This is the response I have heard from people who contact me about personal training. After we’ve discussed their goals, their needs, and their current level of fitness, they ten proceed to end our conversation by saying “once I’m in shape I’ll give you a call”. That’s like cleaning up the house before the cleaning lady comes. Now this may be a way to avoid committing to a training program, and if so, that’s a discussion for another time. I always thought that after people attempt to get in shape on their own, and either don’t know how or just aren’t motivated, they hire a trainer. I’ve attempted in the past, and I’ll continue, to explain to people that everyone’s program should be unique to their needs. There isn’t a one size fits all solution. That’s been my beef with many Boot camps. They sometimes run too large in size, which affects the quality of the coaching. Then some trainers simply follow the silly mantra that this is the workout… take it or leave it. Now for the record, my wife Judy has done a great job of individualizing the experience for everyone that enjoys our Boot camps. I know this may sound like a shameless plug, but it’s the truth. I truly don’t feel that if you have 4-6 people in front of you with different needs that it should be challenging for a trainer to assign each one of them a squat that is appropriate for their needs. I’ll admit that it may be a bit chaotic, but a controlled chaos.
It must be those Reebok CrossFit videos that show people passing out after their workouts. I’m fully aware that some people don’t want to, nor can, squat & clean with a barbell until they pass out. It’s a shame but that’s what the media has fed us. It’s those people that tell me “I’ll be back in few weeks, just let me start hitting the gym”, that rarely get to the gym. I feel that I have failed these people. When I conduct my consultations I persistently try to explain that I don’t believe in working you until you drop. It doesn’t feed my ego to see people become ill from a workout, or miss work because they can’t walk. I believe I can challenge you, and I will, without crushing you. My goal is to make you better, not worse! I believe that my workout should be a lifestyle enhancement. You should be able to get in & get out quickly. And it should make everything outside of the gym better.
But here is the other side of the coin. When helping someone to establish fitness goals, people have to learn to be more realistic in accepting the amount of time that may be required to reach their goals. Losing 50lbs is possible. Getting it done in 3 months isn’t. I like people to consistently see change. I think that is very important. I should also define what I mean by change. Change can be improvement in a particular exercise, improvement in mobility around a joint, a change in attitude towards exercise, and for some the best of all… a positive change in body-fat. It’s like investments. Would you prefer a solid 10% return annually over 10 years, or a see-saw ride that nets a zero gain over the long haul. And just like the stock market, that workout that you buy & hold will always prevail over the quick-fix. It has to be a lifestyle commitment. If you’re not willing to give me 6 months at a minimum, you’re not doing yourself any justice.
I have experienced some of my greatest success stories when the client and I act as a team. Working and communicating together. The client should understand what the plan is. The trainer should be able to provide the reasoning behind their programming, and when they should see results. There should be a healthy progression. Both of you should know where & what you’re working towards. It should be challenging, but achievable. It works best when both parties take on accountability & responsibility. So if you have contemplated hiring a trainer, stop putting it off. Hire one today and take control of your health. But remember that they have a responsibility to provide you a safe & effective program. Set realistic goals. And finally, if they can’t provide the why & how, move on. Good luck!
For information on our New Torch Workout coming this fall e-mail me at Doug@janddfitness.com or (702) 892-0400.