I was going to suggest P90x. Tony Horton is over 50 but he looks like he is in his 30s. The workouts are based on “muscle confusion” and you can mix and match the workout DVDs according to your tastes. The best thing about P90x is that the videos tell you how much time and how many reps are left at all times. You don’t have to guess how long you will be doing something. He also has his ‘minions’ demonstrate the easy, medium and hard way all at the same time and you can choose who you wish to follow.

It’s about $150 including shipping and handling but it is well worth it.

And no, I have no connections with Tony Horton, P90x or anything else. It’s just a great system.

I have a gorgeous 26 yr old man in perfect shape and health as my trainer, funny too, that’s a plus. I work out 3 days a week and I told the gym that I wanted at least 3 months with him and I would pay them $300 at a time, sometimes every two weeks, sometimes once a month, but that I would pay the whole amt by the end of the 3 months, total $1440. I know, I know that does indeed sound outrageous, but if any of you reading this have suffered, really suffered ill health (and I know many of you have), then you’re as sick of being sick as I am. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get back my strength, my health, my figure, my LIFE! My wonderful husband of 30 years agrees with me and supports me (believe me, after looking at the cost, I didn’t even think he would, but he did.) He wants to see me happy too. I’ve had two workouts with him already this week and I can’t tell you what a PROFOUND effect it has had on my desire to eat right, exercise right and take care of myself like never before. So, if you ask me if it was worth the money, if, in fact, I was worth the investment, then the answer is a resounding “YES”! GOOD LUCK TO YOU, I THINK YOU’RE WORTH IT IF YOU CAN FIGURE OUT A WAY TO DO IT TOO. LINDA

Look for ones that fit what you’re looking for. There are lots out there!

My husband finally took the step… he was making no progress whatsoever on his own. Yet, he did want to lose weight.

Well, our local gym decided to promote Body For Life, since one of the trainers had done it with some success. And they offered a plan that included 12 sessions for a reasonable sum. Hubby has lost some 40 inches and over 17 pounds in TWO MONTHS! Plus, he had a head cold and wasn’t working out much for two weeks during that! The funny bit is his exercise sessions are shorter than he was doing before! And the trainer keeps things varied, so he’s not in a total rut all the time with exercise like he was. I might add that his trainer is a woman… in fact, all the trainers at our gym are, for some reason. So he’s not facing some muscle head dude and I’m sure that’s less intimidating for him.

His sessions have run out… and he was talking about going it on his own, but he decided that his results were so good with the trainer, he’d continue. Over a stretch of a couple months, the cost really isn’t that bad (around $200) and we feel the investment in his health is well worth it.

Anyway, whether you go it with a trainer or alone, the important thing is to just be active and find something you enjoy doing on a regular basis!

One thing I’m curious about is how you define “eating seasonally”. It seems that you simply quit eating veggies during the winter. I’m not sure I understand this. A canned tomato or fresh frozen veggies are good for you – why would you avoid them? If this is a case of wanting to eat locally or somewhat organically, I can respect that because it’s what I try to do as well … but one must be sensible within those guidelines.

I’m not entirely sure what the point of “seasonal” eating is when it causes you to become unhealthy.

If you really do feel like you need a trainer for a little bit, there’s no reason you can’t find a trainer who will agree to work within your budget. Some of them will agree to meet with you once a week and give you a workout to do on your own the other 3 or 4 days. And just because you need someone NOW to help you figure out a plan, doesn’t mean you’re going to need that person for the entire 4-5 months of your weight loss period. IN fact a good trainer will train you to NOT need him eventually.

Why not talk to him about a once a week session – or maybe 2x a week for the first 2 weeks, so you can build a comfort level with the routines.

I personally met with a trainer for about a month. I did a ton of online research myself, taught myself about nutrition, and had him simply verify what I was learning and help me with form. Once I had that down, I really didn’t need him any more – I was able to continue on my own.

Don’t let an all or nothing mentality become another excuse!

In my humble opinion you really don’t need a personal trainer on a continuous basis. It’s nice to have, but few people can afford that! There is so much information about fitness and exercising out there that you needn’t be adrift. For instance, Bob Greene’s book “Total Body Makeover” gives you a program that comprises various types of cardio, strength and functional exercises. There’s a beginners, intermediate and advanced program, so if you’re just starting, you’re sorted for 36 weeks!

Good luck! You’ll figure it out!