Some concerns about the plan my new trainer gave me
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This is a very good point. I am going to see if I can switch to another trainer. This guy is the owner, but fortunately, I don't really NEED a lot of help. Just access to free weights and maybe some weight lifting pointers. Thanks so much!0
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Haha - definitely!! I will print out my food logs from this site and show him what a real vegetarian meal plan looks like.
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This sounds like an all around bad situation. I would definitely talk to the management team at the gym - ask about credentials, other trainiers, etc. I am a personal trainer and can attest that we are not supposed to give specific nutrition counseling. We can offer guidance and refer you to some reputable resources (websites, RD's). Unless he has the specific training for this, he shouldn't be providing you with meal plans and calorie intake.
My trust in this trainer at this point would be extremely hampered. How do you know that he's giving solid exercise advice if he's already crossed the line with the nutritional aspect? Also, why would you change something that is clearly working for you? It's not until we reach a plateau (which is technically 6 weeks or longer of no change) that we would normally look at changing the factors.0 -
In all honesty, I would request a different trainer. You are paying for the service, either directly or through your gym membership. Don't be afraid to ask for a switch. And tell them you want someone who will specifically train you on weights.
I would almost be tempted also to report him for trying to push product on you, unless your gym is ok with that. Hopefully not.
Most gyms are pushing the product when their trainers are. Not uncommon.0 -
I wouldn't do it. Google Nia Shanks, she keeps it common sense and real.
OMG! Thank you so much for giving me that name to google. I just downloaded the beautiful badass 101 and I am going to start this!!! I am so excited!!! Wish me luck!!0 -
Any other of this trainers clients you can talk to or see results I wouldn't totally push aside what he is telling you , the trainers at my gym do address nutrition and if I could afford it I'd love a trainer. This is his job so do some investigating before you ditch it. I do 1200 calories but MFP had me calculated higher and i wasn't seeing any results so I got pissed and dropped it to 1200 and finally have adjusted to it and am seeing some results.0
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I am just finishing week 4 of my own plan that I made up, and although I have only dropped 6 pounds (from 270 to 264) on the scale in that time, I am pretty comfortable with that. My calorie goal after taking 500 off of my base metabolism is a little over 1800, and I am burning 700-900 calories a day hiking on the mountain near me, and am lifting weights 3 times a week. I have been tracking my exercise and trying to keep my additional deficit to around 700 (eating around 1800-2000) because I don't feel that a deficit of more than 1000-1500 a day is going to be healthy for me. I want to lose weight, but I would rather lose more slowly if it increase the chance of keeping the weight off for good.
I joined a gym because I outgrew my dumbbells and wanted access to a good weight room. I also decided to work with a trainer to really get a solid strength training plan. This guy is pushing a meal plan at me that is 1200 calories. I told him that that seemed too low, and that based on the calories estimated by MyFitnessPal for hauling my fat rear end up a 1000 foot elevation change every day, MFP is estimating that I need to eat 2500 to have a 500 calorie deficit. He scoffed and said the system is probably overestimating what I am burning.
My gut feeling (no pun intended) is that the deficit I have been maintaining is working and at a speed that seems safe reasonable to me. His "meal plan" is made up entirely of meals that are lie "4 oz raw tofu, 1 cup raw broccoli, 1 cup of raw parsley." No exaggeration. Although he stresses that he is offering a lifestyle change and not a diet, this smacks of diet to me. I know that under no circumstances and I going to be eating raw tofu and a cup of parsley on a regular basis, and I have been vegetarian for years.
Added to that, he is pushing a supplement called Emerge at me that is basically a diet supplement that contains an appetite suppressant, an undisclosed amount of caffeine, and synephrine, which is associated with ephedra-like side effects. Exactly what I don't want when I am cleaning up my food choices and really exercising to lose weight and get fit in a way that represents a sustainable lifestyle change. I know that when someone comes in and tries to tweak what you eat and how you exercise, it can evoke resistance, and I don't want to sabotage myself by resisting the changes I need to make to get fit and back to a comfortable weight. On the other hand, I have this feeling that what he is suggesting is really aimed at very fast, potentially unhealthy weight loss, because that is the product he is selling.
So I am wondering if my fellow weight-loss adventurers can tell me, am I just being resistant to change because I don't want to feel hungry all the time? Is 1200 reasonable when MyFitnessPal is estimating that I am burning 3000 calories? Help me, Obiwan Kenobis. You're my only hope!
No we are not your only hope. Your instincts and common sense are and they are telling 1) if it ain't broke don't fix it and 2) the trainer should stick to training. If he won't agree to limit his talks with you to training (mine did) you can always get another trainer.
When trainer shopping I looked any trainer who brought up food or nutrition dead in the eye and told them "Well so far what I'm doing is working for me, without going into too much detail and taking up our time here, so for the time being let's just focus on my workouts because that's where I really feel I need the help." Try that, it's not too insulting and he came back with, "Okay I have lot's of great ideas for that, but just to let you know I'm here for that too if you need me, just bring it up if you ever have a question or anything." All the one's I said anything like this said something similar or respected my wishes. None acted offended or awkward. Stick up for yourself but don't be mean. It's called assertive, you can do it!0 -
My trainer has me at 1350 base and I'm eating my exercise calories. I burn 200-500 each day except Sundays.
He also told me to stop taking all my supplements except my amino acids and my protein shakes. (I'm vegetarian)
I would say find a trainer that you can agree with.0 -
Just like with doctors, it's always good to get a second and sometimes third opinion. Talk to more than one "expert" before making any major adjustments to what's already working for you. Or, just tell this trainer that all you want from them is education in proper technicques for lifting, cardio, etc. and you'll seek nutrition counsel elsewhere.0
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Abort! Abort! Danger Will Robinson!
bahahhahahahahaha
also, yeah, what she said! This trainer needs a head check0 -
Ditch the trainer and follow MFP. You'll be happier daily, even if the weight comes off slower.
Or find a trainer than more lines up with your beliefs.0 -
I'd go with what your gut is telling you. When you starting listing the steps that you've taken they seemed safe, reasonable, and maintain-able. What this guy is saying seems a little wackado, especially the weight loss pills. Those, in my experience, are never fun and don't keep the weight off.
Good job on all the work that you've already put in!!!0 -
i'd just nod and smile about the 1200 diet then keep doing what you're doing. and the supplements, just say no.
if the programme he has done for you is good, that is - if not, ditch him.0 -
I tried the 1200 thing and ended up miserable and cranky, then I started to HATE working out. I decided to just eat 1650 instead, I feel much better, the weight loss is slower than I would like, but it is steady, and I am not binging.0
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6 lbs in 4 weeks is pretty good, so whatever you are doing is working! MFP does overestimate sometimes when you enter in your workouts, but I don't think it is way off. At your weight, I think 1200 calories per day NET is way to low, but I am no expert. If your trainer is pushing things (supplements) at you, I would report him to the gym. You are losing weight the RIGHT way, the SUSTAINABLE way.
Keep up the great work!0 -
It doesn't surprise me in the least that his weight is yo-yoing. He probably sticks to that measly plan then falls off (not surprisingly) and eats loads, rinse and repeat! :laugh:0
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Definitely go with your gut! I hired a trainer with a phenomenal portfolio before my wedding who referred me to a nutritionist to help me get my food straightened out. The nutritionist sold me on these Usana meal replacements and was pushing hard for her other supplements. I kept telling her I wanted more sustainable that I could do in the real world, but she kept pushing these products. Turned out the whole business model was a pyramid scheme, and my trainer ended up running off with my money before my last couple sessions to now sell these products.
It didn't feel right from the beginning and I should've just gone with my gut. That being said, don't let it be a reason to let up from the routine you've established.0 -
Reading your responses made me remember the back story he gave me when I signed up for the gym membership (he is the owner!). He had weighed over 400 pounds, then lost it and gotten to a healthy weight. Then gained it all back plus some. Then lost it again, and now he is up to almost 300 pounds again. Clearly he doesn't have a handle on what works for weight loss. I guess this should have been a no-brainer for me, but everyone's feedback really was the support I needed to keep following my path.
As rude as it may sound, I don't think I would take any sort of advice from someone with this story, and I would have looked at someone like they were crazy if they put me with a 300 lb trainer ...
ETA: Unless, of course, it was 300 lbs of mostly muscle ...0 -
I have to agree with what the previous posters have said, trainers aren't nutritionists (generally). Find out what kind of background he has in nutrition before you jump on board with what he's telling you. Also, if you can afford it, get a heart rate monitor to better determine what you are actually burning. I have the Polar FT7, ordered mine from Amazon for about $65 and I LOVE it. When you set up the watch, you enter your age, sex, height, weight, and then you wear the chest strap while working out and it will track your heart rate, calories burned, average heart rate, workout time, max HR for that workout, etc. Its a great tool...I usually enter in 90% of what it says I burned on there into my food log so I have a basic idea of what I have burned/consumed for the day.
You know your body better than this trainer so do what you think is best for you!0 -
I agree with everyone else - stick with what you're doing. I think the trainer sounds like a nut.
However, do be aware that MFP's estimations of calories burned through exercise are generally not accurate and usually err on the high side so you may not be in as much of a deficit as you think you are. Something to keep in mind for potential later plateaus.0 -
I have to agree with what the previous posters have said, trainers aren't nutritionists (generally). Find out what kind of background he has in nutrition before you jump on board with what he's telling you. Also, if you can afford it, get a heart rate monitor to better determine what you are actually burning. I have the Polar FT7, ordered mine from Amazon for about $65 and I LOVE it. When you set up the watch, you enter your age, sex, height, weight, and then you wear the chest strap while working out and it will track your heart rate, calories burned, average heart rate, workout time, max HR for that workout, etc. Its a great tool...I usually enter in 90% of what it says I burned on there into my food log so I have a basic idea of what I have burned/consumed for the day.
You know your body better than this trainer so do what you think is best for you!
I had one a while back and lost it when I had an apartment fire. I am going to go get one today instead of paying for a training package from this guy. Thanks for reminding me about that - I loved my heart rate monitor.
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\\I agree with everyone else - stick with what you're doing. I think the trainer sounds like a nut.
However, do be aware that MFP's estimations of calories burned through exercise are generally not accurate and usually err on the high side so you may not be in as much of a deficit as you think you are. Something to keep in mind for potential later plateaus.
This is good to know! Thanks.0 -
He's a moron and should be reported. Ditch him ASAP!0
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Sorry, but a trainer putting emphasis on a thermogenic doesn't understand lifestyle change. If one isn't going to follow a program for life, then it's a diet program and usually only temporary because it's not sustainable. A mindful trainer will look at the goals (immediate and long term) and help to develop a plan on attaining both goals with the consideration of the actual lifestyle of the client currently.Any other of this trainers clients you can talk to or see results I wouldn't totally push aside what he is telling you , the trainers at my gym do address nutrition and if I could afford it I'd love a trainer. This is his job so do some investigating before you ditch it. I do 1200 calories but MFP had me calculated higher and i wasn't seeing any results so I got pissed and dropped it to 1200 and finally have adjusted to it and am seeing some results.
Now if the trainer is ONLY hired to help burn of # pounds, get someone ready for a competition, wedding goal, etc. then I could see utilizing other means to achieve a SHORT TERM goal.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Oh - one more thing. Trainers aren't trained in dietetics. That is an advanced 4 year degree. He's trained in commissions.
Wow - you were so right on this one. I just got back from the gym where I asked for my membership fee back, as it is within the trial week. I expressed my concerns, and in response, he basically called me a weakling and proudly told me he only eats 850 calories a day and is "losing 4-5 pounds a week." Then it slipped out - he is pedaling the "Take Shape for Life" program, but without the meal replacements. I guess he makes a completely unpalatable plan that leaves you gasping for food and then when you tell him you are hungry ("let me know if you are too hungry on this) he sells you the supplements. I looked up Take Shape for Life - the company is involved in litigation because it is a pyramid scheme. He refused to refund my money "because it annoys him" and said I have to return on Tuesday when his office assistant is there. He also mentioned that he is the absolute top in his field. 0 -
Sounds like a peach.0
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Just nod your head and smile about his attempt at offering nutrition and focus on what he has to offer as far as weights. It sounds like you have a handle on your eating plan and it is working for you. WTG!
^^ agree0 -
Talk to the gym owner. I'm sure that trainer probably isn't allowed to be pushing supplements and dodgy meal plans.
Edit: Just seen your update above. Make sure you get your money back.0 -
Get rid of this personal trainer and DO NOT FOLLOW any of his advice. He shouldn't even be certified if he is walking around with that kind of advice. You don't need diet supplements, and you are setting up your body for serious health problems if you only eat at 1200 calories with your activity level. I am at 250, work out 5-6 times a week, and I eat around 1500-1700 calories a day depending on my work level. I went from 285 to 250 in three months by following my own plan (clean eating and hard work). You can do this!! Ditch that trainer and continue to work hard. Congrats on your progress 0
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womens bodies are different!!! i doubt hes a nutritionist...he know what works for HIM...0
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