Top 3 Misunderstandings About Personal Trainers
I'll be the devil's advocate on this one just to paint the
picture for those who don't know. What
does my fee for a Personal Training cover? Why can't they train me for free?
Since I've been a Personal Trainer, these questions have come to me and my
peers time and time again. Complete
transparency, I became frustrated with people who asked these questions
before, but I now understand there is simply a lack of knowledge surrounding
the job of a personal trainer. So as a fit blogger, I am able to provide a little clarity on the topic.
Misunderstanding #1: "You're just supposed to tell me
how to workout, right?"
Clarity: "Working Out" is more than just pointing
at weights and expecting a client to lift it.
A GOOD Personal Trainer has an understanding of physiology, anatomy and
bio mechanics. Programs and exercises are
built using experience and the knowledge attained from formal training to offer the expertise you expect to
receive. Believe it or not, some trainers have advanced degrees and
additional training to make sure you are working out correctly. Not only that,
your training program is usually structured a certain way to help your weaker
areas balance out with your stronger areas. Basically, its
strategically structured to give you the results you are looking for.
Would you trust a toothless self titled Dentist to work on
your mouth because they are free?
Misunderstanding #2: "Why can't Personal Trainers train
me for free"
Clarity: I think this comes from Misunderstanding #1, and
for that reason...I get it. Any bonehead can point at a machine or assign an
exercise, so what sense does it make to pay them for doing something anybody can do? You can probably train a
monkey to run around the gym and point at machines. The certifications, training, hours studying
to provide you with the best service, and the knowledge you found impressive about your trainer cost them time and money (see if your monkey can do that). So its only fair to say their fee matches their experience and expertise. Many of my peers spend countless hours
researching training and nutrition to provide the best possible service to their
clients. A good buddy of mine, Jason
Ford (Beast Factor Fit,LLC) and I text each other with new findings at 1am some
nights! So let's turn the tables for a second shall we? Are you willing to do
the job you do for a living free of charge? Regardless of how noble the job is;
you still have credentials that qualify you to do the job you do to make a living. The same applies to fitness professionals. Besides, more times than a few you will get
what you pay for. Remember, when hiring a fitness professional, you are investing
in your health and trusting them with your body...that's kinda important. Or you can settle for Dr. Miss N. Teeth up there..who can probably snap holes in donuts for a living.
Misunderstanding #3: "My trainer is too laid back. I
need a Drill Sergeant/Instructor type of trainer."
Clarity: I saw someone tweet this, and my goodness the
number of retweets and favorites it got! I am an active duty Marine, and once
upon a time I was that irritated NCO who was also in charge of the physical
training of Marines in different training environments. That mentality does not transfer well with normal
people, and it does nothing for you. Trainers
are there to offer guidance and support to ensure the information is well
received and implemented. Your trainer
will adjust to what motivates you, but you have to do your part as well. Don't confuse fear with motivation and holding
you accountable. If you like the Drill
Instructor mentality, take a visit to MCRD San Diego or Parris Island and I
promise you'll return looking for Richard Simmons to be your trainer.
Don't undermine what your trainer does to bring your dreams
to reality. Trust in your decision
making to choose the best trainer for you.
Consider credentials, personality and experience before making your
decision. And remember, 11 times out of
10 you will get what you pay for.
Yours In Fitness,
Derrick White
Total Health Evolution
No comments:
Post a Comment