One of the common questions new trainees have is about whether or not to hire a trainer, and if so, for what?  Some are so financially strapped that they don’t have resources to hire one, but hopefully this blog will also provide some assistance for those who can’t.

First of all, Body for Life as set out in the original book is a fully integrated system, meaning it is a complete plan, and for many people the book by itself is all the information that is really necessary to begin and finish a very successful challenge.  BFL is, to be sure, a one-size-fits-all system, but for most that is just fine. See, when you first start exercising, after a long time of deconditioning, just about any kind of exercise will produce a significant result insofar as increased strength, muscle mass and tone, and body composition changes are concerned. When you first start eating right–after a five day or so period when your body punishes you as it readjusts to eating good food–that good diet will produce significant changes as well.

For 12 weeks, for most people, the body for life plan will continue to make you stronger, leaner, and fitter. So, really the plan is a trainer free zone for most of us. MOST doesn’t mean all, though, and here are the folks who could benefit from the services of a trainer.

People with disabilities: Porter Freeman enlisted a trainer because he couldn’t do a lot of exercises due to a severe shoulder problem, plus he needed dietary advice. If you have physical restrictions or limitations, chronic illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or heart or breathing problems, you certainly should check with both your physician and a trainer so you don’t get in over your head.

People with dietary difficulties: Celiac disease, and other food allergies or sensitivities might well make it advisable to seek the advice of a physician and/or nutritionist or trainer with special nutrition training. It is certainly possible to get fit and gain muscle mass for most people, even those mentioned here, but the typical BFL diet might well not be your cup of tea. 

People for whom this is a brand new world: The world of fitness and exercise is one that has eluded many. And for them, if this is all brand new, just going into a health club can me a most intimidating and embarrassing situation. In those circumstances, setting up a session with one of the trainers to assess you and to assist you in getting used to the machines and exercises can be a very wise decision. Hold off on any long term commitment, but spending a couple of hundred dollars to insure that you know where you are and what it will take to get to where you want to go is a valuable investment. You WON’T need someone to exercise with you, so don’t pay a trainer beyond his or her showing you what to do.

A trainer badly selected can be worse than no trainer at all. Be sure you are using one trained and certified by a national agency, and choose one you can relate to. You’re not going on a date, but you ARE putting your money and time on the line, so choose wisely.

Internet training? There are a lot of websites offering it. There are no champions crediting Internet trainers for their great success. Probably not a red hot idea!