Should I become a trainer?
Options
Replies
-
barbers? seriously?why don't you find a course and take a few classes? talk to other trainers and see what the work actually entails? do you *truthfully* have what it takes to help others achieve their goals? cause to be honest, no, I wouldn't listen to someone who looked like you (or i wouldn't listen to someone who looks like me, either!). Just like I wouldn't go to a doctor who is visibly overweight and/or smokes. Becuase i think it's not only about "what you say" but it's also about "what you do" (or did, to bring you to this point). and obviously the fact that you HAVE started a journey means you will be able to help people who are also starting
In your shoes, I would get the info i need, make sure it's what i want, and start the training. while you're training, continue to get stronger and healthier. hopefully by the time you are certified, you will "look the part"
I really don't understand that. It isn't remotely rational.
If there are only two barbers in a town, the one with bad hair is the good one. Could really care less what a trainer looks like. Show me the clients.
OK yes, to use your "barber" motif, then if i was going to a hair stylist who had split ends, bad hair cut, and botched coloring job then no, i wouldn't use them. because if that's how they take care of *their* hair, then I don't want them touching mine. i would also wonder how up-to-date they are on current trends, what they think good hair care is about, etc.
so *me* personally, I wouldn't use a trainer who didn't look fit. that's *my* opinion. The fact that a trainer is overweight wouldn't bother me as much as the fitness level/look.
YMMV. that's fine.0 -
I'm so pleased to have gotten so many replies to my question so far!
I know 18 months isn't a long time, and I didn't start this journey wanting to be a hard body. I started it to get back down to a healthy weight, and into reasonable shape. When I hired a trainer, it was supposed to be for 6 sessions...just long enough to get out of my exercise rut and get more comfortable with some of the equipment I hadn't used before. I found that I really enjoyed being challenged by whatever new "torture" he came up with for the week. Last week a regular at the gym came up to me and told me that my trainer is working me like a man
Becoming a trainer was never something I ever thought about until someone suggested it a few months ago. Then MY first trainer suggested it yesterday, and told me that he thought I would be a great one! Honestly, I am so unsure. Yesterday I decided that I will ask him if he still has any of his study materials so I can get an idea of what kind of stuff I would need to learn.
I DO feel like there is a market for a trainer with a softer body. A woman just beginning her journey might be less intimidated by a trainer who looks more like she does. When *I* was thinking of hiring a trainer, I watched him for months to get an idea of how he interacted with clients, especially female clients. Both my trainers have been excellent at pushing me and compensating for injuries and weaknesses. My current trainer actually told me last week that he had noticed something *off* about the way I had been moving for several weeks. According to my chiropractor, my hips tend to go way out of alignment. A quick visit confirmed that my left hip was WAY higher than the right--which explains what my trainer saw.0 -
barbers? seriously?why don't you find a course and take a few classes? talk to other trainers and see what the work actually entails? do you *truthfully* have what it takes to help others achieve their goals? cause to be honest, no, I wouldn't listen to someone who looked like you (or i wouldn't listen to someone who looks like me, either!). Just like I wouldn't go to a doctor who is visibly overweight and/or smokes. Becuase i think it's not only about "what you say" but it's also about "what you do" (or did, to bring you to this point). and obviously the fact that you HAVE started a journey means you will be able to help people who are also starting
In your shoes, I would get the info i need, make sure it's what i want, and start the training. while you're training, continue to get stronger and healthier. hopefully by the time you are certified, you will "look the part"
I really don't understand that. It isn't remotely rational.
If there are only two barbers in a town, the one with bad hair is the good one. Could really care less what a trainer looks like. Show me the clients.
OK yes, to use your "barber" motif, then if i was going to a hair stylist who had split ends, bad hair cut, and botched coloring job then no, i wouldn't use them. because if that's how they take care of *their* hair, then I don't want them touching mine. i would also wonder how up-to-date they are on current trends, what they think good hair care is about, etc.
so *me* personally, I wouldn't use a trainer who didn't look fit. that's *my* opinion. The fact that a trainer is overweight wouldn't bother me as much as the fitness level/look.
YMMV. that's fine.
By your logic, isn't my opinion more valuable though, since I'm now down below 15% bf? See what I mean? Totally irrelevant what I look like. I'm either doing a good job or I'm not. This is exactly why there are so many crappy trainers who look great but teach absolute hogwash. People get taken in and assume if you look good you must know something, when what matters is how you do the job.
Imagine a football team hiring a trainer based on athletic ability? Sort of a recipe for randomness.0 -
There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".
I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.
what does that even mean, "hasn't achieved personal fitness"? When does a person "achieve" this personal fitness? Is there some moment in time when you can say that?
Because I always thought personal fitness was a journey and about being better today than you were the day before. I don't think you can ever "achieve" it. The OP is on her journey and there's nothing wrong with that. I think you can do it, OP, but you are going to have to put in a lot of work to learn what needs to be learned and there's also a certain personality type. You have to be pushy, but not go too far; strong, but not intimidating. Authoritative, but not judgey.0 -
Most people don't even know WHAT injury they really have and a very knowledgeable trainer through a thorough assessment can determine if that person needs more than just a "regular" trainer. Lots of trainers I've encountered will just say, "it's probably just a sprain. We can modify." just to get a client.What kind of program do you write for someone who has a longintudinal tear of the menicus and an included subluxation of a hemiplagic shoulder?
Do you find that people commonly seek this sort of advice from a personal trainer? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_trainer)
Given my, admittedly limited, experience with personal trainers - I find it pretty implausible that anyone would go to a personal trainer instead of a athletic trainer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_trainer) or more probably a physical therapist for this sort of advice.
Luckily for me I work in a Wellness Center (which includes a rehab section with PT's and doctors) downstairs in our gym. I've had the chance to work with lots of the PT's and they would be my first go to if I had a client with issues I haven't encountered.
And you're right, most would go to a specific type of trainer if they knew their injury or limitation. But the average person looking for weight loss doesn't usually think there's anything wrong with them physically with the exception that they are out of shape.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:I don't even trust certified trainers to help me get stronger without ****ing me up for work (singing opera). Pretty clueless bunch as a whole, and the ones I've met glaze over if you mention anything that might force them to come up with a new and inventive program.
When I see your posts with that signature, I always have to remind myself I know you are quite astute based on reading your previous advice despite being a certified personal trainer.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Most people don't even know WHAT injury they really have and a very knowledgeable trainer through a thorough assessment can determine if that person needs more than just a "regular" trainer. Lots of trainers I've encountered will just say, "it's probably just a sprain. We can modify." just to get a client.What kind of program do you write for someone who has a longintudinal tear of the menicus and an included subluxation of a hemiplagic shoulder?
Do you find that people commonly seek this sort of advice from a personal trainer? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_trainer)
Given my, admittedly limited, experience with personal trainers - I find it pretty implausible that anyone would go to a personal trainer instead of a athletic trainer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_trainer) or more probably a physical therapist for this sort of advice.
Luckily for me I work in a Wellness Center (which includes a rehab section with PT's and doctors) downstairs in our gym. I've had the chance to work with lots of the PT's and they would be my first go to if I had a client with issues I haven't encountered.
And you're right, most would go to a specific type of trainer if they knew their injury or limitation. But the average person looking for weight loss doesn't usually think there's anything wrong with them physically with the exception that they are out of shape.
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
Does this really fall into a trainer's expertise though? It's awesome that there are trainers with this ability, but I can't imagine too many people go to Joe Schmo at the local gym expecting a diagnosis. Liability issues?0 -
Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:I don't even trust certified trainers to help me get stronger without ****ing me up for work (singing opera). Pretty clueless bunch as a whole, and the ones I've met glaze over if you mention anything that might force them to come up with a new and inventive program.
When I see your posts with that signature, I always have to remind myself I know you are quite astute based on reading your previous advice despite being a certified personal trainer.
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
Yes. IMO you go way above and beyond your colleagues, at least the ones I've come across. And you use your time off basically volunteering your services here.
Pretty awesome. You give status to the label, rather than the other way around.0 -
You'd be surprised. One of the first questions asked in a an assessment is "Are you currently dealing with any injuries?" And most will reply that they have a little pain when they jump, their neck hurts, they had a surgery on their knee back in highschool, etc. An average trainer may ask how it happened (so they don't have them do exercises or activities that could have it reoccur) rather than assess degree of injury, ROM, and an actual test of mobility. The average trainer would just notate it and train them.
Most people don't even know WHAT injury they really have and a very knowledgeable trainer through a thorough assessment can determine if that person needs more than just a "regular" trainer. Lots of trainers I've encountered will just say, "it's probably just a sprain. We can modify." just to get a client.What kind of program do you write for someone who has a longintudinal tear of the menicus and an included subluxation of a hemiplagic shoulder?
Do you find that people commonly seek this sort of advice from a personal trainer? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_trainer)
Given my, admittedly limited, experience with personal trainers - I find it pretty implausible that anyone would go to a personal trainer instead of a athletic trainer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_trainer) or more probably a physical therapist for this sort of advice.
Luckily for me I work in a Wellness Center (which includes a rehab section with PT's and doctors) downstairs in our gym. I've had the chance to work with lots of the PT's and they would be my first go to if I had a client with issues I haven't encountered.
And you're right, most would go to a specific type of trainer if they knew their injury or limitation. But the average person looking for weight loss doesn't usually think there's anything wrong with them physically with the exception that they are out of shape.
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
Does this really fall into a trainer's expertise though? It's awesome that there are trainers with this ability, but I can't imagine too many people go to Joe Schmo at the local gym expecting a diagnosis. Liability issues?
As for liability, unless the trainer is carrying their own, most gyms provide it and rarely (I haven't seen it yet) does someone pursuing getting fitter sue for an injury. They think they got injured just overdoing it or erred on their own.
I've had lots of people attempt box jumps in my classes and let them know not to attempt it UNLESS they know they can actually do it. Nothing worse then attempting a box jump and hitting your shins on the box.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Gratitudes then.
Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:I don't even trust certified trainers to help me get stronger without ****ing me up for work (singing opera). Pretty clueless bunch as a whole, and the ones I've met glaze over if you mention anything that might force them to come up with a new and inventive program.
When I see your posts with that signature, I always have to remind myself I know you are quite astute based on reading your previous advice despite being a certified personal trainer.
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
Yes. IMO you go way above and beyond your colleagues, at least the ones I've come across. And you use your time off basically volunteering your services here.
Pretty awesome. You give status to the label, rather than the other way around.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Answering the OP here, if it is something you want to do, go for it. Even if you don't decide to become a personal trainer more knowledge can only be helpful. I am also struggling with this decision, one day I think I'll go for it, and next I don't (mainly because I think people will look at me and laugh).
Fitness and weight are two different things, you can actually be fit and not be at your ideal weight and vice a versa. Of course our society goes with the idea skinny = healthy and overweight = lazy and out of shape. As this is true some of the time it is also false some of the time.
So, one of the things I've been considering is I will be targeting people like me, people who are athletic and want to gain control of their body as well. I say go for it!0 -
Just thought I'd update people I've been working with a 3rd trainer for almost a year now (my first 2 left the gym ). I'm still obese according to BMI, but I wear a size 10/12.
At my gym, I have other members (male and female) randomly come up to me to tell me what a beast I am, and compliment me on my workouts with my trainer. My trainer has nicknamed me "Supergirl".
A week from tomorrow I am scheduled to sit for my NASM exam. Eight days after that, I turn 40. My next step is going to be taking the "weight loss specialist" course. Right now I'm just seeing way too many people damaging their bodies by doing things like Optifast (800 calories a day of shakes/bars for a 300lb woman with an active job?!?). I'd like to be able to inspire them to do it the "right"/healthy way.0 -
Congrats to you & good luck! As ninerbuff has said earlier that there is the big non-glamorous side to training of marketing and setting up the business aspect. That's the hardest part! Study and work at that as much or more than the fitness side.
Again, congrats & good luck!0 -
pcastagner wrote: »Imagine a football team hiring a trainer based on athletic ability? Sort of a recipe for randomness.
Can't really imagine them hiring a trainer who has no athletic ability nor any training skills and only a basic understanding of the actual sport in question, either...
OP: If you feel that this is something you'd want to do, then go for it. Just don't take one of those crappy trainer classes that run for a few weekends or so. Get a proper education in the subject matter, preferably a BSc or MSc in Health/Sports Science, work out a lot, train a lot and figure out what exactly you think that you have to offer that other people would want to pay for.0 -
Very well done, don't take too much notice of BMI, it is an outdated measurement. Continue with your studies as you have "street knowledge" to back up all that theory. I studied years ago although I never worked in the industry, just for my own knowledge and I have never regretted it.0
-
pcastagner wrote: »Imagine a football team hiring a trainer based on athletic ability? Sort of a recipe for randomness.
Can't really imagine them hiring a trainer who has no athletic ability nor any training skills and only a basic understanding of the actual sport in question, either...
OP: If you feel that this is something you'd want to do, then go for it. Just don't take one of those crappy trainer classes that run for a few weekends or so. Get a proper education in the subject matter, preferably a BSc or MSc in Health/Sports Science, work out a lot, train a lot and figure out what exactly you think that you have to offer that other people would want to pay for.
I'm getting certified through NASM ( national academy of sports medicine).
I am at the gym 4-5x a week, and I lift 2x a week with my trainer. He is a competitive bodybuilder. I'm his test subject for any routine he wants to attempt with his other clients or his group exercise class (where I am his assistant).
0 -
steveyinasia wrote: »Very well done, don't take too much notice of BMI, it is an outdated measurement. Continue with your studies as you have "street knowledge" to back up all that theory. I studied years ago although I never worked in the industry, just for my own knowledge and I have never regretted it.
That is one of the things I am trying to educate my friends about. BMI really doesn't mean *kitten*. People comment on how much weight I have "lost" when the scale has barely moved in the last 2 years. However, I have gone from a size 16 to a size 10/12 in that time. I have gotten really strong!
0 -
sarahrbraun wrote: »pcastagner wrote: »Imagine a football team hiring a trainer based on athletic ability? Sort of a recipe for randomness.
Can't really imagine them hiring a trainer who has no athletic ability nor any training skills and only a basic understanding of the actual sport in question, either...
OP: If you feel that this is something you'd want to do, then go for it. Just don't take one of those crappy trainer classes that run for a few weekends or so. Get a proper education in the subject matter, preferably a BSc or MSc in Health/Sports Science, work out a lot, train a lot and figure out what exactly you think that you have to offer that other people would want to pay for.
I'm getting certified through NASM ( national academy of sports medicine).
I am at the gym 4-5x a week, and I lift 2x a week with my trainer. He is a competitive bodybuilder. I'm his test subject for any routine he wants to, attempt with his other clients or his group exercise class (where I am his assistant).
I hope you've been working on your marketing, presentation, and closing skills. Training is a sales job, especially when you first begin. After you've done it for a long time, your reputation and referrals can carry you, but when you start out, if you can't sell you gonna starve and quit0 -
What's your educational background in kinesiology like? How is your understanding of anatomy? How many hours of general physiology education do you have? What have you competed in? For how many years have you personally been training in free weights?sarahrbraun wrote: »I've been on my journey for about 18 months now. At my all time heaviest, I was carrying 228lbs on a 5'2" frame. I've lost about 34lbs, and I still have about 60 to go. For the last 6 months I have been working with a trainer, and I have made major progress with my fitness level.
Today I did a brutal 2 hour workout that my current trainer wrote for me to do while he is on vacation. I was so proud that I emailed my friend ( and ex trainer) to brag on my progress. He suggested that I look into getting certified as a trainer, and thinks I would be great at it. He isn't the first person to suggest this.
My issue is that appearance is very important to many people. Would people take me seriously, and want to work with me if they see that I have a muffin top and a belly?
What's your current bf%?
0 -
Damn, I got nailed in this stupid necro.
Didn't realize it until I read the "im a cop" post.
I can't breathe.
ETA - NVM, it's a legit update! Cool. Don't see those too often.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 392.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.6K Getting Started
- 259.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.4K Fitness and Exercise
- 403 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 983 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions