Tom Luxsox Coins

Cents Certified

Red Flags, Warning Signs, Buzzers and Bells – Bad Personal Trainers

Like all professions, the personal training world has it's share of well, to put it simply, "Bad Trainers" (whether they are certified or not). Keep in mind though, just because you have hired one, if he or she isn't doing their job, it doesn't mean that you can't move on to another trainer.  

I was talking to one of my cherished clients (all my clients are cherished) after our workout and he was telling me about a friend of his who's had the same personal trainer for a few years now. She was telling him how the workouts have become so boring and how her trainer seems so disengaged during their workouts together. She also mentioned that her level of fitness had reached a plateau. 

Unfortunately, this seems to be a common pitfall with some personal trainers. They become too comfortable knowing that they have this loyal client and think they can get lazy.  As a fitness professional and a personal trainer who is so passionate about the work I do, I know the importance of working hard to continue to keep my client's workouts interesting, safe, challenging, fun, and that my clients never plateau. My client's progress, continued progress, and enjoyment is key and something I never lose sight of. I work over-time to keep my clients from ever getting bored,  (your client's boredom is their kiss of death). I don't know how some trainers basically do the same workout over and over again, I would go mad and I am sure my clients would too.

In this day and age we are so lucky to have so many cool tools and pieces of equipment available to us for training, not to mention so much "new school" knowledge in regards to how to use it effectively. There is no reason a workout should ever get boring, tired or old, other than a trainer's laziness or lack of know how.  

A quality personal trainer should always be totally engaged with their client! They should be watching your every movement to assure proper alignment during the exercise and that you are doing the exercise safely and effectively. They should show you by example and then explain to you the proper mechanics of each movement in the exercise, as well as give an explanation why you are doing that particular exercise.

A quality personal trainer should always be in the present moment with you ready to correct your form, motivate you and support you in any way needed.  A quality personal trainer should never be distracted. This is something I see at the gym all the time and it really bugs me; the trainer interrupts "your" training session to talk with a friend, make a phone call, send or check a text message or just look at some girl or guy walking by. This is a huge personal training sin, yet I see it every day.  

A quality personal trainer should never ignore or dismiss a question you want to ask. To me, it's a big part of my job to help educate my clients and to always be willing to share any or all of my knowledge. It is my belief that a well-informed client will not only enjoy and be more satisfied with their workout experience, make greater progress, but they will stay more motivated to boot.  

A quality personal trainer should never recommend any questionable and chemically designed supplements! Frankly, I think all that stuff, for the average person especially, is total BS! Remember, there is no substitute for a well balanced diet, hard work and sweat. I am a firm believer in a more "Natural Approach" to Health, Fitness and Well-Being. I know some trainers do this to earn an extra buck, but my client's long term health and well being is worth more to me then a few extra bucks in my pocket. 

A quality personal trainer should never work you so hard that you can't function normally the next day. I trainer should push you and at times push you hard, but they should always keep you within your fitness levels, safe training is key. Being sore and having a few aches are all very normal, but there is a big difference between soreness and "pain". Soreness means you did the work, Pain means there is a problem. On this note, it is very important for you the client to always give your trainer helpful (key word-"honest") feedback to help them do their jobs better. I always try to start this dialog with my clients before a workout or drop them an email or quick phone call the day after a workout to see how they are feeling. I like to pride myself in caring and service. 

A quality trainer should never diagnose serious injuries or illness. They should recommend that you seek the proper medical attention from your doctor. In special cases I think it's important for the trainer to be in contact with the doctor to assure proper training.  

A quality trainer should always be and take pride in being a total professional and act appropriately, always! There are no... "Ifs, Ands or Buts", no excuses here, it's black and white. Working with a personal trainer is an intimate relationship and it's one that should be based on trust. You should have an open, relaxed and very comfortable relationship with your trainer. If you don't, it's time to move on quickly. 

A quality personal trainer should always try to do his or her best to keep their scheduled training appointments with clients and never make being late a habit (especially if they don't make the lost time up to the client) If either of the above become a problem, again it's time to find another trainer, find one that appreciates your business and understands your time is valuable too.   A quality trainer should always return client's phone calls, text messages and emails.

It's my belief that a personal trainer, should accept the role of being a true fitness professional and understand that they aren't just supposed to be there during your training sessions. I like to make my clients feel they have my full support. I make sure that I make myself available to my clients to answer questions, address concerns etc. Communication is a key factor in a successful client - trainer relationship.   

Well that's my two cents on this subject and the way I roll. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck reaching your fitness goals, remember good health is the best gift you can give your family, and more importantly, yourself.

About the Author

Markus B. is the Co-Founder of The Fitness Underground-Los Angeles. He has drawn off his years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer, A Professional Athlete and an accomplished Martial Artist to help create with his partner Texas (an elite Yoga Instructor & Certified Personal Trainer) a “New and Innovative” approach to Health, Fitness and Well Being that not only Enhances the Body but also Enriches the Mind. With an increasing following in the Los Angeles area his powerful message of Good Health, Clean Living and the importance of Exercise, Markus is changing people’s lives. Helping people achieve and experience the "enlightenment" of good health and a higher level of fitness is his passion, his life’s work and a personal goal that he takes very seriously. His belief is that health, fitness and well-being is the greatest gift of all. It's the ultimate gift that someone could give their family and more importantly themselves. It's a supreme gift we should always be mindful of and be grateful for. Markus is often heard saying that having the opportunity to help people make important changes in their lives, and in some cases "life saving" changes is an awesome feeling as well as extremely rewarding. Come join Markus and experience the difference first hand, start enjoying and living a healthier, happier, fuller and more active life. Life is too short not to!

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