I have recently been inspired to strengthen my voice in the field and hold the business of personal training accountable to it's cost versus value. According to Peter Sage, everyone has their own story that leads to their own ideas of truth, reality and behavior. My journey as a personal trainer has led me to a new understanding of my job and it's profound impact when it's done right. It is important that what I do holds a highly respected reputation as we all move forward with new learnings and understandings of health. I'm offering 5 'heads up' considerations for all personal training clients and personal trainers alike.
heads up #1
Traditionally, a personal trainer is hired to help someone lose weight or reach their 'fitness goals'. And more common than not, that personal trainer becomes less of a body coach and more of a life coach. The emotional dumping that can happen in 60 minutes on the gym floor is astounding. I attribute this to the undeniable emotional storage in our bodies. For this reason, it's completely valid that emotional things come up when working the body out. For years, my clients were projecting their unhappy marriages, dreadful jobs and unruly children onto me.... it was clear that I needed to develop a shield of protection otherwise I'd find myself in an emotional coma after work each day. And it took me even longer to realize an awareness that I was enabling this behavior. As much as I sincerely do care about what is going on in my clients' lives (whom most I also consider great friends), respecting their time and money, while preserving my own center of sanity meant I needed to declare boundaries which attract clients that choose me as their trainer, and not as their counselor. I am so much happier now that our sessions are centered around moving forward rather than workout out baggage. If your sweat sessions have turned into coffee dates, it may be time to re-establish the relationship.
heads up #2
As trainers, most of us live (or at least claim to live) healthy and active lives. Many trainers will proudly share their lifestyle habits with their clients. Including drinking protein shakes, counting steps, counting calories, running marathons, pumping iron in tight t-shirts or maybe even competing in the next figure competition. My point is- watch out for trainers that want to turn you into their own mini-me. If your trainer prescribes 5 hours of cardio and 3 strength training sessions per week, along with daily stretching homework because that's what they do, this is a sign that they are not only out of touch with reality but also crippled by a very outdated prescription for 'healthy living' and peak performance. I have learned that every individual has their own definition and measures of success. It is my job to guide them on their own path and not my own.
heads up #3
(Specifically to weight loss clients) Speaking of outdated information, if your trainer calculatingly explains that in order to lose 1lb a week, simply create a deficit of 500 calories a day from your BMR (basal metabolic rate), my advice to you is to 'Thank and say goodbye'. Counting calories and miserably pounding 250 calories off on the hamster mobile each day, will only further bury you in lies, frustration and potentially chain you down to a life you hate. Anyone focused on calories has not been paying attention to the latest literature on the science of weight loss/maintenance. Naivety with regards to hormonal and chemical balance of the body is quite silly at this point and calorie counting is just that. Additional note to trainers: You WILL NOT achieve success with your clients if you are trying to burn off their fat during your workouts. Relieve yourself of the pressure to make that happen. They will lose the weight during the 48 - 144 hours between their visits with you. I hate to burst anyone's ideology bubble- but no trainer can lose the weight for you no matter how much they make you sweat. Find a trainer that empowers you to lose the weight yourself. Sessions should be spent educating, empowering and improving someone's understanding of their health and bodies.
heads up #4
As trainers, we can be very fond of our creative exercises, muscle ripping program designs and our sleek equations to methodically increase your bench press weight each week. (side note- bench press makes me gag) However, if your trainer is crouched behind their clipboard logging reps and weight, chances are they belong in the physiology lab and off the gym floor. You should kindly encourage them to go on and get their Masters. Many trainers thrive in the science of the body which to be honest, is often overkill when it comes to a solid and well rounded workout. As much as we are proud of our Exercise Science degrees and competency in the anatomy and biomechanics lab, we are personal trainers- not doctors. If your body is undergoing extreme fatigue or stress and your trainer is sticking to his/her plan because that's what the chart says- they are missing the organic and artistic elements of training. Our ability to perform is contingent on so many factors. Workouts should progress each session while honoring the mysterious and miraculous ways in which our bodies vary from day to day. Your program should be far above anything written on paper.
heads up #5
So many people consider a good workout one in which they end up on the floor in a puddle of their own blood and tears- or some would even gladly earn an injury that takes them to the hospital to prove how hard they can push themselves. I'm so not impressed by this but if that's your jive, the more power to you. However be warned, that this style of working out will not serve you well in the upcoming decades and I don't want any part in facilitating that result. Simply put, your workout should improve body function, not break it down. This includes restoring integrity at the foundation, restoring flow movement in the body, improving the body's ability to recover and achieve chemical/hormonal balance. If instead your sessions are breaking your body down- I would suggest reconsidering your goals and your trainer. If you are like 90% of my clients, you want to move better and of course look and feel good. Then why are you breaking your back with ill-formed burpees? Care about your form and care about your long term results!
Sending gratitude to the hundreds of clients that have challenged me as a professional. You have been my biggest teachers on the subject of health and I am dedicated to continued growth and learning so that I can empower you with the tools to live your best life!
