Real trainers

Thanks to “reality” shows (think Biggest Loser) a lot of people see personal trainers as yelling, oversized, intimidating bullies.  They see personal trainers as inhumane beings from outer space who are super fit and ready to conquer the world, hell bound on making you cry and suffer.  And humiliate you.  Don’t forget the humiliation.

Oh please.  These type of shows should be called “non reality” shows, or “let’s see how stupid you really are” shows.  Folks, a decent personal trainer does not go around yelling at you.  They won’t tell you how bad you are, how fat you are, or point fingers.  If they do, get rid of them.  Quickly.

The number of people who avoid me in a social environment because I’m a personal trainer can’t even be counted on the fingers of both hands.  When I eventually ask them what it is that scares them the word “Biggest Loser” pops up 98% of the time.  That oh so popular “reality” show succeeded in scaring people away from personal trainers in just a few months.  Wow, now that is what you call effective marketing…

The world “personal” says it all:  a personal trainer should be a qualified professional who is there for you, and you alone.  They are there to guide you.  To make sure you are motivated to turn up for an exercise session.  To make sure you do the best you can (all without yelling and calling you names).  To give you advice, and correct you if needed so you can exercise safely.

Did you know that qualified personal trainers spend years on their studies to ensure they are the best they can be?  They get to learn how the human body moves, how it is affected by injuries.  Yes we even learn how the mind is affected.  We spend hours and hours of our lives learning about you, often on top of full time jobs and families.  All so we can make sure you get the results you need, safely.  

The most common question I get from clients?  Hey Claudia, what did you do before you became just a trainer.  Just a trainer, I say.  It took many many hours of blood, sweat and tears to “just” become a trainer.  But thank you for asking, before I was just a trainer I was a software developer.  That little fact causes shock in most people.  You mean you gave up a lucrative career in IT to become a personal trainer?  Yes, that is exactly what I did.  It gives me far more satisfaction seeing people succeed in their individual goals than it is to hear someone complain about their computer software.

So the next time you meet a personal trainer, you know, “just” a trainer, spare a thought for the time that person spend away from their family to make sure you reach your fitness goals.  Safely and in one piece.  Then get your butt out there and exercise.  There is a reason this world needs personal trainers, and that reason is you:  you need motivation, dietary advice and safe exercising.  In a kind and supportive way of course, no yelling. Because without that exercise you will end up a weak, overweight and stressed out slob. Just saying…