Yeah, not too surprising honestly. I've known quit a few people into running and long distance biking that are rather large. My one friend is pretty over weight 5'10'', 240 pounds (doesn't lift weights or anything, he used to be super lean but started eating and drinking a lot) but he can run 6 miles in like 45 minutes. I can't run a mile. Never could, never will.
Do you judge your trainers/instructors by their appearance?
- Thread starter Red_Panda
- Start date
I will be honest here, I will hold some doubt if the trainer / instructor are qualifed if they look "out of shape" but will give them the benefit of the doubt. Reservation held until they show that they know their material, which most actually do.
Then, there are trainers that look the part and to be honest just CRAP in term of training skill. Half the time, they are admiring themselves in the mirror while the trainee is working out.
Then, there are trainers that look the part and to be honest just CRAP in term of training skill. Half the time, they are admiring themselves in the mirror while the trainee is working out.
Interesting conversation....I agree w/ a lot of the comments already made, but I thought I'd put in my 2 cents.
I know I discriminate some against pt and fitness class instructors. I've never hired a pt (b/c it's too expensive) but I've gone to some of the classes at the Y and if the instructor is not at the fitness level I think they should be at, I hesitate before going, but I usually give it a try. I know they may have some extra weight b/c life happens and not everyone can stay at their ideal size.
As for a pt, if I see them lifting weights in the gym multiple times a week and they don't look like they have changed their body in months, then I probably wouldn't hire them. IMO part of a pt job is to look the part, how can I believe they can transform me if they can't transform themselves? If I was to hire one that wasn't fit, I would want to see proof of people they had transformed.
I know I discriminate some against pt and fitness class instructors. I've never hired a pt (b/c it's too expensive) but I've gone to some of the classes at the Y and if the instructor is not at the fitness level I think they should be at, I hesitate before going, but I usually give it a try. I know they may have some extra weight b/c life happens and not everyone can stay at their ideal size.
As for a pt, if I see them lifting weights in the gym multiple times a week and they don't look like they have changed their body in months, then I probably wouldn't hire them. IMO part of a pt job is to look the part, how can I believe they can transform me if they can't transform themselves? If I was to hire one that wasn't fit, I would want to see proof of people they had transformed.
What if their desire is to just maintain a healthy lifestyle in the current body they have? Not always does one have the desire to change their appearance and this should not detour you from the possibility of missing out on a great trainer.
I only ever see two trainers at my gym, one looks great and is very muscular and walks around strutting and giving women two pound dumbells. The other one looks great and is very muscular and walks around giving sound advice and helping people. He improved my squatting immensely with one little suggestion.
You never know I guess. But honestly, I would probably be inclined to judge. I mean, you wouldn't want your hair stylist to have a mullet would you?
You never know I guess. But honestly, I would probably be inclined to judge. I mean, you wouldn't want your hair stylist to have a mullet would you?
Intresting topic.. I judge fairly easily but when it comes to a PT I need them to have a good knowldge, but something that I need from a PT is a good personality. Make jokes and make the work out just a little easier. I had one PT who was an intense very large man who made me alot stronger but I wanted to cry everytime I got home haha. Now I have a PT who is just as knowldgable but gives me support and is more of a friend. I come home feeling great now :jump1:
CardioJ
0
Interesting thread, and I would have to agree that I would want a PT that is as committed as I am. It seems like all the PT's and fitness instructors at my gym are pretty much in tip top shape. :jump1:
Used to judge til I saw some seriously impressive trainers who were ordinary body wise or even a bit overweight. They also were booked solid TRAINING people and therefore may not have felt up to spending another moment at the gym or whatever.
Another consideration, I have seen some power lifters, great trainers ( look at Rippetoe) but their physiques aren't my ideal. But I bet they would teach me stuff that would make me look incredible. Genetics and diet might make the so so trainer look fantastic but I like to see the proof in the client or reputation for helping people get to their goals not the person who looks great and is disengaged from their clients because they are too busy checking the mirror or socializing.
Another consideration, I have seen some power lifters, great trainers ( look at Rippetoe) but their physiques aren't my ideal. But I bet they would teach me stuff that would make me look incredible. Genetics and diet might make the so so trainer look fantastic but I like to see the proof in the client or reputation for helping people get to their goals not the person who looks great and is disengaged from their clients because they are too busy checking the mirror or socializing.
I'm very close and good friends with much of the staff at my gym...in particular the general manager.
There is no question that the trainers who are more physically fit and attractive generally have more success in getting clients, retaining clients and overall impressing people. Very often clients look at their trainer's bodies and almost figure what they see is what that trainer can give them. Unfortunately, it's as simple as that. They have to talk the talk AND walk the walk.
The chubby, old, unattractive trainers generally train the elderly or really obese people who figure they won't be pushed too hard or intimidated. Sure, some of them have expert command with nutrition, technique and what-not....but being trained by a flabby trainer is like listening to a fat person give you dieting advice.
Hate the game, not the player..... :jumping:
There is no question that the trainers who are more physically fit and attractive generally have more success in getting clients, retaining clients and overall impressing people. Very often clients look at their trainer's bodies and almost figure what they see is what that trainer can give them. Unfortunately, it's as simple as that. They have to talk the talk AND walk the walk.
The chubby, old, unattractive trainers generally train the elderly or really obese people who figure they won't be pushed too hard or intimidated. Sure, some of them have expert command with nutrition, technique and what-not....but being trained by a flabby trainer is like listening to a fat person give you dieting advice.
Hate the game, not the player..... :jumping:
Very true post and unfortunately that's just the way it is.
I was just being honest in saying I judged trainers by appearance, I think a lot of the people here who said they don't are telling little porky pies and/or kidding themselves.
We judge by what we see, it's human nature, you wouldn't see a fatty walking down the street and think 'But I bet he has a great wealth of training and nutrition knowledge'. So why would you think that if they were stood in a gym with a clipboard and 'Trainer' written on their back?
Just to clarify LV, I was meaning if they were out of shape and were working out and not making changes.
If I decided to hire a pt I would definitly do my homework first and find out from people they trained what kind of pt they are plus I'm sure I would do a lot of talking w/ them to find out what kind of knowledge they have. We had a vb coach in hs that never even played vb(cheerleading was the only female sport at her hs) and she took the team to the state tournament 9 out of 12 yrs, so I know that people don't always look the part.
However, one of the pt in my gym is a girl I went to hs with and she is has a beer belly and wears tight shirts and walks around talking and acting like she is the best in the gym so I probably wouldn't hire her. Obviously her idea of in shape and healthy are way different from mine, and I would want a pt that has the determination and drive like I do. Even though I know I shouldn't, I will still judge them by the way they look and act, b/c I believe the way you present yourself is your biggest advertisement.
In the absence of other information, it's all we have to go on. We also go by first impressions and some people are very hesitant to get past that as well. Such is life.
I understood what you meant but remember not all people workout to make physical changes to the outside of their body.
This was posted a few months back in a blog I read once in a while:
A recent post on this blog traced my journey to a steady state of fitness. I also wrote about the professional help I had had in the process - from three personal trainers. The benefits of having a personal trainer have far outweighed the costs in my case, which is why I am happy to recommend the concept wholeheartedly.
But then how do you know whether a trainer is good?
Well, the short answer is - by watching for desirable and professional behaviours, as well as undesirable and unprofessional ones.
For a long answer, read on.
I found a very interesting post on WP homepage that talks about “lazy trainers“.
The post is written by a personal trainer, called Sam Page. I have no idea who he is, more than you do, but from experience of using trainers, I know that his points are spot-on.
He provides a peer perspective on his profession.
1. Lazy trainers smile too much.
2. Lazy trainers take themselves too seriously.
3. Lazy trainers gaze at themselves in the mirror. (The mirrors in a gym are not vanity mirrors; they are there to help those exercising alone or without supervision to know if their technique is right.)
4. You’ll rarely see a lazy trainer in the gym, working out. (At the moment, even as Cole trains me despite his knee dislocated due to a bad tackle in rugby, I see more than a grain of truth in this. All my trainers have had regular training sessions with other trainers, and also have had other interests such as boxing in case of Lee and rugby in case of Cole. The proof however is visible. If the trainer does not have an aspirational body, don’t spend your money!)
5. Lazy trainers take their clients for granted. (More on this later.)
6. Lazy trainers sit all the time.
========================================================
For balance, here is my view - a client perspective - on these points.
1. A good trainer does not diss a client’s previous trainers.
It makes the client feels like an idiot and that is definitely not good for the trainer’s income. For my part, I have been told that I was taught well because my technique is good. Sounds much better and of course, boosts my confidence too!
2. A good trainer demonstrates techniques.
So he does work out side-by-side with you, but not all the time. Sometimes the fact of seeing someone do an exercise can itself be oddly energising and motivating. At other times, you need someone to watch you and correct your posture and movement. A good trainer knows when to do what.
3. A good trainer gives active feedback.
As I mentioned in 1. above, I have been told how I have been taught good technique and how with visible improvement, I could try something new.
4. A good trainer engages with the client at the client’s level.
For instance, I like to understand things clearly and if that involves some Latin terms, so be it. I also ask for book recommendations sometimes so I can understand my problem areas better. A good trainer does not see questions as an evil but a necessity of his job, and answers them truthfully and clearly.
4b. Contrary to common perception, a good trainer is not a piece of muscle with no brains. Most good trainers are well-qualified and have had to do various certifications and pass examinations. They know their stuff and you will find fakes soon enough.
5. A good trainer is well-organized.
Beware a trainer who reschedules sessions too much, or says that he cannot always ‘fit you in’! I have trained with trainers who have a load of celebrity clients and I have always trained on my own terms. Being well-organised is a sign of professionalism.
6. Last but not the least, a good trainer is discreet.
He does not discuss other clients identifiably with you. So you can gain confidence in knowing that he will not discuss you with others.
This, to me, is the most important part of the relationship with a trainer. Most people have a good acquaintance bordering on friendship with their trainers.
A good trainer is familiar with his client’s body issues as well as privy to other issues related to work and life, which may trigger odd eating patterns, stress, sleep disruption etc. A good trainer works around these distractions by changing the motivating techniques, even the plan of exercise depending on the client’s particular situation, but without compromising the path to progress.
But above all, remember there is also such a thing as a ‘lazy’ or ‘bad’ clients. If that piece is missing, a good trainer cannot work miracles.
It takes one’s own commitment to fitness, regularity of training and small sacrifices to reach and exceed health goals.
Best wishes,
Chillen
How to spot a good personal trainer
A recent post on this blog traced my journey to a steady state of fitness. I also wrote about the professional help I had had in the process - from three personal trainers. The benefits of having a personal trainer have far outweighed the costs in my case, which is why I am happy to recommend the concept wholeheartedly.
But then how do you know whether a trainer is good?
Well, the short answer is - by watching for desirable and professional behaviours, as well as undesirable and unprofessional ones.
For a long answer, read on.
I found a very interesting post on WP homepage that talks about “lazy trainers“.
The post is written by a personal trainer, called Sam Page. I have no idea who he is, more than you do, but from experience of using trainers, I know that his points are spot-on.
He provides a peer perspective on his profession.
1. Lazy trainers smile too much.
2. Lazy trainers take themselves too seriously.
3. Lazy trainers gaze at themselves in the mirror. (The mirrors in a gym are not vanity mirrors; they are there to help those exercising alone or without supervision to know if their technique is right.)
4. You’ll rarely see a lazy trainer in the gym, working out. (At the moment, even as Cole trains me despite his knee dislocated due to a bad tackle in rugby, I see more than a grain of truth in this. All my trainers have had regular training sessions with other trainers, and also have had other interests such as boxing in case of Lee and rugby in case of Cole. The proof however is visible. If the trainer does not have an aspirational body, don’t spend your money!)
5. Lazy trainers take their clients for granted. (More on this later.)
6. Lazy trainers sit all the time.
========================================================
For balance, here is my view - a client perspective - on these points.
1. A good trainer does not diss a client’s previous trainers.
It makes the client feels like an idiot and that is definitely not good for the trainer’s income. For my part, I have been told that I was taught well because my technique is good. Sounds much better and of course, boosts my confidence too!
2. A good trainer demonstrates techniques.
So he does work out side-by-side with you, but not all the time. Sometimes the fact of seeing someone do an exercise can itself be oddly energising and motivating. At other times, you need someone to watch you and correct your posture and movement. A good trainer knows when to do what.
3. A good trainer gives active feedback.
As I mentioned in 1. above, I have been told how I have been taught good technique and how with visible improvement, I could try something new.
- A good trainer knows and can explain the reason why a particular exercise has to be done in a particular way, and why cheating that is detrimental.
- He knows which muscle groups are involved in synergistic and antagonistic activities (to balance a workout).
- He knows the myths related to weight loss, etc. and takes care to dispel those from your minds.
- He prevents you from over training or cheating.
4. A good trainer engages with the client at the client’s level.
For instance, I like to understand things clearly and if that involves some Latin terms, so be it. I also ask for book recommendations sometimes so I can understand my problem areas better. A good trainer does not see questions as an evil but a necessity of his job, and answers them truthfully and clearly.
4b. Contrary to common perception, a good trainer is not a piece of muscle with no brains. Most good trainers are well-qualified and have had to do various certifications and pass examinations. They know their stuff and you will find fakes soon enough.
5. A good trainer is well-organized.
Beware a trainer who reschedules sessions too much, or says that he cannot always ‘fit you in’! I have trained with trainers who have a load of celebrity clients and I have always trained on my own terms. Being well-organised is a sign of professionalism.
6. Last but not the least, a good trainer is discreet.
He does not discuss other clients identifiably with you. So you can gain confidence in knowing that he will not discuss you with others.
This, to me, is the most important part of the relationship with a trainer. Most people have a good acquaintance bordering on friendship with their trainers.
A good trainer is familiar with his client’s body issues as well as privy to other issues related to work and life, which may trigger odd eating patterns, stress, sleep disruption etc. A good trainer works around these distractions by changing the motivating techniques, even the plan of exercise depending on the client’s particular situation, but without compromising the path to progress.
But above all, remember there is also such a thing as a ‘lazy’ or ‘bad’ clients. If that piece is missing, a good trainer cannot work miracles.
It takes one’s own commitment to fitness, regularity of training and small sacrifices to reach and exceed health goals.
Best wishes,
Chillen
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I do......
You , missed this part :-
realworksuks, do you take Miss shanenei to be your wedded wife to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep her. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?"
realworksuks, do you take Miss shanenei to be your wedded wife to live together in marriage. Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep her. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?"
I agree for the most part. Still though, it's hard to take the PT who has 30% BF seriously when they are telling you how to cut your own BF.
Dunno...guess I was just raised to lead by example and practice what I preach.