value

These days money is tight for almost everyone. Even those of us who haven't felt the direct hit of the economic recession are scrutinizing spending like never before. As a result, much of what we perceive to be "life's extras" are now facing the financial chopping block. Should the choice to hire (or keep) private personal trainers survive your personal budget cuts? Here are ten reasons the answer should be "Yes!"

Accountability. "Trainers come with built-in motivation," explains Judy Cassady (ACSM, AFFA certified). "Not only are you investing money in to your exercise program, but you're investing time as well." Jerome Davis (NASM, CPT, PES, CES certified) admits that even he, "the trainer, has a personal trainer for that very reason." Trainers can provide accountability because there is a human face that has expectations that you are showing up and working to your potential during your time together. For some, that accountability is what keeps them showing up and seeing results. "Some of my clients don't come in the gym unless they have an appointment," Davis says. "That is not what I like to hear, but quite often it can be the case. There's nothing like a standing appointment to get your butt in gear for a workout."

Education. Working with a good trainer provides you with the opportunity to learn something new after every interaction. Davis explains, "there are 168 hours in a week. Hopefully you get to see your client for 3 of them. What are they doing the other 165? Education is the key for the client." Jaye Evans ( BA, kinesiology, NASM, Cooper, AFFA, Yogafit and spinning certifications) agrees, "If you hire a good trainer they will have expertise in the areas or fields that you won't get from the internet; that you won't get from books; that you won't get from magazines. You will get that from the source."

The value of an Oscar statuette is obviously more about the sentiment and experience than anything else, but what is that little gold man really worth in cold hard cash?

There are several ways of looking at it:

• Resale value for Oscars won after 1950 are limited because the Academy makes all winning celebrities sign an agreement that if they want to sell they have to first offer the statue back to them for $1.
  
• Based on the current price of the gold if melted down each Oscar is worth about $500.
• If sold on the sly (or for pre-1950 Oscars that can be sold in the open) big-name Oscars will easily clear $60,000+, with many hitting 6 figures.

That's not all that much, all things considered. I think if I ever win one I'll be happy to just keep it (hey, I can dream!).