Respect of Personal Trainers
This week I learned a newfound respect for personal trainers. And even though many get ridiculed on this site, especially in the forums, they are ok with me.
Now it starts out with friends asking about lifting, to the question- “Can you put me on a program?”, and so you’re flattered that someone would believe you know what you’re doing, so of cause the answer is “sure”.
Now this happened to me three times this week, although I only had to help out twice as two of them doubled up.
So we have coffee, go through a program, ok that’s not so bad. Then it comes to will you show me how to do the exercises- again the answer is “Sure”.
Now here is the learning curve for me.
First I’m at a gym, and not lifting, but I like to lift, but still I’m not lifting as I am going to help. So I’m restless and all I can think is as soon as I get these exercises shown I can start- so I start to motivate ( a positive word for hurry up) the exercises.
Then boredom sets in- I actually have to watch another person lift weights, as I said I enjoy lifting- but watching others lift is boring–really boring.
Then I had to watch myself, they are absolutely new, so I was trying not to be discouraging. Now understand that I lift alone for the most part, in my gym there are a group friends that will spot each other when needed, and usually they very politely tell you to, in a very positive and helpful manner, to get the M*F*, Stupid Ass F** weight off your F** Pathetic –insert body part here. But I can’t do that, these are friends who are new and the last thing I want to do is discourage them.
Finally- the questions, “so what do I do if I cant put this much weight up?”, “why cant this be easier?” or the best I heard was and while holding a pin they had just taken out of a weight stack for pull downs was “where do I stick this?”
So anyway, for what you do, and have to put up with, You’re Alright.
April 26, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Thanks for the laugh. Yeah I guess they come across all kinds. Mine has been VERY patient with me, but it’s been a year and now, he pushes like crazy. Which I love. He pushes me hard, encourages me, and keeps things interesting all at once. Some people wonder why I work with him once a week when I can do the stuff on my own. It just ain’t the same. I love the variety plus with his spotting I can do some more serious weights. So here’s to you Vitu! And thank you for giving them respect!
Louann
May 10, 2008 at 11:44 am
I always give my props to my trainer who is 52, and in the most amazing shape, and works me over! He really pushes and motivates me and has something new for me EVERY week, so I’m always looking forward to our next session.
May 14, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I must say that I’ve worked with personal trainers that didn’t have a clue and they would discourage you when you couldn’t lift the weight they gave you or the amount of reps they wanted by actually calling you lazy or weakling. These were the same one’s that never teach you proper form so you end up injuring yourself. But I’ve also worked with trainers that are very encouraging, motivational and keep you challenged so you always want to come back.