Anyone use a personal trainer?

You could always hire a PT just for 2-3 sessions so he can show you how to use everything in the gym and then cut down to 1-2 times a month just for touch ups and to help you get thru plateaus - also if you join a gym sometimes they give you a couple of free hours a year.

i used a personal trainer for a few months to get me started and motivated. this was a few years ago and i haven't looked that good since

what i did:

split an hour session to two 1/2 hour sessions twice a week (some places don’t like this, but at least try to negotiate) and only pay the hourly rate. have the trainer help with weights and machines, as there is no need for them to watch you on the treadmill

i would go 3-4 times a week. on days i would meet with my trainer i would work out 1/2 out with him (focusing either on upper or lower body machines and weight lifts) followed by 1/2 hour to 40 minutes cardio (i.e. 20 on treadmill 20 on elliptical). the other day or two would be strictly cardio - 20/20/20 - treadmill, elliptical, and bicycle...

it worked and i felt great!