What should I expect from a personal trainer?
stepjkelley6208
Posts: 2 Member
I'm starting at a new gym and have signed up for personal traing but I'm wondering if my expectations are too high when it comes t a personal trainer? What I want is:
-someone who is going to push me past my limits make me sore(the good kind not put my in pain).
- someone who will teach me how to do the exercises so when I'm on my own I feel comfortable doing strength training. I want someone to teach me not just tell me what to do.
- ask me how my workouts go when I'm not with them and guide me on what to do outside PT, so I have more of a plan to help me reach my goals
- Someone who will talk to me about nutrition. Ask how I'm doing what am I struggling with etc.
- someone who has some sort of motivation to keep me as a client meaning they reach out to me if I don't have any appointments scheduled to get me scheduled. Something to show me they want to help me reach my goals even if they are doing it just for the money I want them to have something driving/pushing them to help me be satisfied.
Am I expecting to much from a personal trainer? I can find all sorts of info about a first session with a trainer or what a trainer can do for you but nothing about what a trainer should actually be doing on a regular basis with me. I'm signed up to twice a week and I have a lot of weight to lose. It is expensive and I really want to make sure I am getting the most I can out of personal training. Thanks!
-someone who is going to push me past my limits make me sore(the good kind not put my in pain).
- someone who will teach me how to do the exercises so when I'm on my own I feel comfortable doing strength training. I want someone to teach me not just tell me what to do.
- ask me how my workouts go when I'm not with them and guide me on what to do outside PT, so I have more of a plan to help me reach my goals
- Someone who will talk to me about nutrition. Ask how I'm doing what am I struggling with etc.
- someone who has some sort of motivation to keep me as a client meaning they reach out to me if I don't have any appointments scheduled to get me scheduled. Something to show me they want to help me reach my goals even if they are doing it just for the money I want them to have something driving/pushing them to help me be satisfied.
Am I expecting to much from a personal trainer? I can find all sorts of info about a first session with a trainer or what a trainer can do for you but nothing about what a trainer should actually be doing on a regular basis with me. I'm signed up to twice a week and I have a lot of weight to lose. It is expensive and I really want to make sure I am getting the most I can out of personal training. Thanks!
0
Replies
-
I wouldn't say you're asking too much. That's what I get from my pt, she knows me, my limits (hypermobility) and goals. She pushes me further than I would have thought possible while still within my actual limits. She always seems to have something new to challenge me with when I master something. And she's always at the other end of messenger if i need support.
Be warned though you might not click with the first pt you meet with. I was lucky my pt also runs classes and I already knew I liked her training style there are other pts in my gym I wouldn't be able to train with.1 -
Sounds reasonable, just watch out for that 1st one. You don't have to be sore. And there's a huge unknown range, especially at the beginning, of what may make you sore vs really sore.3
-
I think you should show this list to any trainer you are considering hiring.
Fwiw, I've only had two personal trainers and it was a decade ago, so maybe things have changed, but they wouldn't have met your criteria.
To be specific:
1. Push past limits
My first trainer did a good job teaching me fundamentals but did not push at all. I felt she underestimated me. My second trainer pushed and pushed hard. It was so intense that I after a while I dreaded going to the sessions and ultimately got injured.
2. Teach me how
Both trainers were great in this area.
3. Ask me how my workouts went
My first trainer did not do this. My second trainer had a form I completed for sessions on my own so he could keep track. We didn't discuss them often though.
4. Nutrition
Was not part of the services my trainers provided.
5. Motivation/schedule appointments
I didn't miss any appointments until I got injured, so I don't know if they would have phoned or just relished the paid vacation. But as to my own motivation for getting in there, my first trainer nattered on about boring details in her personal life as I trained, after I understood the basics she provided no additional services really. It was lucky my own motivation was high at the time. My second trainer was a tiny bit flirty which was fun. I have a friend who felt like her trainer was also her therapist. She couldn't wait for her appointments.
I'm a fan of booking a small package first (like 5 sessions) to get to know your PT before buying bigger packages.0 -
Keep in mind that your first point is kind of a wide range. When I hired a coach, the first thing he did was significantly reduce what I was doing. That wasn't a bad thing, it was just a big shift to a different (but more effective) training style. Also-not every workout needs to leave you sore/achy/totally spent to be effective. Be open to a range of experiences and gauge the effectiveness of the training on progress towards your goals (preferably via some quantifiable, measurable, consistently tracked metrics).1
-
Looks good EXCEPT you should never trust a personal trainer to give you nutrition advice. Most have no actual education in nutrition and those that do mostly get it from something like a 6 week correspondence course from a woo peddler or whatever MLM company they sell for.6
-
Those are very reasonable expectations.
If you find a good trainer, they should be very well capable in helping you with everything.0 -
Looks good EXCEPT you should never trust a personal trainer to give you nutrition advice. Most have no actual education in nutrition and those that do mostly get it from something like a 6 week correspondence course from a woo peddler or whatever MLM company they sell for.
Yep, in fact most personal trainer certifications don't allow specific diet advice. For example ACE basically says theit trainers can oly give geeric advice based on government dietary recommendations.1 -
i don't think it's unreasonable either. bear in mind that trainers are people just the way people are, so you'll find variations in temperament and approach among them, which doesn't make someone who doesn't fit a 'bad' trainer. just perhaps not the trainer for you.
i've actually got very different expectations (try to push me too hard and i'll fire you, phone me at home and i'll block you, shaddup about all the rest of my life). but it took me a year of fighting off trainers with more the kind of style that you're looking for before i found the kind of mind-his-own-business artist who works for me. so the prognosis for you finding what want seems good, if the trainer gene pool where you are is more or less the same as it is here
i'll say one thing though. a trainer situation is a relationship. so definitely good ones will be a little proactive when you're starting out, but bear in mind that it's difficult for anyoen to fit all of that into a single session. so my two cents would be to go partly by vibe as well. if you feel comfortable with the person, then that means that probably most of the rest will follow at some point. but if you're not really gelling with them then it's likely to be a bit of a struggle all the way down the line.1 -
Thanks for the advice everyone. I feel much better about asking for those things and that it's not totally out there and unrealistic. I know that as I get stronger I will feel less and less sore as my muscles learn and grow but starting out it is a good indicator for me personally that I'm making progress to be able to feel my muscles working and growing. As far as nutrition I am really looking for more of the generic advice and slowly incorporating healthier choices into my life so it is sustainable. Eat more Whole Foods, less processed, figure out correct portion sizes, tips to not binge eat, stuff like that. I really don't want to go from 1 extreme to another! I appreciate all the help and resposes! I'm going to figure this out 1 day at a time!2
-
I have worked with two trainers in the past year (one moved away). I'd say the nutrition thing might require a different professional as other have mentioned (different certifications/expertise). But don't expect the PT to be a mind reader. Tell him/her what you are looking for and see how they respond. Good communication is important!!0
-
Packerjohn wrote: »Looks good EXCEPT you should never trust a personal trainer to give you nutrition advice. Most have no actual education in nutrition and those that do mostly get it from something like a 6 week correspondence course from a woo peddler or whatever MLM company they sell for.
Yep, in fact most personal trainer certifications don't allow specific diet advice. For example ACE basically says theit trainers can oly give geeric advice based on government dietary recommendations.
This is important! A trainer is not a dietician or even a nutritionist and usually have little training in nutrition. Be cautious of diet advice given.1 -
stepjkelley6208 wrote: »Thanks for the advice everyone. I feel much better about asking for those things and that it's not totally out there and unrealistic. I know that as I get stronger I will feel less and less sore as my muscles learn and grow but starting out it is a good indicator for me personally that I'm making progress to be able to feel my muscles working and growing. As far as nutrition I am really looking for more of the generic advice and slowly incorporating healthier choices into my life so it is sustainable. Eat more Whole Foods, less processed, figure out correct portion sizes, tips to not binge eat, stuff like that. I really don't want to go from 1 extreme to another! I appreciate all the help and resposes! I'm going to figure this out 1 day at a time!
Go to a Registered Dietitian for your nutrition advice. A personal trainer is just not qualified. If your BMI is over a certain amount or you are diagnosed with any condition helped by diet (high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc) (varies by insurance company) consults with RD'd are covered. I get 2 free, then with a copay afterwards.1 -
stepjkelley6208 wrote: »Thanks for the advice everyone. I feel much better about asking for those things and that it's not totally out there and unrealistic. I know that as I get stronger I will feel less and less sore as my muscles learn and grow but starting out it is a good indicator for me personally that I'm making progress to be able to feel my muscles working and growing. As far as nutrition I am really looking for more of the generic advice and slowly incorporating healthier choices into my life so it is sustainable. Eat more Whole Foods, less processed, figure out correct portion sizes, tips to not binge eat, stuff like that. I really don't want to go from 1 extreme to another! I appreciate all the help and resposes! I'm going to figure this out 1 day at a time!
Go to a Registered Dietitian for your nutrition advice. A personal trainer is just not qualified. If your BMI is over a certain amount or you are diagnosed with any condition helped by diet (high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc) (varies by insurance company) consults with RD'd are covered. I get 2 free, then with a copay afterwards.
Good advice on seeing a RD for specify conditions. Everyone shold check their own insurance policy at leat in the US as covered items can vary.0 -
Might just want to find a coach. Personal Trainers are very limited to what they can do and the advice they can give. Plus, a coach won't have any problem with making you sore, and making you do it all again tomorrow. A good coach has no sympathy. I think it will cost you about the same. Might even be cheaper depending on what you're looking for. Most of the money you pay to the trainer will go to the gym.0
-
That's not too much. That's actually asking only the bare minimum. A true personal trainer will make you a nutrition plan, a workout plan, help you set goals. Will adjust your nutrition and workouts based on your preformance, progress and changes. That's what you should expect.0
-
I know it's been montioned above but PTs can only give very broad nutritional advice unless they have undertaken further study.
Good luck and enjoy your training!0 -
Regarding PTs and nutrition: many (most?) have absolutely no clue what they're talking about. I've seen a few - in my old gym, as well as a "coach" in my new gym - that are so stuck in old BroScience (that's been proven factually incorrect, so not just opinion) that they give some of the worst nutritional advice in the world. Every now and then you find one that knows what (s)he's talking about, but it seems to be quite rare.0
-
I agree that the list is totally reasonable. It's what I get from my trainer.
However, be aware that many trainers will obviously WANT you to see them every session rather than setting you up to train alone because money...
A good one, normally one with more qualifications than just the standard PT qualifications, will be interested in setting that sort of long term client/trainer relationship up. I've found that the more qualifications a trainer has, the more flexible they are willing to be. They have invested in their own career, and probably seen enough clients to know what leads to long term client retention and what makes them wander off.
Don't be afraid of almost interviewing them. If they're good, they'll be happy to explain their qualifications and training, and approach to programme setting.0 -
stepjkelley6208 wrote: »I'm starting at a new gym and have signed up for personal traing but I'm wondering if my expectations are too high when it comes t a personal trainer? What I want is:
-someone who is going to push me past my limits make me sore(the good kind not put my in pain).
- someone who will teach me how to do the exercises so when I'm on my own I feel comfortable doing strength training. I want someone to teach me not just tell me what to do.
- ask me how my workouts go when I'm not with them and guide me on what to do outside PT, so I have more of a plan to help me reach my goals
- Someone who will talk to me about nutrition. Ask how I'm doing what am I struggling with etc.
- someone who has some sort of motivation to keep me as a client meaning they reach out to me if I don't have any appointments scheduled to get me scheduled. Something to show me they want to help me reach my goals even if they are doing it just for the money I want them to have something driving/pushing them to help me be satisfied.
I've had several trainers in the past, in other gyms/states. My current gym is a wellness center - PT, dietician, massage services as well. I see the dietician there and she recommended one of the trainers for strength work when some tests showed I was losing muscle mass (used to do only cardio). I think your requirements are reasonable, except for the nutrition one. Most do not study that routinely. My dietician has a Master's degree in it, my trainer has a Master's in Physiology. I asked my trainer about a supplement once, she referred me to the dietician for that. Occasionally she'll ask how that part of my fitness is going, and hear me vent when the scale doesn't move, but doesn't give me specific advice .
I used her for a few sessions about a year and a half ago to learn the heavy lifts, then did it on my own. I realized I liked the sessions and her (she teaches a couple of the classes I go to) so I resumed sessions last year.
She will encourage me to go past what I think are my limits and I've learned to trust that I am capable of those things. The sore thing is not always a sign of success or a good workout and when I am, it's never pain, just sore.
She's definitely a great educator on what to do, why I should do it and gives me the knowledge to do it on my own.
She does keep informed of what I do on my own and even consults with the dietician (apparently I'm doing too much :-) ) She's been fantastic about making our sessions with my specific goals in mind, it's not a cookie cutter workout that everyone that day will do, it's geared towards what I want to accomplish.
Not sure about your last requirement - she's definitely motivated to help me and it's sincere, but the first time I chose to stop, there was no pressure to stay and I'm grateful for that. She wants me to reach my goals and is just as happy as I am, when I do, but I certainly wouldn't want pressure to stay if I wanted to stop.
I got lucky as she was the first one I've used here and will be the last. If we didn't click, I'd have tried someone else. The important thing is that you feel comfortable with this person. Good luck with it.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.7K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions