10 Things Personal Trainers Won’t Tell You…But We Will!

Over the weekend I came upon an article on Marketwatch.com with the title “10 Things Personal Trainers Won’t Tell You” I suggest you read through the article first and then come back to our story.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-personal-trainers-wont-tell-you-2014-12-19

As CEO of Integrity Health Coaching Solutions I want to comment on each of the 10 things and argue how we at Integrity address these “things”.

1. You don’t need me; you need a lifestyle change

Yes this is true.  Long lasting health is a product of making consistent healthy choices for a lifetime.  This doesn’t mean that you have to give up anything.  It means you have to make more of the right choices that negate the less healthy ones. 

In other words, you have to choose to move your body or you’ll lose your body. You’ll have to choose to eat healthy foods or your health will suffer.  You’ll have to choose to laugh and love even when things don’t seem so bright.  They key word here is “choose”.  That’s right, it is a choice you make, no one else.  Our job at Integrity or at any of our current EZCOACH licensed locations is to help guide you toward the right choices.

2.  My certifications may not mean much

This is also true…to a point.  The article states a few different certifications that may be valid.  I happen to have a four year degree in exercise physiology and currently a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  Having knowledge of physiology and kinesiology is essential to the design and implementation of a safe and effective fitness plan.

I would add what is just as important is the skill of understanding human behavior and where to focus the training efforts is paramount.  A trainer who is all about showing the latest exercises because it makes him/her look impressive is all too common. 

I estimate over 80 percent of people who embark on a fitness plan every New Year are really looking to lose weight.  That being said, 80 percent of fitness clients should focus more on their eating habits and 20 percent on exercise.  After all we typically eat 35 times per week and exercise only 3-5 times per week.  Put your money and your focus where your mouth is!

3.  Don’t be impressed by the athletes and stars I trained

Early in my career I trained quite a few athletes from Professional golfers looking to increase the distance of their drives; NBA basketball players looking to increase their vertical leap; to Greg LaRocca, MLB baseball player who looked to improve his batting power.  He play for 13 years here in the US and 7 years over in Japan. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E8TS8ttFrA&feature=gp-n-o&google_comment_id=z12ghfrrlwmhjhmff22agpoorknvztorb04

Yes training athletes was certainly fun BUT it didn’t address what the majority of most people need, a competent coach.  Most people need a coach who understands what things in life are challenging them and how to influence lasting change. 

I found out that cosmetologists who become personal trainers / health coaches have a knack for building long lasting relationships that effect clients in a positive way.  Look for a certified trainer who really listens, a good one won’t try to sell you any training until they fully understand!

4.  You don’t have to show up in shape

I don’t know why any personal trainer would ever say this.  Effective coaches/trainers welcome any and all levels of fitness from sedentary individuals to athletes.  The objective is to find the right program for the level of fitness you are at the time of inception.

There is no better time to embark on a fitness regimen than right now regardless of shape.  If you feel overwhelmed or intimidated please contact us and we will find someone who will take the time to listen, understand and deliver what you are looking to achieve in your healthy endeavor.

5.  The muscle comes later

This section of the article is 100% accurate.  No need to embellish here.

6.  It could take a lot of money to get results…

I believe it depends on the individual and the amount of change they are looking for.  There is no one size fits all.  What it costs for personal training is based on what amount of direction they need.  Think about someone running an auto body shop; one customer comes in with a car with a busted headlight and another with a head on collision.  Do you think each one would cost the same? Of course not.

Each client poses a challenge that is relative to his or her own needs and lifestyle journey.  Coaches and trainers are the GPS system.  We show you how to get there.  Some journeys are short while others take longer.

Once you find a trainer who is knowledgeable and can get you the healthiest in the most reasonable time is worth their weight in gold.  Don’t short change yourself for the short-term.  What they will save you in the long-term may be priceless!

7.  But I’m probably not getting rich

Good trainers today are definitely underpaid.  Notice I underlined it.  There are many trainers out there today who are barely certified and under educated.  You have to perform your due diligence in order to find the right one.

Good trainers in my opinion are definitely underpaid.  Here are a couple of reasons for this:

• Good trainers with an advanced knowledge base have to compete with trainers who are minimally educated who will work for less money per hour.
• Health clubs that hire trainers sometimes have to compete in a market that has low price competitors offering discounted memberships.  You’ve seen these clubs in the $10-$19 range. This leaves little room for paying a good trainer what they are worth and leaving you with the less educated trainer option.
• Many good trainers cannot support their families on their current salaries and either move to a clinical setting or change occupations altogether.

8.  Some of us still use steroids

This item is pretty self-explanatory.  If a trainer tries to sell you anything illegal you should report them to the management immediately.

9.  We might be a bad fit

Making sure your trainer delivers the right amount of motivation along with compassion is also very important.  Remember, coaches and trainers are people too.  They are not mind readers.  If you decide to hire a trainer to help you on your fitness journey please communicate your feelings upfront.

I’ve seen clients who do well with a kind and nurturing approach while others do better with a drill sergeant.  You have to let your trainer know whether you are a carrot or stick client or sometimes a little of both.  Again, communication between client and trainer is paramount.

10.  It’s OK to fire me

Not all relationships work out including those with personal trainers.  If you don’t feel comfortable or don’t think you are getting what you are paying for, by all means go elsewhere.  We are now entering another new year and more than ever the cost of health care is still rising. Protect your self and your health by getting on a path to healthy and prosperous New Year.

If you cannot find a coach/trainer to get you started please contact us and we can direct you to any of our EZCOACH Fitness Prescription centers nation wide.

Happy New Year!