Not all trainers are created equal
It’s true. We are not all the same. Some of us are better at getting pounds off people. Others are better at getting people stronger. A small number can fix people as well as a physical therapist and sometimes better. The list doesn’t stop there. Some trainers are great listeners and therapists. Others are great at pushing you just enough to make you forget about what it was you were upset about…the list goes on and on. My point is, don’t let a bad experience with a trainer turn you off to getting one in the first place. Don’t be afraid to step up and voice your concerns and questions. I get QUESTIONED A LOT by some of my clients (who are also trainers). Sometimes it bothers me, and when it does I try and take a deep breath and remain calm and answer them rationally. I have had clients tell me they didn’t want to train with me and asked if there was someone else. I hooked them up with someone else. Some people think that the trainer should fit the goals of the client, others think the trainer should fit the personality of the client. I agree with both, however, a client is coming to accomplish a goal, not to get a new best friend. If that happens, great, but the trainer and the client need to remember why they are there. I used to drive a Saturn…I hated it. Then I drove a Toyota. It wasn’t bad. Finally I got into a Mazda and I loved it. I went through three brands of cars in my short driving career. I didn’t find one I liked until the 3rd car. I didn’t give up after the first one. I kept driving others and looking around. Trainers are just like cars. We all get you from point A to point B, some faster than others, some more costly than others and some rely on solar power and tree sap to run. But, don’t give up if you didn’t get what you wanted. Try another trainer. Quick advice: sit down with your trainer before you sign up, get to know them, who they are, what they have done…etc. Then, if you feel comfortable with them, sign up. And for the love of god, people, it took you YEARS to get where you are now, YEARS to get you to the point where you felt compelled to get a trainer. Don’t expect miracles. 24 sessions, or twice a week for 3 months is not going to get you where you want to be. Be realistic! It took you years of being a dumb ass to get you where you are. Give your trainer at least 6 months with you to get any kind of noticeable and continuous long term gain.
