WATCH YOUR TRAINER

I think there is a misconception about the different types of personal trainers that are out here in the world.  There is the personal trainer and then there is the personal trainer.  What? You don’t see the difference? 

You may not see the difference because you haven’t been educated to see the difference.  I’m not talking about the way your trainer looks. Sure, your trainer should be fit, but he or she doesn’t need to look like a champion bodybuilder or fitness model either.  

I’m talking about how your trainer acts. How does your trainer conduct themselves in your session? Does your trainer have a series of training sessions planned for you to meet your goals? Do they give you sensible nutrition advice? Do they work hand in hand with your doctor for specific problems?  Does your trainer demand that you honor their time? 

There are several questions you can ask about trainers.  Let’s look at a few I mentioned.

 How does your trainer act during the session? Do they spend more time looking at some girl’s arse than watching you execute a movement or do they have your undivided attention? Are they smuggling you into the gym through the back door and taking your cash under the table or are they running a proper business? 

Does your trainer know how to program your workouts?  I have to tell you a story…a couple of years ago I was working at a different gym.  A trainer and I were chatting before our clients showed up.  The trainer told me he needed to focus because his client was going to be there in 5 minutes and he needed to get a workout together.  Seriously.  Now this same trainer, who was the head trainer, by the way, told me that I couldn’t use the software I purchased on my own to plan workouts for my clients.  Apparently, it was decided that the trainers in this gym needed to use a uniform way of writing down workouts.  So, let me get this straight…I couldn’t use my printed professional looking forms, planning workouts for the next 6 weeks, but to scribble some crap workout 5 minutes before the session on some form was deemed acceptable? It is also worth noting that this same trainer was so busy watching me with my clients that he copied a workout he saw me use.  Now the workout was being used on a seasoned athlete to build relative strength. He used it on a client that was clearly a beginner. 

While you are training does your trainer ever ask you what you eat? Most trainers aren’t nutritionists, but some of us have half a brain when it comes to a sensible diet. Those of you who know me are well aware of my constant drilling when it comes to eating.  You don’t need to be a world class nutritionist, but at least understand what macronutrients do to your body and how they can be manipulated. I even make some of my client’s text me every time they eat.  Is it a bother? Not really. I find that it helps the client make smart choices and keeps them accountable.  I’m happy to say that considering some of the texts I get they are also quite honest. 

Now what about your trainer dealing with your doctor? I have heard trainers in the gym diagnose diseases.  Why don’t you try encouraging your client to go to the doctor, Hypocrites? Stay out of the doctors’ domain. The last time I checked your doctor has done a little more than getting an exercise science degree and/or personal training certificate.  Instead of stepping on the doctor’s toes try building a relationship with him if your client has a particular problem.  Your client will be much better off. 

The last question I asked was, does your client honor your time? Coach Poliquin has drilled this into my mind.  Over the last couple of years I have fired a few clients. Why? Because, they don’t honor my time.  If I give my clients my undivided attention, take the time to evaluate them with structural balance testing, program workouts properly, give them nutrition advice to help them lean out, and actively work with their physician if they have specific issues the LEAST the client can do is listen and work hard. 

So, the next time you work with your trainer observe and listen as you go through your session.