to try out a few before you find one that works for you!
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Married - 10/23/04 AJ arrived - 3/22/07 
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#26110 - 05/31/05 09:00 AM
Re: Experience with 24hr Fitness personal trainer?
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iamleese
Diamond Member
Registered: 03/17/03
Posts: 3390
Loc: Spring Valley, CA
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My brother-in-law's, sister's boyfriend used to work at Home Depot and one day decided that he would like to be a 24hr Fitness trainer. He had no experience at all, hired him right away and put him to work in days with limited training.
I thought that was a little scary. At the time I was working on a magazine for IDEA Personal Trainer (the industry's standard magazine for personal training). After reading (and proofreading) all the articles I realized that there is a great difference of knowledge between a PT who is certified through a exercise training institution (for example, ACE) than one just off the street "certified" by 24 hr fitness. (Wow, one long sentence)
Plus, from observing the 24hour fitness trainers in action, some of them just aren't too impressive. I even saw one walk across the parking lot to McDonald's!! Yikes! And they're really into pushing YOU to lose weight and taking their supplements.
Don't get me wrong, some of them are great and know what they are doing. But you just have to be careful. I've had a membership to 24 hour fitness for over 6 years now and have been to about 7 clubs. So I've been able to see a lot of trainers in action.
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Married to thomwithanh 2/21/04 Mya Karalissa born on 11/2/04 Solana Corrine born on 10/19/08 Project Blog
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#26111 - 03/03/06 10:44 AM
Re: Experience with 24hr Fitness personal trainer?
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JujuZ
Diamond Member
Registered: 08/18/03
Posts: 1510
Loc: North County
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Originally posted by n41:
Hi
I belong to the UTC 24 Hour Fitness. I go about 3-4 times a week, but I have been thinking about getting a personal trainer. They charge about $55 an hour and I was wondering if any of you have had experience with the trainers at a 24hour fitness center. Is the money worth it?
Thanks in advance!
Nina
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