Journey, Not A Destination

Oh it was a blast, let me tell you.

My dentist is very good though.... I just turn on the TV, watch some news, and let him do his thing.
 
Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for the conversation earlier regarding the scale fetish.
Need to thank Mal also.....
You two really know how to put things somtimes to help people understand what is going on and what is important.

Thanks again.
 
Hey Steve,

Im at a point in my life where i have the means to leave work and do this personal training course ive thought about for the last year or two. If i went down this road i would idealy like to specialize in weight loss and/or women.
What im worried about should i take this path in life, is how depressing is it in respects for lots of people who dont want to help themselves.
ie what percent of people get a PT and dont actually want to do anything (the frustrating clients who expect 5 mins exercise to loose tons of weight) ?
I think thats the main thing holding me back, getting stuck with a large portion of people who are not interested in helping themselves but rather paying somebody else to do it for them somehow.
 
Yeah, I just went to the dentist too the other day for a cleaning and they just flip on the flat screen and you watch TV. Totally different than back in the day when you sat there, utterly bored staring into their eyes that are about 1/2 a centimeter from yours.

How's your grandfather doing?!
 
wishes said:
Hey Steve,

Im at a point in my life where i have the means to leave work and do this personal training course ive thought about for the last year or two. If i went down this road i would idealy like to specialize in weight loss and/or women.
What im worried about should i take this path in life, is how depressing is it in respects for lots of people who dont want to help themselves.
ie what percent of people get a PT and dont actually want to do anything (the frustrating clients who expect 5 mins exercise to loose tons of weight) ?
I think thats the main thing holding me back, getting stuck with a large portion of people who are not interested in helping themselves but rather paying somebody else to do it for them somehow.
Click to expand...

Hahaha, do you want me to tell the truth or paint a pretty picture.

If you're training from a public gym, most people aren't going to have the slightest clue what it takes to realize their goals. You can spend the time educating them but unfortunately, very few of them are willing to do what it takes. They'll even stay on board and keep paying you. They just like the idea of having a trainer.

But that hurts as a trainer. At least for me it does. My client's goals become my own. When they're failing, I take it to heart.

If you're good at it though, people will come to you. The more people that come to you, the more you can weed the good from the bad and build a client base that is fun to train. Fun not only b/c they're cool people... but also b/c they are hungry for success.

Of course there's also the fact that it's part of a personal trainer's job to motivate people. Don't get me wrong, that's a huge part of the job. But you can't help those who don't want to help themselves.

Long story short.... it's something you need to consider b/c it's certainly part of the job.

Are you thinking about doing it full time?

Right now I'll be training 'full time' on the web and I'll always train part time. Part time training is nice b/c you don't need the money and you can get pretty selective with who you train.

I'll also add that if you are training people in their homes, for some reason, IME, they tend to be more motivated. People from the net are the most motivated believe it or not.
 
Blancita said:
Yeah, I just went to the dentist too the other day for a cleaning and they just flip on the flat screen and you watch TV. Totally different than back in the day when you sat there, utterly bored staring into their eyes that are about 1/2 a centimeter from yours.
Click to expand...

Yea, I was surprised. This was my first time at this dentist... my old dentist was old school I suppose. Very high tech stuff. They were putting a pointer thinger majigger in my mouth and showing me certain things with my teeth as the pointer thing projected video of my mouth onto the tv. Wild stuff.

How's your grandfather doing?!
Click to expand...

He's doing better, thanks.... but still a rough road for him.
 
Really!

That's quite the accomplishment.... huge congrats!

How did you do? Do you think you'll run another one? Did you enjoy it?
 
I demand that you go and look at these posts! :)

http://weight-loss.fitness.com/437197-post208.html

http://weight-loss.fitness.com/437314-post212.html

I just said the below quote in my diary. I am currently on a new training schedule (5 K Training: Intermediate) to improve my 5K times and prepare me for a 10K. Thoughts? I value your advice, which is why I sought you out! :)



daiseeangel said:
I am going to take over an hour to do it, I'm sure (talking about running 5 miles on Sunday). I just hope I can run the entire thing without stopping! Running is a lot more mental than physical for me. I always feel like I want to stop even though my body can keep going... I have to force myself to keep going. But when I do keep going, I am always so proud of myself in the end. That's what I try to focus on. It is a constant battle for me!

I think that's why I do it. It's not so much that I love to run (I don't!).... it's more about the fact that I love to succeed! I love how I feel after I have truly challenged myself, and I love how it feels when my body has accomplished something that I never thought it could. I don't hate running, but I don't love it. But I love how it feels to succeed more than I hate running. Make any sense?
Click to expand...
 
Steve said:
I'm okay with all that, as you know.

In truth, with someone in her shoes, it's all about becoming more active. Often times structured exercise isn't the answer. First and foremost it's getting the calories under wraps, obviously. Beyond that though, it's finding anything that they a) enjoy or b) can tolerate consistently that is beyond what they are normally doing, i.e., being sedentary.

I've used bands successfully. With them, I usually teach them very basic movements. A lot of isolation work actually. Concurrently, I work on dynamic mobility drills. After some time of this after their conditioning and mobility improve, I'll work in some sort of structured routine usually consisting of high reps and as little rest as possible.

Feel free to hit me up if you even want to bounce some ideas off me or want any suggestions. My site will have some videos that she can use for sure.
Click to expand...

I think if she's going to stick with this, I'm going to have to stay on her about it. I'm going to ask her tomorrow if she wants me to go over her food with her everyday and set aside a time for me to do the resistance bands with her, etc. I have a feeling if I mind my own business, she'll slack off and forget about it. Strangely enough, I kinda think she wants me to stay on her about it. The reason is that she gets lazy and if no one is holding her accountable, she will fall off the wagon. Also, I don't think she knows much about counting calories on her own.
 
Steve said:
Hahaha, do you want me to tell the truth or paint a pretty picture.
Click to expand...
Please, fake all the way (just like a girl!)

Steve said:
If you're training from a public gym, most people aren't going to have the slightest clue what it takes to realize their goals. You can spend the time educating them but unfortunately, very few of them are willing to do what it takes. They'll even stay on board and keep paying you. They just like the idea of having a trainer.
Click to expand...
Yeah i gathered something like that. I think i would rather work in their own home or mine rather than from a gym or an office. I was thinking of emphasizing exercise that doesnt cost bucket loads of gym fees for strange equipment when they can walk, bike, use various household items for resistance kinda thing. It means it takes the excuse work out of why they cant exercise kinda thing.

Steve said:
But that hurts as a trainer. At least for me it does. My client's goals become my own. When they're failing, I take it to heart.
Click to expand...
thats because you're a girl! ... not that i can talk ... :p

Steve said:
Long story short.... it's something you need to consider b/c it's certainly part of the job.

Are you thinking about doing it full time?
Click to expand...
Not to sure, i would probably carry on my computer work, im gonna go do contracting soon for that as ive set up a company and some software ive been writing (that same one you were gonna look at when im done!)

Id also like to perhaps do a few small seminar style things at local halls for free and have the qualifications to back me up. I dont plan on changing the world, i just get pissed off at all the misinformation about.
 
Steve said:
Most certainly.

As you know each client as of right now will get a mini-book explaining the basics of everything.

As well, we're thinking about sending a binder with our logo on it filled with exercise logs for tracking workouts and whatnot. We haven't thought it through completely yet b/c ideally we get to see those logs so we can tweak as needed. For that to happen, clients would take their binders to the gym, write in them, and then at some point have to get on the computer and fill out the electronic copy all over again so we have access to them.

I mean people could always fax or scan but I don't think that's feasible for most.

We'll have to think about that later when we're closer to opening.

Oh, and for now, for those clients who have trouble playing our videos due to internet connection or whatever, we could take a ton of still frames from the video that would more than adequately represent what's in the actual video.
Click to expand...
Just make sure they aren't too big. A bunch of large 50KB pictures can take quite a bit of time to load if they are all on one page.

Also, keep the flash to a minimum. I go around the web with flash blocked. But, most people with slow connections don't.
No Automatic audio and videos on any pages that don't need it.
If you must have these videos and audio tracks on any page keep it to where it only starts and drains my bandwidth if I tell it too by pushing a button or something.

And I disagree with mal. Most people with dial up do so because that is their only real option in there area. These people might live out in the country, or in a small town. These people would likely not have access to a personal trainer in their area. Their only option in this case would be to search outside their living area through the web. So...I think people on dial up could be a untapped source of clients.








Is that accurate... most people are still using dial up? That's something I had not heard, but I never really thought about it. If we find it to be the case, we will definitely find a work-around for those clients who need access to them. We've been thinking about making a dvd later, when we have the time and assets to invest in a professional production. Until then though, it's just Gord and I in his basement doing the filming ourselves, lol.
Click to expand...
. I'm only using dial up because its the only option where I live, besides ISDN (which is crap).

I hope to get one of those new thumb drives that give you high speed nationwide internet access. It would be about the same amount I'm paying for dial up. The only problem is they require a 2year contract. And as someone who is very involved with knowing, and understanding the economy. I'm not willing to stand by a 2 year agreement with our income, the need for a new car and the general increase in the cost to live.. It is just not a worthy contract at this time.
 
daiseeangel said:
I demand that you go and look at these posts! :)

http://weight-loss.fitness.com/437197-post208.html

http://weight-loss.fitness.com/437314-post212.html

I just said the below quote in my diary. I am currently on a new training schedule (5 K Training: Intermediate) to improve my 5K times and prepare me for a 10K. Thoughts? I value your advice, which is why I sought you out! :)
Click to expand...

Firstly, that post you made in your diary was amazing.... I'm so proud of and happy for you! You could feel the sense of accomplishment so much that it even motivated me! lol.

Secondly, I'm not familiar with 'program' you provided a link to. I'll check it out later today.

Is that the sole thing you've been basing your training on? Namely, what have you been doing in total?

I find it interesting that you don't love running but you love success. I mean I hate running. Even if I could get successful at it, which I think is possible if I trained for it, I wouldn't do it b/c of how much I despise it, lol.

But with weights, I absolutely love them. And hitting new records or accomplishing new lifts, the stuff that is deemed success in that sport, I love too.

So why pick running over weights or a particular sport or anything else?

Definitely no right or wrong... just curious is all.
 
bikinibound said:
I think if she's going to stick with this, I'm going to have to stay on her about it. I'm going to ask her tomorrow if she wants me to go over her food with her everyday and set aside a time for me to do the resistance bands with her, etc. I have a feeling if I mind my own business, she'll slack off and forget about it. Strangely enough, I kinda think she wants me to stay on her about it. The reason is that she gets lazy and if no one is holding her accountable, she will fall off the wagon. Also, I don't think she knows much about counting calories on her own.
Click to expand...

I completely understand.

Recently, within the last two weeks, I had a woman from NY email me asking for help with weight loss. Turns out she's 450 lbs, diabetes, hindered mobility, etc, etc.

The first thing she adds to the email is:

i'll have to start when I'm ready. Right now i just don't feel prepared to start. i am very interested as Patty has said amazing things about you but i have to make the time, im always so damn busy and then come up with excuses. i know i need to and i want to but ya know i just like to eat bad things for me although i really need to stop it because of my diabetes.
Click to expand...

People just don't realize that you're never going to feel ready. If you wait to be 'ready,' it's usually something terrible that makes you realize it and kicks you into action.

And that's not a good place to be at.

Without some external mechanism, things are probably never going to change for people like this. Not anytime soon, at least.

Your mother seems to be in a better place than this woman here. She seems ready. But that can change quickly, as I'm sure you know and you seem to imply here.

My point is... this woman needed someone to be accountable to. She needed a push. Still does, daily. And she needed help realizing that thinking about all the work that's in front of her if she wants to realize her goals is very intimidating. Let's focus on small steps that are easily digestible. Master the small steps and the miles add up quick. It's about making it as easy as possible. That's how consistency is formed and once it's formed, things build upon things.

Working with people in these situations for a number of years has helped me develop a fine-tuned 'accelerator' I like to call it. I can tell pretty well when we need to 'let off the gas' and when we can 'step on the gas.' I also make it very clear and reinforce the idea that you (being the client or your mother) needs to be very open with me. Tell me when things are bothering you. Tell me when you're frustrated. Tell me when you want clarification. Tell me if you want to try something different. Tell me if you want to slow the pace down or pick it up. The list goes on and on.

It's about finding that sweet spot between letting them feel in total control and being their 'fuel' and means of accountabillity... if that makes any sense.
 
wishes said:
Yeah i gathered something like that. I think i would rather work in their own home or mine rather than from a gym or an office. I was thinking of emphasizing exercise that doesnt cost bucket loads of gym fees for strange equipment when they can walk, bike, use various household items for resistance kinda thing. It means it takes the excuse work out of why they cant exercise kinda thing.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting concept and would set you apart... at least from the trainers I see here. I've done a lot of in-home training with my obese clients and it's pretty easy to come up with stuff for them. You'd have to think about how you would become known or how you would advertise... but I'm sure you know this.

thats because you're a girl! ... not that i can talk ... :p
Click to expand...

Touché

:p

Not to sure, i would probably carry on my computer work, im gonna go do contracting soon for that as ive set up a company and some software ive been writing (that same one you were gonna look at when im done!)

Id also like to perhaps do a few small seminar style things at local halls for free and have the qualifications to back me up. I dont plan on changing the world, i just get pissed off at all the misinformation about.
Click to expand...

I've thought about doing some free seminars.

a) I love conversing and educating on the subject

b) It's a great way to convince people you have a valuable service they can use

So I think that's a great idea.

Keep most posted on what becomes of this. What's the cert you're after?
 
Trevor M. said:
Just make sure they aren't too big. A bunch of large 50KB pictures can take quite a bit of time to load if they are all on one page.
Click to expand...

If I incorporated something like this, it would be a start/end position and a middle position for most of the exercise. So 2-5 pictures at most. Plus, I've 'optimized' or some fancy shit the photos currently on the site for fast loading.

Also, keep the flash to a minimum. I go around the web with flash blocked. But, most people with slow connections don't.
Click to expand...

I have no flash on my site.

No Automatic audio and videos on any pages that don't need it.
Click to expand...

I have no automatic sounds or videos on any of the pages.

If you must have these videos and audio tracks on any page keep it to where it only starts and drains my bandwidth if I tell it too by pushing a button or something.
Click to expand...

I don't understand.

Right now our videos are on the 'video page' of our site. Actually the video page is just where the links are to dig deeper into the exercise database.

And I disagree with mal. Most people with dial up do so because that is their only real option in there area. These people might live out in the country, or in a small town. These people would likely not have access to a personal trainer in their area. Their only option in this case would be to search outside their living area through the web. So...I think people on dial up could be a untapped source of clients.
Click to expand...

Interesting.

I'm only using dial up because its the only option where I live, besides ISDN (which is crap).
Click to expand...

That sucks bad.
 
you are doing what he's asking for... I don't think he wants the video to start automatically when you pop into the page.. or have it load up as you load the page - you have to consciously click start to watch the video...

Recently, within the last two weeks, I had a woman from NY email me asking for help with weight loss. Turns out she's 450 lbs, diabetes, hindered mobility, etc, etc.
Click to expand...
In case no one told you yet today, you're awesome... that what amounts to a stranger emailing you for help and that you didn't just delete and move on - that you will probably attempt to help her -even if she doesn't want to totally help herself right now.. though reaching out to you - says she does want to help herself and she's readier than she thinks she is...
 
Thanks a lot Mal. I guess I never looked at it like that. Whenever I get an email of that nature I'm happy as hell... it's like my next project. I almost want to thank them for email me, lol. She's only 2 hours or so away so I'll probably make the trip up to see her if she turns out being serious. We'll see what becomes. I get a respectable number of emails from random people who aren't from forums asking for help. Few of them turn out being willing to commit themselves. But it's always great finding those select few.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top