What to do.....

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-21-2004
What to do.....
6
Mon, 02-21-2005 - 10:17pm
Good Evening everyone, I am really enjoying being able to post and reply to everyone. There has been a wealth of information and it has totally been helpful to me. Ok, here is my question...I just got back from my workout in the gym...while I was there, one of the trainers who I had not seen for some time approached me and told me that he would like to work on some things with me. So I agreed and we did some target muscle toning exercises for about 15 minutes (nothing out of the ordinary, we have done this before)...he then told me that he would like to work with me twice a week. When I asked him how much he said that he doesn't do the job for the $$ but to make people feel good. He said if they feel good then he feels good. When I debated for a little about him training me for free, he said whatever I can afford. Ughhh!!! I guess after all of this mumbo jumbo my question is......WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? WHATEVER I CAN AFFORD???? Huuhhhh??? What should I do? This is NYC and training does not come cheap, he charges normally $50 per hr. He knows I cannot afford a trainer right now. Ahh what to do, what to do......what would you guys do??? Any suggestions???
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
In reply to: lildiss73
Mon, 02-21-2005 - 10:38pm

I would not trust that situation, personally. And if you decide to do it, make sure you don't sign anything! That's coming from quite a few lessons learned the hard way.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-17-2003
In reply to: lildiss73
Tue, 02-22-2005 - 7:49am
Two things immediately come to mind - was he hitting on you?, is the first. The second, is maybe this is his way of drumming up business - get you to see how effective working with a trainer can be and then when he won't train you for free anymore you will work really hard to come up with the money. Eiter way I would be careful; however, I am not sure I would turn down the offer - maybe you could pay $15.00 and just work with him for 15 or 20 minutes, that way you actually are paying his "rate". All a trainer really needs to do is show you proper form to work specific muscle groups, maybe offer a little motivation to push yourself.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
In reply to: lildiss73
Tue, 02-22-2005 - 9:44am

Hmm...that is an odd one ~ but it could be that he's just trying to get back into the swing of things and drum up some business.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
In reply to: lildiss73
Tue, 02-22-2005 - 12:03pm

Geez, it SOUNDS like a good deal, which automatically makes me suspicious!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2004
In reply to: lildiss73
Tue, 02-22-2005 - 12:47pm

So far I've agreed with everyone's suggesstions.
My first thought was that "he wanted to get closer to you" ;) But then I wonder why you haven't seen him for a while? If he ran into financial trouble etc. he may be just wanting to drum up more business because he could've lost business during his absence. If you're happy with him, you'll tell your friends. I bet most of their business is word of mouth. I know I've never seen commercials for personal trainers. LOL
It is possible that he loves to help and has a flexible fee schedule. I had that happen to me where I'd met a trainer who did it for free because he had a day job. We mostly conversed thru the phone instead of in person and he never charged me anything nor did he want to. One time I had a hairstylist who whould charge me $18 for a wash, cut and style but charged most everyone else $30. I asked her about it one time and she said that I'd been with her from the beginning and stuck with her and she appreciated my business. Plus, what she lost on me was always made up on some rich lady who'd get "the works" and spend $100..it all evened out. I like the one idea someone gave about offering to pass out his business cards. He could just show you form etc. and not have to be with you a whole hour. I was thinking that $10 or $15 would be fine for 15-20 minutes. I'm sure he'd appreciate some business rather than no business at all.

Ginger

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-21-2004
In reply to: lildiss73
Tue, 02-22-2005 - 8:47pm

Wow, thank you everyone for your input....I can appreciate all of the skepticism. Ok, so now to answer some of your reponses:
1. He was not here for a couple of months because he was busy training for his new FULL time job as a manager in a company much like the one I work for. In the past, maybe 6 months ago when he was looking for a change I even offered to put in a good word for him in my company.
2. He has been working at my gym, located on the lower level of my building for about 10 years. I trust him as does the VERY strict building that I live in. It is a co-op and board run....it took me 3 months alone just to get approved for the apartment. I have known him for about 2.5 yrs.
3. Is he cute???? hahahahaha very funny Steffy Although he is not my type, he is good looking.
4. I have made it very clear to him that I not only do I have a serious boyfriend, but that I am in NO financial position to afford a trainer.
5. Yes, he could definitely be interested in me...but I think he is more attracted to my passion to be healthy and look good. He would not be the first to see my dedication.

I think for now...I am going to let him train me for a couple of sessions and then figure out whether or not I will continue. If I continue, then I will pay him 80% for the first couple sessions at the least and then continue to pay him full price for all future sessions. I do agree it is away for him to drum up a little more business since his absence.

Thank you again and please feel free to post more of your thoughts.

Have a great evening and happy workouts for all.