Should I become a trainer?

sarahrbraun
sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
edited October 31 in Fitness and Exercise
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?
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Replies

  • Although appearance is a lot when it comes to PT, your story is reflective of the journey that a lot of people are taking. You could potentially be some major inspiration for someone who is trying to lose weight as well. I think there are people out there who would judge, assuming that you're not "fit" to do the job, but at the same time so many potential people would click with you. You understand the troubles and heartaches that they are going through to lose weight and get healthy, whereas someone who has been fit their whole life doesn't necessarily get that.
  • snazzyjazzy21
    snazzyjazzy21 Posts: 1,298 Member
    If you want to, do it. There was a trainer at my gym who was larger than me, but she had already lost like 100lbs and going strong! Everyone respected her because she could kick your *kitten*!
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.
  • Scubanana7
    Scubanana7 Posts: 361 Member
    DO IT !!! I think you SHOULD. If some folks judge you and think you are not in "shape" to be a trainer, so what??? There will be an overweight person that appreciates your struggle and accomplishments. And then another 'not in great shape' person, then another, then another. I think you will get clients. Who knows...it may be slow at first--but then again, you may have more than you can handle.

    I am 58. I didn't want a 20-something trainers. Both of mine have been in their 40's. I appreciate someone who understands our bodies changes after 40.

    I am seriously considering doing this myself! HA! Ol' Lady Nana Trainer! I am wondering if the older folks might appreciate someone their age? My trainer says to go for it. But I won't do it until I am ready. and ready for me means all my weight gone as I can only concentrate on one thing at a time. But I will have plenty of photos to show potential clients where I started. I also intend to ask the gym if they would even hire someone my age. If no one would, then I won't bother. Maybe you should discuss it with management before you take the plunge. If they are willing to hire the not-perfect trainer, then GO FOR IT. I personally wouldn't care if my trainer still had weight to lose. As long as they were personal, knowledgable, and capable of teaching me/spotting me....I would be just fine if they weren't a playboy bunny!
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    I don't think I would go to a trainer who wasn't in reasonably good shape unless they had an amazing track record/reputation. But then again I'm training mainly for performance not weight loss so you might be more likely get clients who are focusing more on weight loss.

    If it's what you really want to do why not start working towards your qualifications while you continue to get fit/lose weight.
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    ^^ This, I agree with.
    Also seem to be a load of trainers out there because it is so ridiculously easy to get qualified as a trainer.
    Very few of them are actually decent trainers, in my experience.
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    I was 250 at my heaviest and lost a significant amount of weight but truthfully....unless a trainer looks better than I do, I wouldn't use them. That's just my personal opinion. Others might.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    Also seem to be a load of trainers out there because it is so ridiculously easy to get qualified as a trainer.
    Very few of them are actually decent trainers, in my experience.

    Very, very, very true.

    But to the OP - go for it.

    In my opinion, there is a market for trainers who do not have abs/buns of steel or huge "guns".

    I think that, not having a perfect body, may tend to make you less intimidating to people who also do not have perfect bodies (aka, the millions of people that gyms want to attract and keep).

    I don't think that I would stick with a trainer who was less fit than I am for long-term, but I would be totally cool with being introduced to the facility, equipment, classes and taught/assisted with basic routines by someone who "looked like me". When I am progressing so well that my goals change from "get fit" to something more specific - I'd find a new trainer who specialized in my new goals.

    But I think there is value in not intimidating the new people too - and attitude/enthusiasm would be key to your success. I think that if you could explain your value to a gym owner - you could find work pretty easily and keep clients happy.

    Good luck!
  • MsEndomorph
    MsEndomorph Posts: 604 Member
    I'm sure you could find a niche for yourself. Sure, there are people who wouldn't hire you because they want someone who has reached the same end-goal they're going for, but I believe there might be people who would. It's about how you sell yourself and to who. There are probably a lot of people out there who really want someone who gets it, who has experience losing a good amount of weight. It would probably be someone who didn't walk up to you with immediate dreams of bikini competitions (not saying that can't be in the future for either of you, but that would be a hard sell right now ) So anyway, I'd say think about it and if it's something you really want...go for it!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    ^^ This, I agree with.
    Also seem to be a load of trainers out there because it is so ridiculously easy to get qualified as a trainer.
    Very few of them are actually decent trainers, in my experience.
    Sadly if one can pass the test, they can get a "certification". Here's my input: I know and have heard lots of people say "I could be a trainer" when it's just much more than just inspiring and working people out.
    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?
    Most trainers don't get to train healthy people................they are training novice, overweight/obese, injury recovering, etc. people. Lack of education on actual maladies that plague these people can result in injury.
    Athletes are easy to train. You just push them harder at whatever ability they have.
    Should the OP go for it? I say go for it IF you're really willing to put in the time and effort to actually understand physiology, kinesiology and have some education learned in sports injury.
    Also you have to be a pretty good sales person. Trust when I say that most people DON'T look for a trainer. A trainer creates their own list of clientele through advertisement, free sessions, word of mouth, etc.

    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
  • dejalo
    dejalo Posts: 8
    I would rather have a trainer who started out unhealthy and made a complete transformation rather than someone who has always been on the right track. That said, I would prefer a trainer who can lead by example (and is a vision of success physically and mentally, not just mentally). I think a lot of people would find an overweight trainer to be less credible than one at a healthy weight -- for me, it would be like hiring an obese nutritionist. This isn't meant to be hurtful. I think you should become a trainer if that's what you want, and I think it's smart of you to recognize that there may be limitations to a career in fitness at the present moment.
  • Troublemonster
    Troublemonster Posts: 223 Member
    There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    ^^ This, I agree with.
    Also seem to be a load of trainers out there because it is so ridiculously easy to get qualified as a trainer.
    Very few of them are actually decent trainers, in my experience.
    Sadly if one can pass the test, they can get a "certification". Here's my input: I know and have heard lots of people say "I could be a trainer" when it's just much more than just inspiring and working people out.
    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?
    Most trainers don't get to train healthy people................they are training novice, overweight/obese, injury recovering, etc. people. Lack of education on actual maladies that plague these people can result in injury.
    Athletes are easy to train. You just push them harder at whatever ability they have.
    Should the OP go for it? I say go for it IF you're really willing to put in the time and effort to actually understand physiology, kinesiology and have some education learned in sports injury.
    Also you have to be a pretty good sales person. Trust when I say that most people DON'T look for a trainer. A trainer creates their own list of clientele through advertisement, free sessions, word of mouth, etc.

    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

    ^^^This,
    I'm not a trainer but as a cop I hear this all the time too. People always tell me "I could be a cop" either because they "know" my profession based on what they have seen on TV or because they have talked to a cop once or twice and think they know what is needed.
    Same here, it's not all the glamour and easy parts. There is a lot to know.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    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.
  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    When I used to go to my slimming world groups, I didn't expect the person leading them to be a svelte size 8. It was nice to see bigger ladies there, as they had been there and knew what you were going through, what struggles you would face, etc.

    I'd feel exactly the same about a personal trainer. Someone that you can respect, get on with and that motivates you is far more important than personal appearance, and anyone that judges you based on that is probably not going to be nice to teach anyway.
  • pcastagner
    pcastagner Posts: 1,606 Member
    There's probably a market for a trainer who "gets it".

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    ^^ This, I agree with.
    Also seem to be a load of trainers out there because it is so ridiculously easy to get qualified as a trainer.
    Very few of them are actually decent trainers, in my experience.
    Sadly if one can pass the test, they can get a "certification". Here's my input: I know and have heard lots of people say "I could be a trainer" when it's just much more than just inspiring and working people out.
    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?
    Most trainers don't get to train healthy people................they are training novice, overweight/obese, injury recovering, etc. people. Lack of education on actual maladies that plague these people can result in injury.
    Athletes are easy to train. You just push them harder at whatever ability they have.
    Should the OP go for it? I say go for it IF you're really willing to put in the time and effort to actually understand physiology, kinesiology and have some education learned in sports injury.
    Also you have to be a pretty good sales person. Trust when I say that most people DON'T look for a trainer. A trainer creates their own list of clientele through advertisement, free sessions, word of mouth, etc.

    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

    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.
  • SadFaerie
    SadFaerie Posts: 243 Member
    OP, I'll be frank -- right this moment I wouldn't let you train me, because I think our fitness goals differ vastly. 18 months may seem a long time, but you're still at the beginning of your journey. You're doing a great job, you're transforming yourself and you learn new stuff all the time, you greatly enjoy it and it's understandable that you want to share that "buff" with other people. It's a good thing! Still, a long road ahead of you, so if you think that being a personal trainer is your thing -- use that time wisely. Work on yourself, educate yourself, read, research, maybe consider getting a formal education in fitness if it's within your reach. Lay out a "business plan" and execute it. You want it? DO IT! Just keep in mind, training and enjoying it is one thing, being a pro and helping others achieve their goals is another.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    First things first, if you're going to do it, do it right. As noted above, it takes a lot more than enthusiasm for being fit Your clients deserve someone who knows their field. And yes, there are a lot of injuries and imbalances that are undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. You would owe it to your client to know when you're not the answer to their problem.

    Also, how are you going to feel about the client that complains the entire session, puts in half the effort you know they can, and then goes and kills a box of girl scout cookies afterward? And then complains that you aren't an effective trainer?

    Whenever I'm going to do something that I'm not sure about, I write out the pros and cons. Are you going to try to work for a big box gym or go out on your own? Very different requirements, environments and results.

    I was told I can sing very well (and by some very respected sources), but I knew I wasn't willing to put in the work to make it as a singer.
  • MyJourney1960
    MyJourney1960 Posts: 1,133 Member
    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":smile:
  • pcastagner
    pcastagner Posts: 1,606 Member
    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":smile:

    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.
  • Kicker12
    Kicker12 Posts: 52 Member

    I wouldn't consider using a trainer who hasn't achieved personal fitness.

    I was 250 at my heaviest and lost a significant amount of weight but truthfully....unless a trainer looks better than I do, I wouldn't use them. That's just my personal opinion. Others might.


    ^
    This all day long...although reputation and past results do also count.
  • MyJourney1960
    MyJourney1960 Posts: 1,133 Member
    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":smile:

    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.
    barbers? seriously?

    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.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    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.
  • pcastagner
    pcastagner Posts: 1,606 Member
    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":smile:

    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.
    barbers? seriously?

    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.
  • 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.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    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.
    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.
    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
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    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.
    Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:

    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
  • micheleb15
    micheleb15 Posts: 1,418 Member
    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.
    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.
    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?
  • pcastagner
    pcastagner Posts: 1,606 Member
    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.
    Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:

    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.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    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.
    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.
    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?
    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.
    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 nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    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.
    Lol, should I take that as a compliment then?:laugh:

    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.
    Gratitudes then.

    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
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