Motivation comes from the remaining stomach fat I have hiding my abs.
I dont think one needs a trainer after a couple sessions. And even then, I dont think one needs a trainer when there are informative sites online like exrx.net and bodybuilding.com and
http://www.bsu.edu/webapps/strengthlab/home.htm all available to help you design a workout routine.
Personally, I think your diet is the #1 thing of importance in getting fit. #2 is resistance training. #3 is cardio. Then rest and recovery.
I currently and doing 1800cals per day, 3 lifting sessions per week (45 mins each time max!) and 4 days of cardio (40-45 mins low intensity).