Personal Trainer Dilemma

Equus3nMom

I signed up for a free assessment at my gym and went today. The trainer was nice, asked about my goals, showed my limitations regarding very limited range of motion in left arm and explained how not only had I fractured my back but had a brain injury when I was 11 that makes my head have a harder time talking to the left side of my body.

I also explained that cardio wise, I have a plan and experience. I also have a lot of functional equipment at home and am versed in bootcamp style workouts. However, I like the social aspect of the gym and always work harderthere than at home. But its been 9 years since I belonged to one.

I wanted a jump start with a trainer. I had a trainer 9 years ago who was amazing awesome. He totally GOT what I do and what I needed along with how to build my physique at the same time as making me stronger and athletic so as not to break down my body. I was hoping for the same. I know its hard to figure out in one session what they know, but right off she put me into a task on the TRX that I knew my arm couldn't do. I said so and she insisted I give it a try. My fault that I didn't speak up but three reps later I felt the pop and the pain and I'm icing a nasty muscle pull behind my shoulder. (There are adhesions there) The rest of the workout was lifting heavy things, tossing, and some mat core work which wasn't the lest bit challenging since I do Pilates a couple days a week and have for years. And, as for heavy lifting, I routinely schlep 50lb sacks of feed and stack hay bales. I'm strong that way, very strong.

They only have packages that include their "bodyfit" program. Think crossfit/bootcamp. That is fun and all but I need the controlled exercises that I can't make happen by overworking and stressing my weak spots. I plan to ask her about this, but if they are set on selling that program, I'm not sure its worth it. Do I just straight up ask her if she is willing to do a different kind of program? Or if snother trainer will?

Or do I brave it on my own? My much loved.trainer from long ago had me squatting in the rack with weights, benching, , but also developed me up to standing on exercise balls while overhead pressing and doing pushups with my feet on one ball and arms on another. I want to get back to that... just don't know really how he got me there.

LazSommer

Your trainer sounds like a moron, but to be fair, you sound like you threw a laundry list of demands at someone who has known you for 5 minutes and expect them to completely replicate a past experience to a T.

pleasurelittletreasure

It sounds like you know your body very well. When the trainer was pushing you to do something you knew you shouldn't, you needed to be firmer with her. It is so hard to remember to be our own advocates at times. But if you were going to a doctor that was prescribing a medication to you that you were allergic to, you would definitely say 'no'. It has to be the same in the gym.

As far as the trainer, perhaps if you talk with her one-on-one again and let her know your concerns, she will get a clearer understanding. Think of it as a second date. Every guy gets a second chance if they didn't completely screw it up the first time, right? At least in this case you are in the position to state what it is that went wrong and how you think the two of you can go about fixing it together. If not, then move on.

meshashesha2012

sounds like you need a better trainer who will listen to you.

i also agree that you maybe gave them a bit too much stuff that you want to work on. maybe focus on the top 3 and once those are accomplished move on to other idea. having a program that focuses on 10 different things is essentially the same as not having a program.

sometimes i takes a few different sessions to find the right trainer. i know at my gym i tried 4 before finding the one i like but a big part of that is also knowing exactly what you want from your trainer

Equus3nMom

Hmm.. thanks for the perspective. I was trying very hard to not overwhelm her. LOL I have some very distinct limitations/workarounds. I was not expecting her to be just like the other trainer so much as letting her know what I'd done in the past so she could target her ideas. But, fair enough. I can see how that might throw her off. She isn't a moron, but I wondered if her approach was an indication of a certain style, not a lot of experience..... dunno.

Definitely I should have spoken up more before my body popped, but I am not allergic to the exercise. It won't kill me, so I want to try things BUT my livelihood is dependent on not being LESS physically capable than I am now. I train horses who can't talk and I have to know even from the very first ride how not to break them. If I so much as sprain a muscle in a $50k horse let alone a $5k one I'm out a client and likely get some bad PR. I kind of expect similar from a human trainer.

I'd be more than willing to give her a "second date" so to speak, but that's my dilemma - all I can do is buy a package at this point and the packages all include these BodyFit classes and supplements etc. I just don't have $500+ to throw around. But, I know I have gotten a lot out of a trainer before.

DavPul

i fail to see the dilemma. you want a trainer, but one that will work with and around your specific needs. the trainer you met does not, will not, or can not do that.

what's the question, exactly?