5 Things Your Personal Trainer Wants You to Know
A while back, I wrote an article titled, “5 Things Your Group Fitness Instructor Wants You to Know”. These days I almost exclusively teach group fitness classes, but there was a period of my career where I worked full time as a personal trainer and studio manager. From the first client until now, these perspectives have been universal across my career. (Also, I originally wrote this as a collective “we”, but know that I can’t speak on behalf of all trainers. So, these are my beliefs.)
You don’t have to get in shape before you come and see me. That’s like cleaning up your diet before you go in for your yearly physical. I want to see the real you. Sure, if you want to begin exercising or want to incorporate new things into your routine before using a trainer, you’re welcome to do so. But, please don’t think that I’m judging your fitness based on the skills, abilities, and body composition you show up with. I’ve seen it all and welcome you as you are. It’s the whole point of individualized training.
I don’t want you to be dependent on me (i.e. my services) forever. If you're new to fitness, one of the best investments you can make is with a qualified fitness professional. My goal is to teach you the basics of proper technique and program design. I want to foster your confidence in your exercise technique and your fitness knowledge. By growing self-efficacy, your belief in your skills and abilities will compel you to continue on your own. Learning how to progress safely and effectively will keep you functional throughout your lifespan. (But you can always come back for a technique refresh or for some new programming.)
I am going to help you reach your goals within the broader scope of functional fitness. Occasionally, clients will come to a consultation saying, “I just want to work on my core and my glutes.” And I love when folks show up with a vision. However, it would be a gross misuse of time and money if that’s all I did. While a trainer should help you conquer your goals, they can work on those areas you mention…and more. I always want training to be balanced and comprehensive. From a biomechanical perspective, there are likely plenty of other postural imbalances going on that are contributing to a weak core and glutes. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to change your body composition. Just know that it happens with a balanced approach (and usually a lot slower than you think).
I can’t want it for you more than you want it for you. Understand that when trainers take on clients, they want the best outcome possible for you. (If you don’t feel that’s the case, find a new trainer.) Naturally, there will be days where you just aren’t feeling motivated, you lack energy, or you had a stressful day at work and you’re off your game. However, if the majority of your sessions are that way, you’re cancelling more than you’re showing up, or you aren’t giving your best effort on your good days, then it may be a good idea to take a break. Regroup by starting smaller to build your gym habit - focus on simply showing up consistently for smaller bouts of work. Once you’ve built the habit, you can incorporate personal training sessions with the commitment is there. Your investment into training should be worthwhile and efficacious.
We aren’t magicians. We can give you all the tools, support, and recommendations. However, if you don’t apply those resources to your life outside of your two or three training sessions per week, you likely won’t see change. Cutting down sedentary time by walking or by simply standing more often, cutting out your daily Starbucks bev, and exercising on days your aren’t training are just a few of the changes that may be recommended to you. These changes don’t have to happen all at once. Approach those recommendations in a way that works for you. Yes, if you’re new to this, it’s overwhelming. Take the baby steps. Be honest with your trainer. They can help you strategize and direct you to other professionals outside their scope of practice for support.
Most importantly: be honest with yourself. Own the effort you’ve invested and fairly assess the work that you’ve done in and outside of the gym. You owe it to yourself to show up meaningfully and wholeheartedly as you craft the best version of you.
Simply Fit is a free, weekly newsletter written by Dr. Amanda Durall, a Kinesiology professor, fitness professional, and busy mom who aims to simplify exercise science and deliver practical recommendations to help you achieve your fitness goals. Want more free content like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe for weekly training tips, technique overviews, and more evidence-based fitness content!