MARCH MADNESS Wk2 Day 3 (RANT! No Tricks, Just GOOD Trainers)
"Check their qualifications before engaging in some random weight, pump, toning, bootcamp type workout"
Or at the very least, check their motives!
If you're in the market for a trainer, then there's a good chance that he or she will directly influence how much you enjoy fitness. So, not only is it important to check their qualifications it is also important to know what makes them tick. Do they have your best interests in mind?
When you decide to invest in a trainer you’re making a decision that has the potential to change your life. Shop around and don't make this decision lightly. Afterall, you wouldn't blindly choose a dentist, chiropractor or surgeon to diagnose and then "fix" your body? That's what a personal trainer does, in a much lesser sense of course. We diagnose poor movement patterns, aches and pains and then utilize various bodyweight, resistance training and mobility work to help restore the human body to approximate it's once youthful vigor. We manipulate and change the body to make it functional and sometimes ripped. True story bro!
SO, you out there training with someone, check their qualifications. This doesn't necessarily have to be on paper; though I do encourage some form of hands on certification. Years and years of experience counts. If your trainer or coach has been doing his or her thing since the dawn of time then OK. At that point they have wisdom and years of practice on their side.
 |
Not yet qualified in my books.
|
Just because they have decided that BLANK is for them doesn't mean it's for everyone. The science of the body and mind is immense. My brain hurts and I'm still not done learning. My philosophy is to always keep learning, especially when people are relying on my knowledge to keep them safe.
Anyhow, to my point. Poor form and lack of proper supervision is not only dangerous it can also be a waste of time. Your trainer may not know what to look for when it comes to improper form or muscle imbalances which can impact movement patterns in daily life. You may take a small problem and make it worse overtime ie upper cross syndrome. Look it up...most people have this issue, especially if they work at a desk. I'm not going to give you all the answers but if you have UCS and your working your chest and not your back, then you're creating further imbalance and therefore; wasting your time. Unless of course Quasimodo was the look your going for?
At the very least, do some research on what will help you to further your goals and don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right. It's your body and you have to live in it. Be accountable.
Ask yourself these questions
Why is this person training me? Is it better health? Good. To improve body confidence? Good. To show off their abilities or abs? Bad. To sell something, ex. membership, products,etc? Bad. This question really gets into what makes a personal trainer tick.
Why did this person get into the fitness field? If it's to see people transform their bodies, then you know the trainer focuses on the physical. Sure, looking good is part of it but the body primarily needs to function - Strength, flexibility, aerobic and don't forget the person inside, the mind. If the trainer says it's to help people transform their lives, then they'll probably have your well-being in mind. If the trainer takes a few minutes to answer or isn't sure, run far, far away!
Does your trainer know why you're working certain muscle groups instead of another one? You'll almost certainly ask your trainer “Why are we doing this?” and you should. They should have a legitimate answer for you! The inverse is also true. If you're broken please don't try to fix it with a trainer. Damnit Jim! I'm not a doctor.
Does this person have my best interest at heart? Do you not exist to her/him outside of the gym? Facebook chit chat doesn't count unless it's specific to you. A 1000 friends on Facebook does not a 1000 friends make. Do they only see you with dollar signs in their eyes? Go with your gut on this one...
Are you enjoying yourself? If not, move on and do something you like, with someone you like. Otherwise, it just won't work long term. Health is a life long goal not just a New Year, spring, bikini body thing. Kinda like wasting your life in a crappy relationship. Better off breaking up and finding Mr. or Mrs. Right Trainer For You. You'll both be happier for it.
A good trainer/coach/fitness instructor shouldn't have to sell themselves to you. You'll know which one is right for you almost immediately. There are great trainers out there and then not so great. Were a dime a dozen. I'm not selling myself very well here but that's fine by me. Most of my clients are word of mouth. That says something. Thanks BOMBERS!
Here's your reward. Another FREE workout. Number 3, week 2 in our daily series.
Comments
Post a Comment