What to look for in a trainer?

numindan

I've lost 65lbs over a 2 year period (pre-MFP SW 215, CW 148-ish) with most of my exercise being walking and taking the stairs. I ate 1600-1800 a day, so the loss was slow and steady and I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Currently I'm maintaining my loss and am about 25 lbs away from my goal weight on a 2100-2200 cal diet. Goal weight is, of course, flexible.

I can now walk for miles and miles up hills and through dells but when it comes to dragging a giant bag of dog food out of the car and into the house (200 ft or so), I'm a giant wuss!

I'd like to learn to lift heavy things but do not want to do so without proper instruction due to some physical limitations (messed up patella, previously broken hip, back & collarbone due to car accident years ago, some memory issues due to head injury in same accident, etc.).

Our city community recreation centres offer personal training sessions. So, before I head over there all gung-ho I'm hoping some of the PTs and more knowledgeable fitness posters can offer me some suggestions/advice on what to look for in a PT...

1. What types of questions should I ask the PT to determine their skills/abilities? Keep in mind that I'm Canadian, so certifications may be different than in the US.

2. What should I be looking for in a PT's attitude towards my mobility issues? Are there phrases that should raise giant "run-away, run-away" flags?

3. How often should I expect to work with a PT before I can expect to be able to work on my own?

4. My physiotherapist continues to nix my attempts to return to running, HIIT with running/walking is still out of my league for the time being. Is it unreasonable to ask a PT to provide a weight lifting routine/instruction and to not include cardio? I still intend to walk a minimum of 4mi each day when I add strength training to my routine.


I'm not worried about my intake or asking for food advice - I'm celiac with an anaphalatic nut allergy - I don't take food advice from strangers :happy: I just included my calorie stats above so you'd have an idea of my calorie comfort zone.

numindan

Suggestions?

Anyone?

I know there are some very knowledgeable people (and some professional personal trainers) on MFP so I'm hoping to get some advice before selecting the PT.

Thanks.

JoolieW68

I've never used a personal trainer, but first off I'd want to feel comfortable talking to them and having them touch me (which I imagine they would do from time to time to correct how I was doing something or to assist).

I'd also watch for phrases like "You should never ever eat this or that" or encourage you to work longer than your can....as in you have an hour to devote and they tell you that you won't get results unless you work out 2 hours every day (as an example).

And for me, if his name isn't Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, all deals are off.

cyclerjenn

I would suggest that you hang out in the gym for a while and watch the trainers in a session. There have been a number of time in the gym I have noticied the trainers are more concerned with the cute girl that walk by then therir client. Or I see the client not doing proper form. You can find YouTube videos that will show you the proper form(I'm at work and can't access it to give you the link)

Since you have prior injuries, you may want to focus on one that knows physical therapy and does personal training as a suppliment or has worked with a physical therapist (I'm in the same boat)

Try to get a free session out of them so you can get their training style, One thing I learned is all trainers have a different training style. Also some personal traininers work for supplment companies and will try to sell you nutritional products. If it sounds like a sales pitch run away fast.

Good luck I hope you find someone that works for you.

numindan

I've never used a personal trainer, but first off I'd want to feel comfortable talking to them and having them touch me (which I imagine they would do from time to time to correct how I was doing something or to assist).

Good point! I never even thought of that and yet with my balance issues it's likely going to be something to be expected in the beginning.

I'd also watch for phrases like "You should never ever eat this or that"

Most definitely. Since many foods can either make me very ill (doing long term damage) or quite literally kill me, I don't tend to take advice re: foods and eating from anyone outside of my gastroenterologist.

numindan

Since you have prior injuries, you may want to focus on one that knows physical therapy and does personal training as a suppliment or has worked with a physical therapist (I'm in the same boat)

Until you wrote this, it didn't occur to me to call my physiotherapist and ask if she had any recommendations for trainers. Thanks for the "ah-ha!" moment.

ETA: I'm going to skip calling her and just ask when she's torturing me with silly exercises tomorrow

pukekolive

bump to put your topic at the top of the list again

slbeutler

If you don't have a gym already, search around and find one that posts bios and certifications for the trainers. For example the club I go to has an extensive training/wellness program that includes physical therapists as well. Most of the trainers have Master's degree's in some type of exercise science and really cost the same as a trainer with a 3 day training certification, so definitely look around.

Considering your previous injuries and limitations, I would be extremely selective and definitely get a referral. You might also want to look around for a sports rehab facility that also offers personal training. I have seen many of these around as well.

Erica_theRedhead

Even though certification are different where you are, still ask. Also you can probably speak to the head PT or owner of the club who will be able to tell you about their trainer's different strengths/methodologies. It's completely acceptible for you to ask a lot of questions as to their styles, what you want them to do, and what you need to stay clear of b/c of medical conditions. They should be personable and make you feel comfortable right away. If they don't, def go with someone you trust.

numindan

@slbeutler & @ezak86 - Thanks. I don't belong to a gym per-se. I have a city rec pass which provides access to city golf courses, swimming pools, fitness classes, sports fields, etc. Through the city rec centres, I can access personal trainers for an addtional fee.

The city blurb about the trainers is "All Recreation Facilities are registered with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. We pride ourselves in the professional and individualized services we offer. A member of our professional fitness staff will be working in the fitness centre to supervise and assist with equipment operation and answer any fitness-related questions. All our exercise staff have or are working on a post-secondary degree in the exercise sciences, and are recommended to have further certifications through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology."

I do like the suggestion to get a recommendation, so I think I'm going to be asking my physiotherapist if she works with anyone or would recommend anyone when I see her at our next appointment tomorrow.

jody664

Whoever you chose, I would ask for a free first session and ask him/her to show you how a typical session would work. It would also give you a chance to see how you "click." Does his/her style provide the right kind of motivation for you (i.e., some people like negative comments and some like only positive comments)? Do they focus the right amount of attention on your session (i.e., not glancing at cell phone constantly)? How does the trainer track progress? (weight loss only? fitness levels? measurements?)

I would also have a lengthy conversation about your limitations and how the trainer plans to accommodate them. I agree with the poster who said to be selective. You're (probably) going to be spending a good deal of time with this person and he or she needs to be a really good fit for you.

numindan

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the advice. Talked to my physiotherapist at our appt and she recommended 3 different trainers. She did have an order of preference but said I should be able to safely learn to lift heavy things from any of them. I have an appt with the first one on her list later this week.