Usually, when you are paying someone for a service, you're head honcho, but not when it comes to training. Borden says most trainers prefer you to "shut up" and do what they tell you. "Asking questions about what you are doing is totally welcome, but arguing with me about it is not," she says. She says that if you're with an experienced trainer, then they know what they are doing. Basically, Borden says you should offer nothing except your "100 percent effort."
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You can get discounts, if you know to ask
When it comes to pricing, there are a couple of loopholes most fitness trainers will let you slip through. To get a discount, "you can ask for a package of workouts (if you pay up front) or split your sessions with a friend," says Borden. This will get you a cheaper price per session. Also, sometimes trainers will offer a cut rate if you pay cash, as a lot of trainers are self-employed and cash reaps a "no paper trail" benefit.
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They have serious pet peeves
There are some things trainers just can't stand. First, "if you think being whiny is cute, think again," warns Borden. Second, "your trainer will hate you when you flake on your 6 a.m. appointment whether or not you pay -- it's just rude," she says. And Borden cautions, "If you owe them money, trainers talk amongst themselves."
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You don't always need them
"Just because a gym is public, doesn't mean you are supposed to know how to use it," says Borden and that's why hiring a trainer to help you shape a workout routine is a great idea. However, after you've learned the basics and if you have the motivation to go it alone, you're pretty much good to go.
"Your trainer is supposed to help build your body and your knowledge of movement patterns, [but] once you have that down, training on your own is always encouraged," says Borden.
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It's a dirty job
As you might imagine from all the sweat being produced, "gyms are generally filthy," says Borden. She says to "always bring your own mat and towel, no matter what gym you go to. At my gym, the mats have never been washed -- that's why I bring my own!"
So as it turns out, getting in shape isn't the great mystery we all like to think it is. In reality it's just: Eat right. Work out. Repeat.
But of course, as anyone who's ever tried can attest, that's way easier said than done. Getting the motivation to haul our hasn't-seen-a-bikini-since-high-school butt to the gym and saying "no thanks, I've had enough" to the chocolate Bundt cake crying our name from the kitchen at 11 p.m. is hard. Really hard. Almost as hard as our fantasy abs.
Sometimes, we just can't do it by ourselves. We like our excuses too much -- we made them up after all. Which is why it can often be extremely helpful to buckle down and hire a fitness trainer. Someone to motivate you, help you stick to your goals, and most importantly, help you navigate the gym and all that equipment so that you get the most out of your workout.
But just like anyone trying to make a buck off your self-improvement, there are bound to be some things they don't mention to you in order to get your business. And with price tags ranging anywhere from 50 to 200 bucks a training session, your business is worth fighting for. So if you are spending the dough on a fitness trainer, make sure you're putting your muscle (however weak) behind that money. Learn the secrets your trainer would rather you not know from fitness and lifestyle consultant Ashley Borden, because your brain is a muscle too you know.
