What are the merits of hiring a personal trainer for one session only? Unfortunately after gym membership fees, one session is pretty much all I can afford (if I expect to eat). What do you think -- should I do it?

--marty

Marty, I often work with clients on a one-shot basis. I recommend a double session of two hours. One of my regular clients, who I see two or three times a week, has the luxury of time.

That client can learn about exercises over the course of a few months. Not so for the one-shot customer. This person needs a clinic on training rather than a workout, and that takes at least two hours.

Don't be afraid to take notes during your session. I've even had people videotape their sessions. No one can expect to memorize all the exercises, positions, duration and resistance levels you'll hear about during your session. If you don't jot it down, you're bound to forget some crucial info your trainer has shared with you.

Before your session you should give the trainer as much personal information as possible. Age, height, weight, history of injuries, athletic background, exercise experience, current workout and goals -- critical information when designing an exercise program. If the trainer knows these stats ahead of time, he or she can do a little advance work.

So my answer is a definite yes. A one-time-only training session can be extremely beneficial. Who knows -- in a few months (or maybe years) you'll be able to afford a second one.

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