Hi all. After my workout with my current trainer yesterday I got to thinking about all the trainers I've had over the past 7 years. The first one was perfect for me. Tough but flexible. I have a long medical history (spina bifida) and I needed a trainer who would make me work hard, but within my abilities. He was spot on. I actually cried when he said he was leaving after about a year and a half of working with him. I still talk to him occasionally at the gym when he's there to work out. My next trainer was totally opposite. He treated me like I was fragile. I'm NOT fragile. I may have certain limitations as far as flexibility and balance go, but that doesn't mean trainers aren't able to kick my butt. I hardly even broke a sweat when I worked with him. Huge disappointment. I only worked with him a short time before I switched again. He wasn't too happy, but I didn't care. I was paying for personal training, not to be treated like a cripple.
Well, the next trainer was, again, the total opposite. He kicked my butt but good and I loved it. I had a good sweat going within the first 2 minutes of the session! I loved working with him. It was when I was training with him that I decided to get my personal training certification. He took time to quiz me on various topics, which I appreciated, even if some of those quizzes took place while he was kicking my butt during our sessions. Seriously, I had a blast. And I passed my exam, too. :-) That's got to be one of the biggest thrills of my life. I was bummed when I found out this trainer, too, was leaving.
All the trainers after that were okay, but just not quite right. They either worked me too easy, didn't show up on time or at all, or seemed more interested in training athletes. They were professional and kind, no question. But they didn't seem to be as into the sessions. Or I just didn't feel as comfortable with them, except maybe one who used to count my reps in Chinese. He was tough, fair, and funny. A good combination.
One trainer was okay, pleasant, and tough, but seemed to key on athletes. He left after training me a short time. I've seen him now and then, but we haven't spoken. Ah well. It's no big deal. I just didn't click with him as much as I did with others.
Anyway, I decided to call it quits at the gym in September 2012. I wasn't getting anywhere, I wasn't satisfied with the training, I was still stewing over my workout folder with two year's worth of workouts disappearing, I had endless contract and double-billing problems, I had hit menopause a couple years earlier and my mind and body were not anywhere near in sync. I had no will power, no energy..I was tired of working out. And I admit that I was none too pleased that I had applied for a trainer position three times and hadn't gotten so much as an interview, yet new trainers came and went all the time. (When I went in one day to update my application, the new training manager found it at the bottom of the pile. Well, at least they hadn't pitched it. The former management was supportive of me and encouraged me to apply, but there was a management change at the same time I first applied.)
I got equipment so I could work out at home. But there wasn't enough space, the room temperature was too difficult to control, and I missed the energy of the gym. I had gained back weight, had intense cravings, and was scared that if I didn't do something soon, I'd weigh more than I did the first time I started working out 7 years before--and be on a very bad path heading into my fifties.
So, after about a year and a half away, I went back--to the same gym. As miffed as I was over some issues, I still liked the convenient location, the set up, and the price. It was doable. I had a talk with the management about the fact that if I experienced anymore BS, I was out the door and would never come back, no matter how convenient and economical the gym was. They have been nothing but courteous and professional towards me. So far, so good. I like my current trainer. He says hello to me each time I go to the gym and asks me about my workouts whether we have a session that day or not. He was understanding from the beginning that I wanted to take it easy. I especially was nervous since I had hurt my shoulder recently (for the third time, at least). How I hurt it this time, I didn't know. Well, after one session of mostly physical-therapy-type exercises on my shoulders, I had no pain whatsoever. Yep, he's a keeper! I'm feeling stronger every day, and upping weight consistently now that I've got my confidence back. And I'm working out 4-5 days a week again. I'm loving it.
All these trainers have helped shape me as a trainer. I've learned from each of they what to do and what not to do. I make clients work, but I'm sensitive to their health issues and exercise
preferences. I'm down to earth, no ego, no attitude. I'm in business to help people feel better, healthier, fitter. And, of course, I'm all for helping to make fitness fun.
When looking into working with a trainer, decide what type of personality with jive best with yours, whether you want to work with a male or female, which trainer can best work around your schedule, and who can help you best toward your goals. It's a good idea to work with one trainer for a bit, then switch to another, and another until you find the one you feel most comfortable with. You're paying good money for personal training. You are the boss. You need to feel you're getting your money's worth.
I'd love to hear your feedback. What type of trainer do you like the most? Or do you prefer to work out alone or with friends? Feel free to email me at iwrite41@yahoo.com, or leave a comment below. Also, to get email notices when a new post is published, enter your email in the space provided and click Submit. Thanks! Hope to hear from you. Take care.
