Gary- sounds like you're putting this on hold, which isn't a bad idea. I was an athletic trainer in a previous life, and like other ATs, I hold a particular skepticism toward "personal trainers." Not that there aren't good ones out there- for sure there are, but I wish I could tell you how to find one easily. Don't rely on certification- the several ones that exist are no guarantee that a "certified personal trainer" knows a quadriceps from a Chevy. (Not kidding there- I've actually met people like that, touting themselves as certified.).

Bottom line is your goal, like the others have said. If it's motivation you need, spuses and other types of significant others can do that, if willing. If it's careful attention to buidling a program, including diet, resistance and endurance training, then go for a trainer but be sure to get references and check him/her out first. Or, and I'm not kidding, pick up a copy of Weight Training for Dummies to get you started. Go to www.exrx.net to see movies of lifts. Check out fitday.com to put together and track a sound diet. Put together your own program, in other words- you can do it!

Best of luck!