First Meeting With a Trainer....

goochinator

Ive belonged to my gym for roughly 6 or 7 years- they offer three free sessions with a trainer, so after all this time, I decided to take advantage of it. Im just curious how y'all would agree or disagree with what I was told.

A) No matter how much you work out, or how vigorously, or how perfect a workout is, if you dont eat right all the time, its pointless to workout. ( the example he gave was working out 'perfect' for one week and then hitting Taco Bell for one meal- you've just undone everything you did all week) :huh:

You should never eat carbs after about 3-4 in the afternoon, this will only make you gain weight.

C) Its a waste of time to do cardio before weights in any workout

D) Machines such as elliptical, treadmill, bikes, etc. are not very good excercise- its much better to use your body, such as step aerobics, pilates, dance classes, kickboxing, etc.

E) For any kind of weight loss, you should NOT eat the calories you burn ( this was a specific question I had for him) I asked him about eating 1800 cals, burning 500, he said, stick with 1800 no matter how much you burn :grumble: He said for any weight loss, the fewer calories the better. :mad: Hello, eating disorder!

F) The ONLY time you should eat any carbs is first thing in the morning.

G) While its not a bad idea to go with what works for your own body, its usually better to enlist the help of a professional and follow someone else's 'plan' because they've studied the science and worked with people just like me.

H) Regardless of how much you workout, weightloss and general health/fitness can only be achieved though really healthy eating ALL the time.

I) it takes years to establish healthy lifestyle changes & healthy habits. :huh:

J) Sites such as MFP and others generally do more harm than good because its not tracking overall healthy eating :noway: and doesnt account for general overall health.:huh:

K) Plateaus are caused primarily from the person getting careless/lazy about eating and/or working out. :grumble:


I was less than thrilled with him.
The overall thing that got me was because I'm not 22 years old and a size two he quite obviously assumed I had never set foot in a gym, gone for a walk or done any excercise, nor had I ever paid attention to my eating habits. :explode: It was so degrading. He completely disregarded the fact that I had done quite of lot to improve health/fitness levels on my own for quite some time.
For the fist time in 6 or 7 years, I left the gym feeling older and fatter than I ever have. I know he's a trainer and heath is his field, but I disagreed with so much of what he said. I was also hoping to be motivated by a trainer and get some new insights to working out- got just the opposite. Frustrated, feeling hopeless and even more confused

At the very end, he tells me he's 'almost certified'. :grumble:
It makes me wonder how many people like me have been totally turned off fitness/excercise because of people like him and his attitude.

I cant decide if I should go back and ask for a different trainer or skip the whole idea altogether- I'm all for getting some new tricks and hints and ways to improve my workouts, but not at the cost my my sanity!

goochinator

Ive belonged to my gym for roughly 6 or 7 years- they offer three free sessions with a trainer, so after all this time, I decided to take advantage of it. Im just curious how y'all would agree or disagree with what I was told.

A) No matter how much you work out, or how vigorously, or how perfect a workout is, if you dont eat right all the time, its pointless to workout. ( the example he gave was working out 'perfect' for one week and then hitting Taco Bell for one meal- you've just undone everything you did all week) :huh:

You should never eat carbs after about 3-4 in the afternoon, this will only make you gain weight.

C) Its a waste of time to do cardio before weights in any workout

D) Machines such as elliptical, treadmill, bikes, etc. are not very good excercise- its much better to use your body, such as step aerobics, pilates, dance classes, kickboxing, etc.

E) For any kind of weight loss, you should NOT eat the calories you burn ( this was a specific question I had for him) I asked him about eating 1800 cals, burning 500, he said, stick with 1800 no matter how much you burn :grumble: He said for any weight loss, the fewer calories the better. :mad: Hello, eating disorder!

F) The ONLY time you should eat any carbs is first thing in the morning.

G) While its not a bad idea to go with what works for your own body, its usually better to enlist the help of a professional and follow someone else's 'plan' because they've studied the science and worked with people just like me.

H) Regardless of how much you workout, weightloss and general health/fitness can only be achieved though really healthy eating ALL the time.

I) it takes years to establish healthy lifestyle changes & healthy habits. :huh:

J) Sites such as MFP and others generally do more harm than good because its not tracking overall healthy eating :noway: and doesnt account for general overall health.:huh:

K) Plateaus are caused primarily from the person getting careless/lazy about eating and/or working out. :grumble:


I was less than thrilled with him.
The overall thing that got me was because I'm not 22 years old and a size two he quite obviously assumed I had never set foot in a gym, gone for a walk or done any excercise, nor had I ever paid attention to my eating habits. :explode: It was so degrading. He completely disregarded the fact that I had done quite of lot to improve health/fitness levels on my own for quite some time.
For the fist time in 6 or 7 years, I left the gym feeling older and fatter than I ever have. I know he's a trainer and heath is his field, but I disagreed with so much of what he said. I was also hoping to be motivated by a trainer and get some new insights to working out- got just the opposite. Frustrated, feeling hopeless and even more confused

At the very end, he tells me he's 'almost certified'. :grumble:
It makes me wonder how many people like me have been totally turned off fitness/excercise because of people like him and his attitude.

I cant decide if I should go back and ask for a different trainer or skip the whole idea altogether- I'm all for getting some new tricks and hints and ways to improve my workouts, but not at the cost my my sanity!

MisoSoup79

Holy crap, that's discouraging.

Ditch this guy... he's feeding you a load of B.S. and making you feel like crap in the process - he does not deserve his title!

I personally disagreed to some extent with just about everything on that list... And you've lost weight, too... so it's not like you haven't figured out what works and what doesn't. Jeez... some of those things sound ridiculous.

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. :flowerforyou: Don't let him get to you. You've done a great job so far!

VballLeash

Wow he sounds just plain mean! Not eating carbs after 3 or 4? No treadmill? If those machines did NO good than why are they so popular and why do they work for other people!? Unfortunately personal trainers only need a certification that is required by the gym, so every place is different. There is nothing that they have to get from the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine). He sounds like he doesn't know what hes talking about, and the fact that he didn't even motivate you is just sad. I'd say try someone else since its free and if its just as bad do what you think is right, GOOD LUCK!

~Leash

angelascott919

It does seem that some trainers are full of themselves and think they know everything when they really don't. They don't care about your body and what has worked for you in the past. Only what they think they know.

In my opinion I think you should talk to the management at the gym about this guy. Maybe they don't know what he is telling their clients.

Keep going to your gym and doing what you know has worked for you so far. If you see another trainer that you think you can work with as to work with them. It might take a couple of tries to find the right trainer (someone who will listen to you).

missyt78

WOW wat a fantastic motivational trainer the gym has :laugh: :laugh: I think i may just sign up lol:laugh:

Its clear that his "Nearly Certified" status has not equiped him for the diversity of clients who want to embark on fitness programmes within ur area. And this makes me wonder why this "nearly certified" instructor giving out sessions within a Gym setting where his wisdom may put clients at risk, not only from injusry to physical self but also emotional turmoil and as you say encourage eating/excercising disorders!....Maybe he is the reason you get 3free sessions with a trainer. lol:laugh: :laugh:

I would speak to the gym management, explain why you are disapointed and if they have any kind of standard and sturctures in place they will look at his attitude and his motivations behind his role within the gym.... and maybe even get you a few extra sessions free of charge with a "fully certified" trainer.. who embraces the fact that regardless of age/ability/gender/looks its never too late to make a change.

Good luck hun.:bigsmile:

havingitall

If that is not how you lose weight, I don't know what has happened to 40 lbs. I have been doing it all wrong. Your trainer was probably young and as you said ALMOST certified. He may have been intimidated by you using MFP as a tool when he felt it should be all about him.

You have already lost weight, so you know what you are doing and it obviously works for you.

I have been watching the trainers at my gym and I have one picked out for when I have lost more weight and need to get a more intense workout. There are quite a few whose style will not work for me.

Go for another trainer and forget what that bozo told you

benw

Get a better trainer

benw

A. While we know this is false. It would be great for our bodies if we ate good all the time. I had 1 cookie yesterday after a very hard workout and still lost a pound.

B This could depend on when you work out and how many carbs you eat

C I disagree so much here. With the goal being losing weight I do cardio first. When I get the weight off and my goal changes to strengh building I will work out first.

D Those full body workouts are great. These machines can serve as a good cardio workout also

E I user the site as a guide. Some days eating my cals other days keeping it low.

F I think every meal should have some protien, GOOD fat and carbs

G not his plan, Look for a new trainer

H see A

I This is BS I feel I have already changed and its only been since Jan

J Look around this site and alot of users are losing weight and getting in better shape

K While he was kinda right but did not say it very well. Plateaus are caused by peoples bodies adjusting to what they have been doing so when this happens you have to change, this may be eating more for a day or two (not going and eating stupid just more) or it may be having a couple of kick *kitten* workouts.


Find a different trainer or do it yourself. When looking for a trainer do more research and find one that will work for you.

sportygal

Find another trainer....there are great ones out there! The first moment, you felt degraded, is when you know he's full of it! I've always been athletic yet overweight, but not once has my trainer made me feel less of a person..he's always been supportive.
Think of it as trying on shoes.....you just put on a pair that aggravated you. Throw them out and try on a new pair!
Don't get discouraged. You can do it, and have success on your journey. Find supportive people and dump the negative ones. It is sad, that someone who should model health and fitness be so discouraging to you.
You will succeed!:flowerforyou:

MyaPapaya75

Hmm maybe I'm a hard butt...but I kind of agree with the trainer in most of what he said or his opinions on some things....I think he is uneducated in some areas and not experienced enough to dish out nutriional info..however his approach to excercise and the reality of being fit and healthy I tend to agree with...I think perhaps he could have phrased himself differently but again this is your interpretation of what he said...when I read what you perceived ...I see a hard no nonesense trainer leaving little room for excuses .....every trainer has his or her way of doin things if you are into more of a softer approach I would try a different person. I take what a trainer says just like I take this site with a grain of salt ...it may or may not work for me to follow what they say 100% but Im sure you could tweak things to your liking........I would be interested to know how your next session goes with a different trainer if you decide to do it.

LuckyLeprechaun

you know, we all know that guy is full of *kitten*.

I was gonna go through his points one by one, but I see someone has...

Honestly, the only thing I needed to hear was "almost certified". :laugh: Big expert, right?

StiringWendel

Actually, I agree with myastyme completely. I'm sorry you had a bad experience with this guy and his making you feel poorly about yourself is more than ample reason to never work with him. However, what he says isn't completely nuts. I think he would have been better to include explanations and caveats for what he said because there are those, but, on the whole, he's not completely irrational in his approach.

So I'll go through what he said step by step and explain at least one rationale behind what he said. I'd hate for any good information he provided to get completely dismissed because of the way he provided it or simply because it seems radical.

A. I definitely think he over-stated that one bad meal ruins an entire week's worth of exercise. However, if a person is looking at fitness for its health benefits more than just for its weight loss benefits, then it kind of makes sense. Why would a person spend hours taking care of their body and then poor pure crap into it? I look at it this way. Would I wash the car for five hours so that I could intentionally drive through mud for ten seconds? No. So why would I work on my health through exercise for five hours a week and then, in 5 minutes, fill my body with horrible stuff?

B & F. This whole carbs thing really irritates me, I'll be honest. And, again, I think this guy has seriously over-stated the situation. However, there actually is a reason why carbs shouldn't be eaten late in the day, and that is because it prohibits the release of human growth hormone during sleep which, among other things, is very important for losing weight. While I think he puts the cut-off for eating carbs WAY too early, there is a valid reason for his recommendation regarding carbs.

C. Cardio vs strength....which comes first has LONG been a debate in the fitness world. And people certainly take corners when it comes down to it. It all boils down to the different energy sources the body uses for the varying exercises. Suffice it to say that if you are looking at strength training as a way of increasing muscle, the guy's got it right. In fact, many would argue that you should never do cardio and strength training on the same day if you are trying to actually build muscle. He should have broken that down because it isn't a hard-and-fast rule since people have a variety of reasons for doing strength training, but if you are trying to get actual strength benefits by building muscle out of strength training, then everything I've read says he's right. And, yes, I've been putting cardio before strength for years and will still depending on what I'm trying to do.

D. I'm actually really surprised about what he said about exercise machines. But I can see where he may be coming from because things like step aerobics and kickboxing work the entire body AND involve more variety. I don't think they are necessarily better if a person is using a variety of machines or varying their routine on the machines. But many people don't do that (and that's what he should have said). So if a person is going to walk at 2.5 miles an hour for 45 minutes every.single.day on the treadmill, then, yes, exercise classes are going to be a WHOLE lot better. But, again, he should have specified that instead of making a blanket statement.

E. Controversial subject on this site, but the guy is right about exercise calories. I hate to say it and people here are going to argue against it, but in my ten years on fitness sites and reading as much as I can on diet and nutrition, I can honestly say that MFP is the ONLY place that I've seen that has ever recommended the specific consumption of exercise calories. Now, I don't think that's a bad thing and it obviously works for some people. Why I don't think it is bad is because it provides a very tangible (being able to eat) reward (for lack of a better word) for exercise, giving exercise a very positive image in the minds of those doing it. So I think it positively reinforces exercise, which is good, because exercise is very important for not only losing weight but for being able to keep weight off after the weight is lost. And, the great thing about that, is if a sufficient enough calorie deficit can be created while people are eating exercise calories, it is a win-win situation because people are losing weight. However, everything I've read on the subject indicates that starvation mode isn't nearly as easy to fall into as many believe, and that, except for those who are 20 or so pounds or less overweight, people can safely create more significant calorie deficits, including through the use of exercise. Some (many) may not WANT to because of how they feel (and I think that's one of the reasons so many doctors recommend 1-2 pound weight loss per week....because it is reasonable), but that doesn't mean that is the ONLY way.

G. There is a science to fitness (believe it or not). Again, if a person is looking at fitness as a way of losing weight only, maybe that is irrelevant. But there really is a science behind maximizing fitness benefits (especially when it comes to strength training), so I can't fault the guy--if this is how he is looking at it--for saying that working with a trainer is beneficial.

H. He's right about the healthy eating part. You can workout forever and be 100 pounds, but if you eat crap, you aren't getting the full benefits of either the workout or the health benefits of being at a lower weight. Health isn't just about the cosmetics of weight. It is about what is going on inside the body as well. And while somebody who is obese is more prone to things like heart disease than somebody who is thin, somebody who is thin isn't immune to it by a long shot. What people put into their bodies really does matter, no matter how they look on the outside.

I. I'm in the process of changing my lifestyle, and I estimate it will take me somewhere over a year to get everything into place so I can't argue with what this guy said. This is something, in my opinion, that SHOULD be worked on slowly. I have made a promise to myself that every change I make will be a permanent change. And so I'm taking it slowly and making sure I can live--for the rest of my life--with the changes I've made. That takes time. For those only interested in losing the pounds they have in excess and then going back to a similar lifestyle they enjoyed before, that probably doesn't make sense. But to actually change habits, it takes awhile to find new habits that a person can live with comfortably for a long time. It goes beyond thinking 'Okay, while I lose weight, when we go out to eat I'll order a salad' and goes into 'I'm no longer eating out at all because I can't control what is going into my food or how it is prepared, and that is more important to me than a night out with the family'. And, for some, that takes more time to adjust to.

J. I totally agree with him about tracking healthy eating. If I had a dollar for everytime I've read 'I ate some ice cream last night because it fit into my calorie allowance', I would be wealthier than I was before I joined MFP. It cannot be emphasized enough the importance of healthy eating, and if a person is looking for overall health, then just looking at the bottom line (how many calories I consumed and whether that brownie fits in or not) just isn't the best way of tracking health.

K. I do think there are plateaus, but I don't think they are as common as many believe. I think those most prone to plateaus are those with fewer pounds to lose who may not be exercising the right way or eating the right way to lose the last pounds. The body wants those pounds, and it is difficult to convince the body to get rid of them. I also think there are plateaus caused by hormone issues (like thyroid), and I don't dismiss those at all. But I would argue that good portion of plateaus are actually as he has described. I listen to Jillian Michael's radio show every now and again, and this is one of those issues that comes up alot. And she is good about going through everything that people who are experiencing plateaus are doing--work outs, nutrition, etc. And 9 times out of 10, when it gets to nutrition, she gets the 'Well, I'm good most of the time...' answer, which, when she digs deeper, ends up being that people aren't really being militant about their diet anymore. It could boil down to WHAT they are eating instead of how much they are eating (more crap, less nutritious stuff), but it usually boils down to something with exercise or nutrition.

I know this is an incredibly long response, and, again, I think this guy should have provided more information than what he did and at least his rationale for what he said. But he isn't that far off the mark.

Being thin in our society is difficult. But being HEALTHY in our society is even more difficult. And it sounds to me like this guy is really in to being healthy more than into being thin. I can't fault him for that. It may not be the best approach for everybody (and if it isn't, they need to find another trainer), but that doesn't make it a ridiculous approach.

Again, I'm sorry you had a bad experience with him. I definitely hope he learns to better express himself with people because, no doubt, he over-stated things and only illustrated one side of his argument. But that doesn't mean his one side is totally without merit.

lessertess

A) There is some truth to this. Working out will give you health benefits but if your primary goal is to lose weight and then you eat so much that you destroy your calorie deficit, it won't work.

Nope: a calorie is a calorie is a calorie when it comes to weight loss and your body doesn't care what time it is. Obviously eating a well-balanced diet will help you to feel full and fuel your body more effectively but it doesn't really matter when you eat what unless you are a finely tuned athlete. There is a caveat in that some people's body types respond differently and this might be a successful approach for some.

C) Opinions vary. I prefer cardio before strength training and I'm successfully losing.

D) Again, there is some truth to this but he's missing a point. The eliptical, treadmills and other machines may not burn as much as going outside and running if you are leaning on them or holding yourself up. I've seen people walking on the stairmaster, leaning on the rails and reading a book. I doubt they are gettng a great workout. And I see that a LOT in the gym. However, if you put your best effort into it.....you'll burn calories and lose weight. There's a huge benefit in doing exercises that rely on your own body weight but there are also benefits to using machines. Not the least of which is they can help push you harder.

E) Again, this may be true under certain circumstances. When it comes to losing weight you have to create a calorie deficit. However, you need enough fuel for your body to remain healthy. I'm a big proponent of a balance.

F) WRONG

G) I A professional can be a great help. Mine has been invaluable. However, there are a lot of unqualified people out there passing themselves off as professionals. Ask for credentials and for testimonies from people that have been helped, not only in the short term, but in the long term. Ask especially about people who have the same goals/needs as your own. If he specializes in body builders, he's not your guy.

H) Again, I'm a proponent of a balance lifestyle. Eat healthy MOST of the time but, life happens, and sometimes you just need a donut or a pizza. The world won't end, and you won't gain ten pounds from one day of relaxing at a family picnic.

I) NOPE: on average 30 consistent days will develop a habit. Sometimes you have to re-commit but, no matter what losing even 5% if you are overweight will add years onto your life.

J) Depends on how you use it and what you take away from it. I would bet there are some people who are using this site to justify very unhealthy habits. Most of us aren't.

K) Yea, sometimes they are. Sometimes it's just your body asking for time to catch up to all the changes you're making. When you hit one, examine what you've been doing and, if you're cheating, get back on track. If you're not, be patient and your body will catch up.

Ask for a different trainer. I've been really pleased with my trainer, I've learned a lot and had a lot of success. I have noticed though that you only get out what you put into it. I've watched other trainers in the gym. Although most are really good, there are a couple that I wouldn't go to because they have styles and philosophies that wouldn't work for me.

LuckyLeprechaun

I said my piece on the "almost certified" trainer. :noway:

I just wanted to comment on one part of another response:

Stiring Wendel said: "It goes beyond thinking 'Okay, while I lose weight, when we go out to eat I'll order a salad' and goes into 'I'm no longer eating out at all because I can't control what is going into my food or how it is prepared, and that is more important to me than a night out with the family'.

Really? No restaurants ever again?:huh:

I would prefer to stay fat and unhealthy if it means I have to forego every night out with my family forever. I can and do count my calories, while enjoying occasional outings to restaurants. Sometimes I am estimating, because the restaurants don't give up their calorie info. But in the end, I'm not gonna give up my social time with my family completely in favor of rigid calorie control. That price is too high. And it is not (IMHO) a balanced or realistic way to look at lifestyle change. (again, as always, IMHO)

molsongirl

there's a reason they offer his services for "free"......i'd find myself a new trainer.

I gotta edit here just a bit.......I'm a fit model, not so much any longer, cause my face is not too pretty at the moment, BUT, I work out like a demon, 4-6 hours a day, everyday, and i'm stepping on toes here, but YES I would drive my car through the mud after just washing it, my kids would think it was freaking hilarious, and I can wash it again, that was just a stupid comparison. Second, after all the working out I do, you're DAMN STRAIGHT i'm gonna enjoy a cookie, a milkshake, an order of fries, why not? i'm enjoying my food, WITHOUT guilt, and that's the point everyone seems to miss. You can enjoy the occasional "junk treat" it's not going to sabotage anything, if you have to rearrange your life to accomodate food, then you have a bigger problem to contend with. I eat carbs, whenever the urge strikes me, actually eat right before I go to bed as well, I also do cardio before weights, and sometimes the other way around. I have 16.9 percent body fat, I must be doing something right. People are down right shocked when they find out that I actually eat the occasional ice cream cone frm baskin robbins, or when my clients see me in the local pizza parlour, chowing on some za......they assume I eat "clean", nope, and it shocks them. I think this mentality is the reason people fail when it comes to diet change. I see people posting on here, wanting to eat "junk", a cookie or god forbid a piece of birthday cake, people are suggesting, carrots, celery, hummus....I think after eating all the said foods, guess what, you're still gonna crave that bloody cookie, so eat the damn thing, get over it, go for a walk, and don't let it consume you, depress you, it's all in learning how to control portions, and balancing the good with the bad, once you "get" it, that piece of cake isn't a big deal anymore, you eat it, you get over with it, and guess what, life actually goes on. It's really simple, burn more than you eat and the weight comes off. I'm not saying that junk is good for you, but c'mon a few cookies or a piece of cake now and then isn't going to make you ruin anything. unless you can't control how much of it you shove in your mouth. Then again is more then a food issue you have.

Vanessa1969

This is an interesting thread.
While I do agree that there are definite good points to what the trainer said, it is the 'my way or the highway' attitude that doesn't sit right with me. You are trying to adopt a new lifestyle, and it needs to be one that is realistic and that you feel comfortable adopting forever and not just the next XX months.
Instead of explaining to you why they have learned that certain aspects of weight loss and exercise get better results than others, they have just laid down the law. Changing your entire life involves some flexibility and you obviously won't be getting it from them.
I was really put off by the implication that you can never again eat out or enjoy yourself or maybe have a glass of wine now and then or you're going to be a complete failure. I also got the impression that they are trying to up-sell you to continue working with them indefinitely because that is the only way you can ever succeed. If you look at all the success stories on this website, many of which were achieved without having to pay a personal trainer, you will see that people can do it without investing hundreds of dollars on a trainer. I think your mention of a site like this might put them on the defensive because it cuts down on their business.
If I were made to feel the way you were, I would definitely find another trainer to work with. How you feel about who you work with will play a huge role in how motivated you are to follow their instructions.
I would really hate to be this persons partner.

arewethereyet

Just for the flip side. My trainer sat me down for an hour before we ever met for our session. She looked up MFP, did some research. When she met with me for my 1st training session the first thing I got was

WAY TO GO GIRL!!

Smart lady! She said the only thing she would change is more good fats in my diet and no carbs after 4pm. Most trainers will tell you this........whether fact or fiction, it is what they believe.

I would go WAY beyond saying I want another trainer. I would go to management and tell them exactly how he made you feel, and ask for 3 sessions with a person who IS certified, and has been training for more than 2 years.

The lady I used was 48, had a college degree, and had 5 certs up on her wall. She took my injury into consideration, and then set up a wonderful, kick *kitten* session.

arewethereyet

This is an interesting thread.
While I do agree that there are definite good points to what the trainer said, it is the 'my way or the highway' attitude that doesn't sit right with me. You are trying to adopt a new lifestyle, and it needs to be one that is realistic and that you feel comfortable adopting forever and not just the next XX months.
Instead of explaining to you why they have learned that certain aspects of weight loss and exercise get better results than others, they have just laid down the law. Changing your entire life involves some flexibility and you obviously won't be getting it from them.
I was really put off by the implication that you can never again eat out or enjoy yourself or maybe have a glass of wine now and then or you're going to be a complete failure. I also got the impression that they are trying to up-sell you to continue working with them indefinitely because that is the only way you can ever succeed. If you look at all the success stories on this website, many of which were achieved without having to pay a personal trainer, you will see that people can do it without investing hundreds of dollars on a trainer. I think your mention of a site like this might put them on the defensive because it cuts down on their business.
If I were made to feel the way you were, I would definitely find another trainer to work with. How you feel about who you work with will play a huge role in how motivated you are to follow their instructions.
I would really hate to be this persons partner.

Yeah, my first thought was someone ought to tell Tamtastic she needs to make some changes!.......:laugh: :laugh: (135 lbs in little over a year!!)

LuckyLeprechaun

i Molson Girl's post. SO exactly how I feel.

Iceprincessk25

i Molson Girl's post. SO exactly how I feel.

DITTO!

azwildcatfan94

I just want to throw in my 2 cents on a couple of items:

D) Machines such as elliptical, treadmill, bikes, etc. are not very good excercise- its much better to use your body, such as step aerobics, pilates, dance classes, kickboxing, etc.

On the one hand, you might get a higher intensity workout from his suggestions, but if you aren't comfortable going into a class but are comfortable on the machines, then any workout is better than no workout. In addition, if you have a heart rate monitor and are in that 75% - 85% of max heart rate, then it really doesn't matter what you are doing. You are in the cardio zone, you will reap the benefits. Get there for a minimum of 30 minutes a day at least 4 - 5 days a week. But, build up to it, don't kill yourself. The key is to pick an activity (or activities) that you enjoy so that you will be willing to keep doing it.

Weights first versus cardio: #1, do whatever you will do because doing something is better than doing nothing. However, I have read that by doing weights first, you burn up all the sugar in your blood so that when you get to the cardio you are burning fat. So, this is how I try to do it. But, total respect to the folks that prefer cardio first. I am at a point in my "lifestyle change" where the first priority is to do any exercise I can convince myself to do. I'll worry about the most efficient way to do it later.

Carbs at night: I liked the explaination that the person with the really long post gave for why to stop eating carbs at night... And, I'll think about it. But, for weight loss, to a certian respect, a calorie is a calorie. Yes, there are choices that are better because of the nutrients in the calories or how much they make you feel "full" but, bottom line is that if you cut calories, you will lose weight.

Speed of weight loss. Right now, I am trying to lose weight quicker than 3 pounds per week. In fact, I am averaging about 3 pounds per week and while I wish it was faster, I am not going to reduce my calorie intake any further to get there. Reason: research has shown that people with slower weight loss are more likely to maintain the weight loss. I think a lot of us (definitely myself included) look for the "quick fix." But my experience has shown it has not worked for me in the past for weight loss.

OK, this got longer than I was anticipating... Sorry. Good luck to all in reaching their goals. No one know you better than yourself!

songbyrdsweet

Uh, it's illegal for him to practice unless he's FULLY certified. I have a Bachelor's in Exercise and Sport Science and I STILL can't be hired as a personal trainer in a gym until I take the ACSM exam, pass, and get my certification. A lot of gyms allow uncertified people to practice, but it is a HUGE liability. He can't legally give you nutritional information either. On top of that, this guy sounds like a total idiot who gets all his information from Muscle & Fitness. Did he try to provide any physiological reasoning for ANY of it? If he can't properly explain to you how your body works (correctly), he has no business being even 'almost' certified. :explode:

StiringWendel

I would prefer to stay fat and unhealthy if it means I have to forego every night out with my family forever. I can and do count my calories, while enjoying occasional outings to restaurants. Sometimes I am estimating, because the restaurants don't give up their calorie info. But in the end, I'm not gonna give up my social time with my family completely in favor of rigid calorie control. That price is too high. And it is not (IMHO) a balanced or realistic way to look at lifestyle change. (again, as always, IMHO)

Just because you choose to live a certain way for your own reasons (and I think they are valid) doesn't make what this fitness trainer is saying wrong. It just means you choose to live a different way than what he is advocating.

I read that as the point of molsongirl's post that you applauded. She is saying that she feels it is okay for her to eat unhealthy at times because she has a low body fat %. That's one way of looking at it, but it doesn't address other issues like what is going on with the insulin levels in her body. (Note: They may be fine, I'm just using her as a hypothetical). In other words, there are so many factors to what is considered 'healthy', and many of them don't occur on the surface (even in something like body fat %). So I don't think it is wrong for this trainer to advocate that healthy eating really is the best option all of the time.

Again, that doesn't mean people need to follow that advise. I don't. But I'm also not going to advocate my unhealthy trends like they are better than healthy trends. One of the habits I'm trying to change is this notion that 'fun' and 'unhealthy food' go together. There is absolutely no rational reason they need to, yet that is how I've thought for a long time and that is what I'm reading here in some posts....that in order to really enjoy life, eating junk food now and again is the way to do it.

I know, personally, I've made few junk food or unhealthy food choices since January yet I have found plenty to enjoy about both life and food since then. I don't think those people who opt to live healthier lives should be seen as not enjoying life. They are just finding their enjoyment elsewhere. Again, it all boils down to personal choices. But that doesn't make what this man said wrong.

molsongirl

Stiring wendel, you're making me think you's a nut, the only thing you have right, is that you don't know me. Do not bring me into your justifications, plase and thank you. My body fat percentage has nothing to do with anything, other than to tell people, that even at a low percentage, the occasional junk food treat I enjoy doesn't make all my hard work useless. THAT'S it, nothing less nothing more, don't put words in my mouth, I can get myself into plenty of trouble on my own, trust me. I never once advocated that eating junk and having fun go hand in hand, not once, I eat "junk" cause I WANT TO, not for fun, or because i'm out with friends, but because, I'm thinking, wow I feel like eating an Oreo right now, so I do, not for fun, not to please anyone or anything other than my tummy, there....i just get so grrrrr-ed up when people use me as an example...I'm not, i'm just trecking along like everyone else, trying to be the best I can be.Wether that means sweating my a** off in the gym, or lying in a hospital bed not eating pudding, or out with my kids enjoying a slice of pizza. So that's it, it's funny how people can take a few words and totally manipulate them to suit their own needs....HOLY FREAKIN WOW.

Dave198lbs

this applies, in some cases, to trainers....gym employees also

at the bottom of every page in every thread is this warning-

Posts by members, moderators and admins should not be considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy.

there are alot of people here who have actually lost weight and kept it off...their advice is probably going to be something you could follow if you are in similar circumstances

there are alot of people here who are studying fitness and nutrition and there advice is usually going to be sound and safe advice

there are also a whole bunch of people here who repeat what they hear and put their own little spin on it and turn decent advice into garbage or they repeat incorrectly what they have read or heard and turn it into a waste of time

there are also people here who have no business advising anyone of anything, yet they do it with alarming recklessness

I have done the same myself...what works for me may not work for you

today, I read a guy's advice regarding weightlfting...he was totally wrong yet sounded like he was right..if the woman follows his advice...she will waste her time and delay her desired results

my point is this....PLEASE...take the advice you get here with a grain of salt and get more than one opinion

I am sure most people have good intentions...but the amount of wrong and even dangerous advice is pathetic

some may say when I see it I should point it out...I do when I can and not tick off people but we are adults...just don't believe everything you read

TamTastic

These are absolute FACTS when it comes to me. All I can do is give you my experience. I didn't suffer or starve or take diet pills or work out for 4 hours a day. I didn't stick to acai berries or cabbage soup. I worked hard and learned through different sources. Is my way the ONLY way? Of course not..but...well........take from it what you will!

Fact 1: I did the majority of my cardio on the elliptical, slowing working my way up the levels and time to where I now do over an hour at level 19.

Fact 2: I ate at least half my exercise calories back.

Fact 3: Sometimes on workout days, I enjoyed a nice plate of pasta (carbs)

Fact 4: I lost 135 lbs in 16 months

:glasses:

LuckyLeprechaun

I would prefer to stay fat and unhealthy if it means I have to forego every night out with my family forever. I can and do count my calories, while enjoying occasional outings to restaurants. Sometimes I am estimating, because the restaurants don't give up their calorie info. But in the end, I'm not gonna give up my social time with my family completely in favor of rigid calorie control. That price is too high. And it is not (IMHO) a balanced or realistic way to look at lifestyle change. (again, as always, IMHO)

Just because you choose to live a certain way for your own reasons (and I think they are valid) doesn't make what this fitness trainer is saying wrong. It just means you choose to live a different way than what he is advocating.

I read that as the point of molsongirl's post that you applauded. She is saying that she feels it is okay for her to eat unhealthy at times because she has a low body fat %. That's one way of looking at it, but it doesn't address other issues like what is going on with the insulin levels in her body. (Note: They may be fine, I'm just using her as a hypothetical). In other words, there are so many factors to what is considered 'healthy', and many of them don't occur on the surface (even in something like body fat %). So I don't think it is wrong for this trainer to advocate that healthy eating really is the best option all of the time.

Again, that doesn't mean people need to follow that advise. I don't. But I'm also not going to advocate my unhealthy trends like they are better than healthy trends. One of the habits I'm trying to change is this notion that 'fun' and 'unhealthy food' go together. There is absolutely no rational reason they need to, yet that is how I've thought for a long time and that is what I'm reading here in some posts....that in order to really enjoy life, eating junk food now and again is the way to do it.

I know, personally, I've made few junk food or unhealthy food choices since January yet I have found plenty to enjoy about both life and food since then. I don't think those people who opt to live healthier lives should be seen as not enjoying life. They are just finding their enjoyment elsewhere. Again, it all boils down to personal choices. But that doesn't make what this man said wrong.

the part I was responding to was equating restaurants with junk food. I can go to a restaurant without blowing my calories, or ruining my insulin, or anything other harmful effect. Your comment about giving up going to restaurants completely was the part I quoted, and replied to. I also never equated junk food with fun. HOWEVER, if my grandkids wanna go to Chuck E Cheese, I'm gonna take them. Once in a while. Because the quality of my life is important to me, as well as pursuing a healthy eating style.

LuckyLeprechaun

These are absolute FACTS when it comes to me. All I can do is give you my experience. I didn't suffer or starve or take diet pills or work out for 4 hours a day. I didn't stick to acai berries or cabbage soup. I worked hard and learned through different sources. Is my way the ONLY way? Of course not..but...well........take from it what you will!

Fact 1: I did the majority of my cardio on the elliptical, slowing working my way up the levels and time to where I now do over an hour at level 19.

Fact 2: I ate at least half my exercise calories back.

Fact 3: Sometimes on workout days, I enjoyed a nice plate of pasta (carbs)

Fact 4: I lost 135 lbs in 16 months

:glasses:

I've said it before, I'll say it again- you are an inspiration, and I look up to you!

Tami=Real woman, realistic lifestyle changes, REALLY amazing results!!!!

MyaPapaya75

:huh:

TamTastic

These are absolute FACTS when it comes to me. All I can do is give you my experience. I didn't suffer or starve or take diet pills or work out for 4 hours a day. I didn't stick to acai berries or cabbage soup. I worked hard and learned through different sources. Is my way the ONLY way? Of course not..but...well........take from it what you will!

Fact 1: I did the majority of my cardio on the elliptical, slowing working my way up the levels and time to where I now do over an hour at level 19.

Fact 2: I ate at least half my exercise calories back.

Fact 3: Sometimes on workout days, I enjoyed a nice plate of pasta (carbs)

Fact 4: I lost 135 lbs in 16 months

:glasses:

I've said it before, I'll say it again- you are an inspiration, and I look up to you!

Tami=Real woman, realistic lifestyle changes, REALLY amazing results!!!!

Thank you!