Personal trainer issues...

MyOwnSunshine

NROLFW spells everything out in detail. You don't need a trainer to help you follow the instructions in the book. I would recommend watching a few videos on deadlifting and squatting form, otherwise everything else is explained perfectly in the book.

__Di__

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

MyOwnSunshine

I've been doing NROL for more than a year. Many, if not most, people who do NROL work out by themselves. In fact, most of the people that I see in the free weight area are working out by themselves. I've never used a spotter. I don't attempt to squat any weight that I'm not sure that I can bring up out of the hole. Could I 1RM more than I do? Maybe, but I'm not training for a power lifting competition, so I don't push it. Most of the guys in the weight room will ask another lifter for a spot on bench presses if they feel they need one. Other than that, I don't really see anyone using spotters.

fitgalin22

Your trainer seems to have no intention in doing what you want to focus on. I would suggest to either continue going to your gym and working on free weights on your own or find another gym that will accommodate your needs. BTW nice blog very inspirational. Following you on some of your social media.

jetlag

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

You don't need a partner or spotter unless you're doing chest press or squats with heavier weights than you can comfortably handle. The OP is talking about starting with a bar only.

And there is nothing wrong with asking someone to spot for you, if you think you need it. There are gym staff if she's too nervous to ask another lifter. I've lifted weights for 30 years and have never had a "partner".

Lupercalia

I think you should be able to do NROLFW on your own. I've not done the program myself, but I do own the book and have read it. I think it's pretty straightforward and there are all sorts of videos online that demonstrate the exercises.

I'd probably quit the expensive gym, join the one that costs less, and just do the NROLFW program on my own.

I don't think you could outfit your home with the equipment NROLFW requires for 80-100 euros, even if you found a great deal on a bunch of used equipment. Oh--unless you've already got a rack and such, then perhaps it is possible. If not, I think joining a gym is probably best, but make the gym a less expensive one, if possible.

I don't do NROLFW, but I train with heavy weights 4 times per week, alone. You don't need a trainer or a partner to help you out. Just use the rack, and ask someone in the weights area for a spot if/when you need it. The only time I really need a spot is for bench press, and I don't usually even need one then. Just once in a while.

__Di__

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

You don't need a partner or spotter unless you're doing chest press or squats with heavier weights than you can comfortably handle. The OP is talking about starting with a bar only.

And there is nothing wrong with asking someone to spot for you, if you think you need it. There are gym staff if she's too nervous to ask another lifter. I've lifted weights for 30 years and have never had a "partner".

Yes, good point!

shadus

Over the years I've had 3 personal trailers, and I've ~never~ had one disregard what I've said that way. They might suggest something else, or tell me my form was crap and how to correct it, but if they're disregarding what you're saying entirely. Take them to task, you're hiring a professional to teach you about how to do a specific task. If they are unable to teach you that task then you should be refunded your money. Period.

There is no reason that you couldn't do the bar bare if you were too weak to lift the heavier weights and I honestly don't know anyone who needed 5 lb weights and couldn't do more. He sounds completely incompetent and wanting to do a quick in and out without having to deal with his clients.

Find a new personal trainer and I'd also contact the management and discuss his behavior with them. That's a load of ****.

Azdak

Posts like this trouble me. I am currently in the process of getting certified to be a personal trainer. I'm not a big fan of the cookie cutter programs they want you to set up for people. Seeing so many people get frustrated over inept CPT's has helped my drive to be a good one, but also worries me that CPT's get a bad name and less people will be inclined to use one.

I would attempt to open a dialogue between you & your PT and ask him WHY he's insistant on giving you the program HE wants, versus the one YOU want? I sreiously doubt he'll have a good answer and you should go down the path you want, but it may help out the next person he tries to teach, but doesn't want to listen to thier goals.

I've emailed the gym and been told they are offering me personal training with someone better qualified and the PT in question will be given a serious talking to.
So I have missed the boat on that, maybe he will change his ways after being given a dressing down by his manager, I am not sure.

As for me - I am still undecided as to whether to take them up on the offer to look elsewhere.

That's good to hear. I was going to suggest that you go to management and you would find out quickly whether the trainer was acting on his own or following a company policy to work you into a long-term training commitment.

In general, there can be some justification for advising someone starting out to start with a more basic program. The body needs time to adapt to the physical stresses of a new routine and often it doesn't make any difference whether you start on machines or free machines. The same goes for staring off with lighter weights--the body initially will progress just fine with lighter weights and you don't get beat up as much.

However, in this case, you are younger, have no real issues, and are motivated to learn. So in your case, there was no reason to brush you off.

Melissa22G

Glad to hear they want to work with you.

I would actually take them up on their offer if you have money invested already (depending on how much).

I was interested in this because my mom paid $1000 for personal training 2 years ago. She was 260 lbs at the time has a heart condition, asthma and was given the same work out as the person before her (I was there watching the trainer, and cos she was trying to get me to sign up and do it with her).

She couldn't do half the stuff and so never went back. She was so turned off of the fact they didn't listen to her or better suited her needs that she would rather throw the money away. Unfortunately, I think this may be the case for a lot of commercial gym names

If you don't have much invested and are in doubt of their services- then don't go back. Cos if you have it in your mind of who they are then it will mentally affect your time there.

Calliope610

Personal trainers at commercial gyms are pretty much useless. I have tried many times to get decent coaching on the squat, for example, and finally came to the conclusion that it's a complete waste of money, time and frustration. Spend your time reading about technique and working it out on your own by video taping and critiquing. There are groups on here where you can get help with that. A serious alternative would be to find a powerlifting gym and seek help there.

Can you point me to these groups? I have been taping my squats and reviewing my form myself, but would love some additional critique from more experienced MFPers.

lsmsrbls

I had a similar experience when I joined my gym and I was SO disappointed! I did tell the woman who did my orientation that I wanted to learn to use the barbells and do compound lifts and she told me that those were great and all but, x, y, and z machines were also great and she spent the whole time going through machines with me, telling me that I'm better off doing lots of reps with light weights, and not to lift things over my head. I felt like my time had been wasted and I was no closer to learning how to work with the free weights. I had been so excited going in, too! It was quite a let down. : (

I wound up deciding that I would try Stronglifts on my own and I've been very happy with it. Eventually I also decided to try a different personal trainer at my gym (whom I had heard good things about) and his strength training philosophy is very closely aligned with mine, so he has been a great fit. And since his advice tends to be right in line with the research I've done, I trust him when he tells me things I hadn't heard before. I didn't trust anything that came from the person who did my orientation, but like you I didn't feel like I was in a position to debate or question her.

So I'd say go for the program in NROLFW, if that's what you want to do. Focus on your form, particularly at first. Don't increase the weights until you have the form down and you feel comfortable.

I empathize with you! Don't let this bad experience keep you from doing what you want and from working towards your goals.

elainecroft

A personal trainer works for YOU. If you say you want to do a type of workout "x", and they tell you "no you have to do y" - you are well within your rights to fire them. They should help you meet your goals, and you should not feel any obligation to work with them if they are not.

ninerbuff

A good trainer first runs an assessment of physical ability. From that they discuss with you what your goal is. Now some may say they want to lift heavy, but if their "base" isn't physically fit to start, then the trainer should suggest that they start at a point that's achievable. In other words, a newbie really can't do a clean and jerk well without learning the correct mechanics on how to pull from the floor correctly, to squatting correctly, to overhead pressing correctly.
It is the clients money, but sometimes some people may be overzealous about what they think they want to do. Again, this entirely depends on how the physical assessment goes. Obviously a competitive athlete has much more experience than a newbie and not as much time has to go into physical assessment.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Philllbis

I worked with a trainer once and hated it. It seems like I knew more than he did as I did a lot of research. He even took a break in the middle of our training session. I'm not against using a personal trainer but there are bad ones and good ones. You need to find one that will work with you to help you reach your goal.

Many of the "trainers" at the chain gyms are there to sell more sessions than to have you reach your fitness goals.

jacklis

I can understand wanting some guidance, and possibly some accountability support from a trainer- but what a disappointment. If you are like me and are motivated by support and feedback (that is constructive and not stupid) then I say take the gym up on the offer for a new trainer, and hopefully they are taking your feedback seriously to improve the experience overall for everyone (as I am certain you are not the only one - but perhaps one who can articulate well what is wrong).
Good luck in your next steps, and I hope you get what you need.

Mia_RagazzaTosta

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

I have yet to use a spotter though I've only been lifting about 5-6 months. My gym is in my garage.

rmaxwell142

I, for one, have benefited immensely from having a PT, especially in the beginning to change my diet and get help with different weight lifting exercises. Now that I have some more experience with lifting and nutrition, I don't feel that I need that as much. However, when I first started, I was a bit disappointed that my goals were pretty much dismissed and we worked on what the trainer wanted me to do instead.

Don't get me wrong. I think personal trainers can be an incredible help. The key is finding the right one. There are some trainers at my gym that I would not want to work with! Their styles just don't fit my personality and they treat people like crap. There are some good ones, though, and for that, I'm really thankful. My PT has helped me in so many ways, if for nothing else than to keep me on track and serve as a friendly face at the gym.

If you want a personal trainer (and I would recommend one), keep looking until you find one that listens to you and whose personality you can work with. Take a look at their background and qualifications. If you can't find one at your current gym, go elsewhere. It's your money and life!

sarahrbraun

This guy is seriously inept or just leaching you for money, possibly both. Talk to the gym management and inform them of what your goals are. You may also want to tell them that you want to work with a more lenient instructor. You pay for their services, they work for you. If you aren't happy with it, you are can to express your dissatisfaction. I took a peak at your profile and you physique looks perfectly fine to have started weight training already. It looks like you could move passed beginner routines fairly quickly.

My guess is they are trying to prevent customers from quickly learning how to properly exercise. Customers would eventually ditch the trainers to save money and just do their own thing.

I'd also recommend you not mention seeking advice on the net. This maybe a fitness site but I'm willing to bet those same instructors will be biased towards their own inflated sense of self and instructor training, or lack thereof.

That's what I thought about mentioning advice from online too because most people discredit it. Which is ridiculous as I'd be willing to bet his Personal Trainer course was through an online service, for the lack of knowledge he had and/or current research I can't imagine he studied it at college/university. I could be wrong, but if he did then he wasn't taught very well about customer relations, etc.

I have written an email to their management expressing I am considering pulling out of my membership and how I disappointed I am.

After the responses I've had so far, I think I'm just going to go at this alone!

Talk to management and tell them you are looking for a trainer to help you with free weights. Honestly, there IS a place for machines, but you are fine with free weights. I am almost 40 years old, and my trainer is a 21 year old bodybuilder. My routine is just a scaled version of his (he lifts obscene weights....like 120lb bent over rows). Other gym members gawk and shake their heads when they see us training.


99% of the trainers you encounter are going to have done an online/ at home certificate program. Some are better than others. I am at the very beginning of the process of studying for MY certificate. I'm using NASM and they are very focused on program design and keeping the client healthy, safe....and happy.

bostonwolf

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

False. If the gym has a squat rack and/or cage you do not need a spotter for anything.

Does it help? Yes. Do you need to have one? No.

kessler4130

Most gym trainers are worth their weight in duck terds, most of the time its either someone who simply doesn't eat enough and is shredded but isn't strong enough to pick up their own *kitten*, or someone who has been on trenbolone for 10 years, eating 3 square fast food meals a day, doing only chest and arms and can't squat their own body weight. That aside, most training sessions are going to be at peak hours, when your routine will consist of what is conveniently available and your progress will go unnoticed or simply be non existent due to the randomness of the routines. Your best bet is to get on you tube, watch a ton of videos on body building and your money would be better spent buying a beginner weight lifting routine from one of those guys. I recommend the following channels to start - Physiques of Greatness, Strength Camp, Juggernaut Fitness, Candito TrainingHQ, Maxx Chewning, Furious Pete, The Hodge Twins, TheTigerFitness.

__Di__

He was very affirmative when I suggested I didn't want to use machines and wanted to use free weights (even though he hadn't tailored the plan for me at all) and to be honest it sounds silly but I didn't want to question him too much because he is qualified compared to me being not qualified but having read so much research and information on the contrary to what he was saying.
I just didn't want to insult him I suppose. I can be a bit withdrawn in new surroundings like this (this is my first week at a gym, I am normally outside running or doing home workouts).

I should also point out - I pay 40€ a month for this gym compared to 15€ a month I could pay at another gym and teach myself or pay €80-100€ one off to buy the equipment for my apartment and do it here.

Just wanted opinions on if that'd be a good idea really and also to see if anyone agreed with his suggestions to me! He is saying 2 months of the weight machines and then I could move on to free weights. But my argument is using a bar with no weights is surely a better way to start that machines to target certain areas when I want to move up to a full body style of lifting?

He's talking complete BS. If you have the NROLFW, then follow that.

You DO NOT NEED MACHINES. In fact, I think machines are waste of time because they isolate the muscles to much.

In my 30 odd years of experience lifting weights, PTs in gyms are worse than useless, they can be downright dangerous. I'm sure there are good ones out there, but I have yet to meet one.

You want heavy weights and low reps, just like everybody else.

The only problem with free weights and lifting heavy is that you need a partner or spotter, what if somebody likes to train alone?

False. If the gym has a squat rack and/or cage you do not need a spotter for anything.

Does it help? Yes. Do you need to have one? No.

No probs, false. I get the message.