Who Needs a Trainer??

I have to be honest here. I usually do not get hired because someone is completely ignorant to fitness. Usually people will know some basic information and have been to a gym a few times. Most have even researched a bit and have had some success with fitness. In fact, there are plenty of cheap books and internet video sources that will feed you fitness programs that will work to a certain extent. I have to state, I am hired more for the discipline over the “know-how”.
I know the knowledge and experience is a huge plus. There is a difference between a genuine trainer and a two-bit hustler with a bubbly personality and big mouth. I would say that has some influence on who a person seeks out, but in the end a potential client is thinking can I trust this trainer to teach me what I need to know and keep me on point OR is this some goon that just wants to take money and bullshit his way through a session.
The discipline in a trainer keeps him (or her) keeping a journal on the client’s sessions, body composition, goals, and nutrition. The discipline in a trainer makes sure the goal is reached safely and effectively without foolish arrogance getting in the way. I’m sure you have seen the trainers that have a success story to share with you and they attempt to mimic that same training scheme on everyone regardless of goals or ability. This discipline also is to hold a client accountable when necessary (like when nutritional guides are resisted or ignored) and to let the client go if he or she is not “ready” to except the positive changes.
I get hired by people looking for this discipline and know-how and are ready to receive the training. I have trained other trainers, athletes, rehabilitating individuals, and fitness enthusiasts. The truth is everybody will need guidance in fitness for one reason or other even myself. So who needs a trainer. EVERYONE!

Crappy Personal Trainer Syndrome

I recently was in the middle of a discussion that seems to sprout its ugly head every month or so. Why are there so many "bad" personal trainers in this industry? Why do people pay them to give them horrible service?

I have been in the midst of this conversion a few times. The answer for these questions seem to be this:

-It is too easy to become a personal trainer.

- People love bargains and gimmicks. Whatever works the fastest and is the cheapest is the best.

This obviously is a major problem for good personal trainers out their looking to really help their clients and wanting to charge for their time they spend providing quality service in and out of the gym.

Well, because I am pretty weary from constantly talking about this, I will simply get to the point and point out what I believe will make a good trainer and what a potential client should look for.

Good Trainers

1. Well educated in their craft. Do not simply rely on easy to obtain certifications. They have extended amount of experience and knowledge.
2. They really want to help the client they work with. The client is not just another person to make warmup for 10 minutes on a treadmill and count reps for.
3. Train clients on an individual basis. The trainer must be able to assess the client before training him or her.
4. Talks the talk and walk the walk. Doesn't tell a client to not eat donuts and then gobbles down a dozen every night.
5. Is not afraid to leave a client who fails to commit. Training someone who doesn't want to do as the trainer says is not worth training.

Smart Clients:

1. Do not judge a trainer on looks. You should be impressed with the knowledge of that trainer and not his abs.
2. Looks for a trainers background. Knows the trainer should have at least a few years under his belt, and a respectable certification to back him up (ACSM,NSCA,NASM and Chek)
3. Trainer explains workout and keeps a journal on clients progress. Nothing worse than a trainer who can't remember anything about you but your name.
4. Trainer focuses on you during session and does not watch music videos or strike up useless conversations with others. I hate that the most
5. Trainer is always prompt.

These are just a few things to catch. We can only hope that clients and trainers both become smarter about personal training