Expert QA

How can I get the benefits of a personal trainer without breaking my budget?

By Nancy Gottesman for Live Right Live Well

The great thing about personal trainers is that they can “help you with motivation and proper technique, and design a workout that helps you meet your goals,” says Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. But such personally tailored guidance comes at a price. If you’re on a tight budget, consider these lower-cost options:

Try a group exercise class Although the level of supervision is not the same as in a one-on-one personal training session, fitness classes are a good, inexpensive option offering both guidance and motivation.

Take advantage of technology If you’re an experienced exerciser, fitness DVDs, iPod programs and Wii Fit are like “distance personal training,” notes Bryant. (If you’re a beginner though, it’s best to get some pointers from a real, live trainer first before trying fit-tech.)

Hire a trainer for three sessions Whatever your goal -- weight loss, increased strength, greater endurance -- a personal trainer can teach you a variety of exercises and how to perform them safely in just three sessions. If your budget allows, consider going back to your trainer every 12 weeks or so for a “tune-up,” advises Bryant.

Share a trainer with a friend or two “Small group personal training is an emerging trend,” says Bryant. Added bonus: Working out with friends is more fun, and if the trainer and your pals are depending on you to show up, you’re more likely to stick with your exercise program.

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	<h2>Expert QA</h2>
<h1>How can I get the benefits of a personal trainer without breaking my budget?</h1>
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<p>By Nancy Gottesman for <em><a href="http://www.liverightlivewell.com">Live Right Live Well</a></em></p>
</p>

<img src="http://www.liverightlivewell.com/partner/content/worldnow-ftp/archive/2011-01-03/expertqa/personal_trainer/images/large.jpg" width="181" height="212" alt="How can I get the benefits of a personal trainer without breaking my budget?"/>
	The great thing about personal trainers is that they can “help you with motivation and proper technique, and design a workout that helps you meet your goals,” says Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. But such personally tailored guidance comes at a price. If you’re on a tight budget, consider these lower-cost options:<br />
<p><strong>Try a group exercise class</strong> Although the level of supervision is not the same as in a one-on-one personal training session, fitness classes are a good, inexpensive option offering both guidance and motivation.</p>
<p><strong>Take advantage of technology</strong> If you’re an experienced exerciser, fitness DVDs, iPod programs and Wii Fit are like “distance personal training,” notes Bryant. (If you’re a beginner though, it’s best to get some pointers from a real, live trainer first before trying fit-tech.)</p>
<p><strong>Hire a trainer for three sessions</strong> Whatever your goal -- weight loss, increased strength, greater endurance -- a personal trainer can teach you a variety of exercises and how to perform them safely in just three sessions. If your budget allows, consider going back to your trainer every 12 weeks or so for a “tune-up,” advises Bryant.</p>
<p><strong>Share a trainer with a friend or two</strong> “Small group personal training is an emerging trend,” says Bryant. Added bonus: Working out with friends is more fun, and if the trainer and your pals are depending on you to show up, you’re more likely to stick with your exercise program.</p>
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