Gym controversy- would you hire an unfit trainer?
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ClayBengal wrote: »I wouldn’t take financial advice from someone driving a 1997 Yugo.
Even when Sam Walton {Walmart} was the wealthiest person, within the world; he lived like a poor person!
Also:
https://cnbc.com/2016/08/29/janitor-secretly-amassed-an-8-million-fortune.html
Exception to the rule.2 -
I think I would prefer a trainer that is qualified and fit. I guess to me it more proof that what they are teaching works.
But I would take a qualified unfit trainer over a unqualified fit one.
It’s sort of like how obese doctors comment on your weight, it seems odd but they have the qualifications to make the comment.0 -
It is hard to take advise from someone who doesn't look the part for their profession. In my opinion a true professional would look the role of what they are selling. They may have tons of qualifications but if they don't look the part it would be hard to take them seriously. I personally don't think anyone needs a personal trainer for basic fitness. Now if you are training for something like an Ironman or bodybuilding competition that is different story. Best of luck!
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I've been thinking about this one for a bit. Technically it shouldn't matter as long as they know their stuff. But if it was a first impression thing I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that if I had to choose between 2 trainers and one looked fit and one didn't I'd be inclined to choose the fit looking one.
In thinking about this more I realize I should consider my choice more thoroughly. I can think of a few health care professionals I know who do not look or practice good health care habits for themselves but give great advice to others. Not everyone has the same desire/motivation to be a certain way (fit, healthy, whatever) that doesn't mean they don't know what they are doing/teaching. Or they may know what to do, but have trouble doing it for themselves.
random question @TeacupsAndToning, because you are my go-to for grammar, is it wrong to start a sentence with "But"? It looks awkward to me and I trust your opinion
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I would think it would depend on your goals. Power-lifters don't generally look like someone who was more into the aesthetics of bodybuilding, but they're hella strong. There are different types of training when it comes to lifting. If one is looking to be more aesthetic in appearance, then they would most likely look for someone who has the dedication it takes to maintain that look as far as training regimen and food intake, etc. etc. Or, I could just be spewing a bunch of nonsense, lol.0
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You say she’s unfit but also that she attends the gym regularly ... so she’s not unfit, just overweight.
I have had a few trainers. I feel more comfortable hiring a trainer who has extra pounds over one who has no idea what I’m going through. I’ve had trainers who were fit, and they had no clue how to help me and some actually hurt me. And I have had trainers who were overweight and could reach me on a level that no trim person ever could. That gym missed out big time.4 -
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alwaysbloated wrote: »I had a trainer for a few months who was a bit heavier but probably still in the healthy weight range. I was a bit doubtful about her knowledge for me to lose weight, but she was a good trainer, she made me feel welcome and was good at showing me how to do the exercises. I felt comfortable with her, we had good chats and she was attentive to what I was doing. I feel like I misjudged her.
Some trainers may be overweight, but have life experiance as previous athletes. Or maybe they are really passionate about their job and are good at transforming other peoples bodies. Maybe being fit and in shape isn't a priority for them, but they still know how to get other people there. It kinda reminds me of the plot in Elle Woods- a celebrity trainer wouldn't give her alibi against murdering her husband, because she didn't want her fans to know she got liposuction to get rid of the last five pounds (or something). When I was in highschool, our PE teacher was this fat dude, but he knew his stuff.
I would say to judge someone on their clients testimonies, rather than on the trainers body. Plus, everyone has different body goals. Some people want no body fat, others want to be curvy, some like a little bit of fat everywhere, some people want no muscle, some want lots etc. When I've asked other people how much I should weigh, they have told me anywhere between 70 and 80kg, when my preference is actually about 60kg. What someone thinks looks good is up to the individual.
I don't think I would hire a trainer based on qualifications alone- I would want to make sure they recognise correct form and can use most of the machines correctly, and see how well they train a practice client, and if they have a good rapport with them. An interview isn't enough imo.
Your response's the best!
However I do understand the necessity, for a personal trainer to be fit enough; if you're expecting them to be your exercise partner as well & thus do all of the exercising with you, like leading a group; during a trail run! Most of those trainers, either work with a group of people; once daily or with 1 wealthy, enough client because it'd be unrealistic/implausible, to expect a trainer to exercise at full tilt; all day!
Even those that teach several exercise classes, within a day'll just do it; to demonstrate but then walk around the class, lightly instructing individuals; that require more demonstrations & then mostly shouting already physically taught repetitive instructions, plus provide overall encouragement/motivation; to engage with the current class but to also conserve, their own energy; for their following classes!1 -
Surely you judge a trainer/coach on the results their existing/past clients have achieved, rather than their own physique?7
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Doesn't it depend on your goal and your situation?
If you're trying to lose 60lbs what good is a trainer that's never been overweight in their life? If you have a condition that makes exercise more challenging (for example I have lots of metal work, soft tissue damage and loss of range of movement from a traffic accident) what good is some ripped 25 year old that has never has a sprain in their life?
For me the question would be what training they had. Who their clients have been and what they have achieved. I spent too long in physio to be taken in by what a person looks like rather than what they know and can pass on.
You might find this interesting, from a trainer to trainers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPH7RbeLst4
Worth considering - would you choose this guy as your trainer if you wanted to be the world's best boxer? Angelo Dundee trainer to Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman.... He trained as a cornerman and trainer, he wasn't a boxer himself.
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ManBehindTheMask wrote: »Surely you judge a trainer/coach on the results their existing/past clients have achieved, rather than their own physique?
Apparently not!0 -
BitofaState wrote: »Doesn't it depend on your goal and your situation?
If you're trying to lose 60lbs what good is a trainer that's never been overweight in their life? If you have a condition that makes exercise more challenging (for example I have lots of metal work, soft tissue damage and loss of range of movement from a traffic accident) what good is some ripped 25 year old that has never has a sprain in their life?
For me the question would be what training they had. Who their clients have been and what they have achieved. I spent too long in physio to be taken in by what a person looks like rather than what they know and can pass on.
You might find this interesting, from a trainer to trainershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPH7RbeLst4
Worth considering - would you choose this guy as your trainer if you wanted to be the world's best boxer? Angelo Dundee trainer to Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman.... He trained as a cornerman and trainer, he wasn't a boxer himself.
The bold part, of your quote's nonsensical! For instance, I don't have to try cocaine; to know that it's awful for me! I am instead able, to learn via others; without experiencing their plight! Also it contradicts, the remainder; of your post {I didn't watch, the video; to compare that}!3 -
I’ve never had a trainer. I think I’d want someone that would understand my goals and push me to achieve them.
She was a member at the gym- did she push herself during her workouts? Or was she just standing around a lot, not really doing much? What were her workout and nutrition goals?1 -
I would, also, want a trainer that practices what they preach.
This discussion got me thinking about the Debate forum, though. Everyone seems to be an expert on fitness and nutrition there, too.0 -
BitofaState wrote: »Doesn't it depend on your goal and your situation?
If you're trying to lose 60lbs what good is a trainer that's never been overweight in their life? If you have a condition that makes exercise more challenging (for example I have lots of metal work, soft tissue damage and loss of range of movement from a traffic accident) what good is some ripped 25 year old that has never has a sprain in their life?
For me the question would be what training they had. Who their clients have been and what they have achieved. I spent too long in physio to be taken in by what a person looks like rather than what they know and can pass on.
You might find this interesting, from a trainer to trainershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPH7RbeLst4
Worth considering - would you choose this guy as your trainer if you wanted to be the world's best boxer? Angelo Dundee trainer to Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman.... He trained as a cornerman and trainer, he wasn't a boxer himself.
The bold part, of your quote's nonsensical! For instance, I don't have to try cocaine; to know that it's awful for me! I am instead able, to learn via others; without experiencing their plight! Also it contradicts, the remainder; of your post {I didn't watch, the video; to compare that}!
Using Angelo Dundee is a poor example. Number 1, he over saw Ali's conditioning workouts but was not the conditioning coach. He was there to hone a skill, and was an advisor. As I stated before, that is far different then a strength and conditioning coach. There are very few people that are working out in the health clubs that are training to learn and excel at a certain sport. Most are trying to increase the level of their health and fitness. Using skill coaches as examples of that is like apples and oranges.3 -
meh.
Someone with the knowledge to help me reach my goals is more important to me than how they look. If I had a trainer for awhile who wasn't helping me reach my goals (or listening to me for that matter), I'd switch. And I have, regardless of how they look.
My current trainer is very very strong and fit (ahh muscle ups *swoon*), but not necessarily super huge. I think he has the knowledge to help someone reach that "super huge" look if that's what they are after, even though he's not that way himself.
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100_PROOF_ wrote: »manwithmustache wrote: »I haven't used any trainers. If I were to get one though I would want someone that's fit so at the very least they're practicing what they preach. I wouldn't want someone to just tell me how certain things should be done and believe them because they have certs. I would also want them to show me right then and there to do a clean rep of what they're training me to do and go through which muscles they're tensing up, at what time, and what form cues that they're doing that I should pay attention to.
This is exactly how I feel too. You where just able to put it into words much better than I was.
I got to hear both sides of this situation because the girl works at my bank. I had no choice but to go while she was working today and she let it all out. She asked me if I'd hire her ( hypothetically) and I was honest and said no. I was able to say it in a sparing way though as I explained that I'm interested in a different level of fitness so need a special kind of trainer and a special kind of coach.
(She lifts 5lb dumbbells so that isn't really the training I'm interested in)
The 5 lb dumbbells is a bigger red flag than "looking unfit"
Take Rippetoe as an example.3 -
ClayBengal wrote: »I wouldn’t take financial advice from someone driving a 1997 Yugo.
Me neither. A 1986 Toyota on the other hand.0 -
BitofaState wrote: »Doesn't it depend on your goal and your situation?
If you're trying to lose 60lbs what good is a trainer that's never been overweight in their life? If you have a condition that makes exercise more challenging (for example I have lots of metal work, soft tissue damage and loss of range of movement from a traffic accident) what good is some ripped 25 year old that has never has a sprain in their life?
For me the question would be what training they had. Who their clients have been and what they have achieved. I spent too long in physio to be taken in by what a person looks like rather than what they know and can pass on.
You might find this interesting, from a trainer to trainershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPH7RbeLst4
Worth considering - would you choose this guy as your trainer if you wanted to be the world's best boxer? Angelo Dundee trainer to Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman.... He trained as a cornerman and trainer, he wasn't a boxer himself.
The bold part, of your quote's nonsensical! For instance, I don't have to try cocaine; to know that it's awful for me! I am instead able, to learn via others; without experiencing their plight! Also it contradicts, the remainder; of your post {I didn't watch, the video; to compare that}!
Using Angelo Dundee is a poor example. Number 1, he over saw Ali's conditioning workouts but was not the conditioning coach. He was there to hone a skill, and was an advisor. As I stated before, that is far different then a strength and conditioning coach. There are very few people that are working out in the health clubs that are training to learn and excel at a certain sport. Most are trying to increase the level of their health and fitness. Using skill coaches as examples of that is like apples and oranges.
While I understand your points, mine was regardless of a trainer's current physique it doesn't make them incapable of training others via knowledge; regardless of what type of trainer they're & I didn't comment, specifically concerning; Ali's training/trainer because I'd have had to research, that 1st but that commentator's words, otherwise contradicted; their prior posting!0 -
I've had a personal trainer before. The guy I had was very fit, quite strong but there were certain exercises he couldn't do/had issues doing. I think the main thing that matters to me is proper qualifications and if they can do their job properly.
If she's not able to do certain exercises then that's fine, not everyone can do everything. I struggle with a few workouts, mainly ones like shoulder presses due to me having a bad shoulder. But if she can do her job right and help people correctly with the proper qualifications and things then that's all that matters to me0 -
The bold part, of your quote's nonsensical! For instance, I don't have to try cocaine; to know that it's awful for me! I am instead able, to learn via others; without experiencing their plight! Also it contradicts, the remainder; of your post {I didn't watch, the video; to compare that}!
The part you quoted was on selecting someone because of how they looked rather than what they know, the book by it's cover error, the Warren Harding error. Even if they had the life experience I'd still like to understand what training and education they have had, and how they've applied that so they they can understand my needs. The person the OP referred to may not have been genetically blessed, but may have the appropriate education and attitude. Similarly they may have lost weight or have overcome some medical difficulties, but not have the right training.
What do I want in a trainer? Knowledge and empathy. Push me when I'm being lazy, praise me when I push myself. Look at my bio-mechanics and don't assume that because you can execute a perfect squat that I can, I have different proportions and that can make some exercises harder or easier for me than for you.
If you were having nasal surgery, cocaine might be just the thing. The specific conditions and needs are more important that a generalized approach. Di-morphine was just what I needed at one point, wouldn't recommend it for recreational purposes.0 -
When I was a personal trainer (only really do it recreationally for friends now), I knew a few trainers who you wouldn’t call ‘fit’.
Those trainers are actually great for people who might be intimidated by working with someone who is super fit.
Everybody reacts to different people differently.
Personally, I wouldn’t hire an unfit trainer but only because somebody would have to be super fit themselves to put me through my paces, whereas somebody who has just started out wouldn’t have the same requirements.0 -
There are always exceptions, and life can be unfair, but marketing can often rely on visual presentation. In marketing physical fitness and healthy living, a reinforcing visual cue would be someone who looks strong and fit. Someone going to a gym does so because they're not satisfied with their fitness or appearance. They're MUCH more prone to seeking advice from someone who looks like what they themselves want to achieve. Look at it from a perspective of free advice: if you wanted a six pack and toned thighs, would you go to the gym and seek out the overweight person who walks around slowly... or a person who's ripped and walks around with a spring in their step? The inclination is to think/say, "I want my abs/arms/thighs to look more like yours."
The gym is a business, and can only succeed if the sales force is successful. Statistically speaking, a fit, trim appearance will be more successful at selling a healthy and fit program.5 -
Using Angelo Dundee is a poor example. Number 1, he over saw Ali's conditioning workouts but was not the conditioning coach. He was there to hone a skill, and was an advisor. As I stated before, that is far different then a strength and conditioning coach. There are very few people that are working out in the health clubs that are training to learn and excel at a certain sport. Most are trying to increase the level of their health and fitness. Using skill coaches as examples of that is like apples and oranges.
The point is selecting a trainer that aligns with your goals. Not everyone in the gym actually needs a strength and conditioning coach, some need basic coaching, some need their individual bio-mechanics analysed to develop approaches that align with their body structure, some need guidance on nutrition more than they do on exercise. The instagram inspiration guys and gals are not the best for most people attending a gym.
Gyms push a one size fits all approach to PT. I was attempting to say that I would hire the trainer that best aligned with my needs, irrespective of how they looked.2 -
I would, but I would be wary for all the reasons stated above. That said, I am overweight and have a degree in nutrition. I KNOW what I have to do, but it's not easy for me. I can absolutely help someone lose weight by giving them the tools they need, but in the end, it's up to the individual person to follow through. If an overweight trainer can help me fix my squat form, then I'd hire them right away! (Seriously, my form sucks.)0
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I wouldn't hire her, and in the US she /probably/ wouldn't win. I say probably because you never know what a jury is going to do. However, its not legally discrimination to not hire someone because they're fat...being overweight isn't a protected class. Legally, they could also not hire her/him if they were gay...or if they use marijuana regardless if it was legal there or not.
Now, if she could prove she wasn't hired because she was over 40...that's when things get interesting...0 -
Personally I wouldn't. I know there can be trainers out there who are not fit and know their stuff, but I follow by example. The coach i take classes for is amazing and that's what pushes me. In her I see a goal I want to achieve, being as physically fit as her, and that's what keeps me going when I want to give up.
And I've had an overweight friend who claimed to work out and know how to lose weight... I gained 20 pounds with her. She may have known that stuff, but her lifestyle took me down with her.1 -
I would, but I would be wary for all the reasons stated above. That said, I am overweight and have a degree in nutrition. I KNOW what I have to do, but it's not easy for me. I can absolutely help someone lose weight by giving them the tools they need, but in the end, it's up to the individual person to follow through. If an overweight trainer can help me fix my squat form, then I'd hire them right away! (Seriously, my form sucks.)
A trainer at a CrossFit place I went to told me to stand near a wall, not too close, arms stretched above my head hands on the wall, and to squat down. If my nose bumped the wall, or even my knees, I was leaning too far forward.1
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