Trying to fit into your favorite pair of jeans and realizing that somehow the elastic has disappeared and there’s no way you’re fitting into those bad boys is a horrible feeling.

Stuck in denial and determined to fit into your favorite denims, you try to figure out who exactly was the villain that threw them in the dryer, or even better, you convince yourself that all that extra body mass must be muscle.

There is no fugitive out stealing and shrinking jeans, and it’s not possible for you to build that much muscle without lifting a dumbbell. That extra snugness you feel is a result of a little too much to eat, and too little exercise.

For those with a little expendable income, hiring a personal trainer, once considered a luxury of the rich and famous, is popular among college students.

Robert Shaw spent years of hard work and sweat in the gym, but limited results led the senior government major to seek professional help.

“Personal trainers are a bit pricey, especially for students, but if you cut back on the beer and pizza, it’s amazing how much money you can save,” Shaw said.

It took sacrifice for Shaw to save up the money for a personal trainer. He initially signed up for five sessions at 24 Hour Fitness with a personal trainer but was so happy with the results he eventually paid $2,000 for 40 sessions.

According to Shaw, the experience was totally worth it.

“After about three weeks, I felt stronger, healthier and better about myself,” Shaw said. “I was so excited to finally see a difference in my body that it made me work harder.”

The best part about being a personal trainer, Katie Sauceda said, is getting clients results and seeing their lives improve daily.

Sauceda, a senior communications major and 24 Hour Fitness trainer, has been in the business for three years and admitted the cost of sessions is the biggest obstacle when it comes to finding new clients.

“Sessions are expensive, but if you are dedicated and follow the advice given, then you’ll for sure get the results you paid for,” Sauceda said.

After two months of partying and trying all sorts of food in Europe, Amanda Bernard was eager to get back in shape. The junior psychology major’s only problem was a lack of motivation and keeping a consistent workout schedule.

“Having a personal trainer is such a motivation because you’re paying them to push you to your limits, and you have to show up to your sessions or else you’re losing money,” Bernard said.

According to Bernard, the best part about the professional help is the complete evaluation. In the first meeting, Bernard and a 24 Hour Fitness personal trainer discussed goals, took measurements and addressed eating habits.

“Before my training, I had no idea how important it is to eat healthy,” Bernard said. “I’ve learned so much about eating, circuit training and how to keep myself from getting bored in the gym.”

Though personal trainers are no longer as expensive as they used to be, many students could never afford hundreds of dollars worth of sessions. Kelin Munson, a personal trainer with Sparetime and senior exercise science major, suggested trying a single session to provide a basis for an exercise program.

“Sign up for one session, try to develop a program, research and learn as much as you can, and keep a balance between eating and activity; all that would promote healthy habits,” Munson said.Maybe then, those mysteriously small jeans will fit again.

Jessica Rojo can be reached at [email protected]