I've been working out for about two months with a personal trainer. She started off having me do full body workouts that I quite enjoyed - they were sort of boot camp style, in that it was a combination of strength and cardio (ie. lots of burpees and mountain climbers and planks, mixed in with compound strength bearing exercises.) Much to my surprise i have gotten much fitter than I've ever been before, pretty quickly. Now my trainer is transitioning me to workouts that alternate upper body and lower body each day, with more of a focus on strength vs cardio. Is this better? [more inside]
posted by Kololo on Mar 9, 2013 - 6 answers

I need a virtual personal trainer. Know of any sites that will send me a daily exercise routine? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel on Aug 7, 2012 - 9 answers

Is there any way to increase the workout difficulty or decrease the noise from a hand-me-down air-resistance based exercise bike? [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld on Jan 7, 2011 - 9 answers

FitnessFilter: how should I evaluate options for a personal trainer at a local gym? Lots more discussion inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on May 18, 2009 - 9 answers

A trainer at my gym recommended this workout and I'm not entirely sure it's safe or effective or the right one for me. I've itemized the routine below, but in short it involves both upper and lower body workout every day, Monday through Friday, three sets of 10 -12, with one muscle group off per day after what he considers the toughest exercise for that body part. [more inside]
posted by mizrachi on Dec 17, 2008 - 19 answers

What qualifications should I look for in a personal trainer? What do the ACE certifications actually mean? I'd like to hire a trainer for a few sessions, but I really don't want to hurt myself or hire a nut. Please help me sort through the options! [more inside]
posted by barnone on Feb 12, 2006 - 4 answers

Yesterday on "CBS Sunday Morning," a correspondent chronicled his attempt to lose weight. I'm trying to identify one of the machines that his personal trainer used to evaluate his progress. [more inside]
posted by Saucy Intruder on Jan 9, 2006 - 12 answers