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Personal Trainer Peeves


Sheta

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Why is it that some PT's have the need to use their cellphones to talk or text when they are with clients. I see it constantly and it damn well annoys me.

More often than not their clients are executing a exercise with poor technique, and the trainers dont even seem to care.

Then theres the ones who talk to there mates or are more focused on the TV.

When a client is spending money on their service, thats what they should be getting!

Gggrrrrrrrr

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I agree totally, Sheta - especially the poor technique situation. I sometimes wonder if these PT's have actually done the exercises themselves or have just read about them in a book! Or perhaps they have tried them once or twice and wondered why they ended up injuring themselves?

And what is it with their phones - surely they can turn them off during a session ... or perhaps they are desperate for work and can't afford to miss a potential customer?!

A number of people have asked me to recommend a PT as they are keen to get into bodybuilding. Thankfully I know a number of superb PT's who are also expert bodybuilders. While it isn't essential for a good bodybuilding trainer to be an experienced bodybuilder themselves, I recommend that newbie bodybuilders hook up with someone with competitive experience - they are more likely to not only know an appropriate range and balance of exercises but also know how to do them properly!

I mean - you wouldn't feel confident learning how to drive a car from someone who can't drive, would you?

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I've not seen a PT at my gym on the phone when they're with a client so maybe it varies by location - a good gym won't tolerate that any more than they'd tolerate someone chewing on a Big Mac in front of the client...

My own trainer's absolutely the opposite, has never taken a call or a text while I've been there...but working with a couple of trainers, and more recently having learned to watch the PT's in my gym, I've learned the 'bad form' thing...that really ticks me off...

The first time I tried a PT, we had fun, but I made zero gains, zip, nada....two years later, the second one spent their own time and energy on the relationship, picked up form, picked up morale, picked-up energy....the difference between good and bad is night and day.

But, if you're a newby, whether it's to bodybuilding or general fitness, how are you going to tell the difference?

TFB

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Thers this PT at my Gym who will get all annoyed with people if they happen to be using a peace of equipment, he wants to put his client on.

He's quite a big fella so most people will move away cos they feel intimidated.

One morning he tried to do the same thing to this elderly women on the lat pull down next to me, she went to move off, i asked her in front of him if she had finished what she had set out to do on it, she said "Its ok I can finish later" and she moved away trying not to look the prick in the eye.

So before he could scoop up his gear and rush over with his client in tow, I jumped on it and started my own sets. (I wasnt even gonna do back that day)

Man if looks could Kill.

I said "sorry is there a problem?"

He just grunted and walked off in a big huff.

I made an enemy that morning, but I also made a shit load of new friends.

The old girl was pissing herself laughing.

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I've not seen a PT at my gym on the phone when they're with a client so maybe it varies by location - a good gym won't tolerate that any more than they'd tolerate someone chewing on a Big Mac in front of the client...

My own trainer's absolutely the opposite, has never taken a call or a text while I've been there...but working with a couple of trainers, and more recently having learned to watch the PT's in my gym, I've learned the 'bad form' thing...that really ticks me off...

The first time I tried a PT, we had fun, but I made zero gains, zip, nada....two years later, the second one spent their own time and energy on the relationship, picked up form, picked up morale, picked-up energy....the difference between good and bad is night and day.

But, if you're a newby, whether it's to bodybuilding or general fitness, how are you going to tell the difference?

TFB

If you are a newby I'd spend a bit of time watching how the trainers are with their clients. Also, talk to a couple. See how they react when you talk about your goals. Some PTs will be enthusiastic about helping you, others wont give a toss. Also, talk to thier clients if you are able. It shouldnt take too long to figure out the quality

A trainer should also walk their talk!

One PT asked me 4 weeks ago where I go for my training and nutrition as she has a client that wants to compete. I told her I do it myself & I would be happy to help her with the client. She turned me down flat & told me she would figure it out (I'll put that one down to personal financial issues!). This PT is a keen hockey player, so I told her that when I get a client that wants to learn the game I'll get a book a try to teach her. She was not amused - PT's should stick to what they know!

Fingers crossed her client does ok, or calls me!

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A number of gyms now ban cell phones on the actual workout floor, as the old camera phone can create a number of privacy issues. Certainly the gym I used to work in banned all staff cellphones past a certain point. Mind you our clientele (corporate) wouldn't tolerate the old 'wait here I have to take a call from my mate regarding something un-important).

We used to develop all sorts of programs for clients...PT work isn't all just sets and reps. My clients used to enjoy variety in their exercise, I would do outdoor sessions etc.

When selecting a PT, I guess the following points apply:

If it's bodybuilding you are after, don't employ a fat or skinny trainer.

If you are going to bang out heavy weights, don't employ a female trainer.

Don't expect massive results in a matter of two or three sessions. It just doesn't work like that.

Employ a nutritionist at the same time for better results.

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morning ppl.

As a club owner and pt,i run the gym and work on the floor with clients at the same time,i try to do pt work when the gym is off peck time of day,i put my answer phone on in the office,leave me cell in there too,i dont think its fear on someone paying money and have there teacher only give them part of there time and skills,If i have a pt that dosnt the same,he or she wont be here long! see ya!

i cant see any pt been able to put 100% into a client if there doing there own shit at the same time,i try not to move my eyes off the client/ machine/bars eg.. that ive set them on,and im to bissy teaching/motivating them to do any thing other than just that.

i pt as if in training my self! 100% at that time

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One PT asked me 4 weeks ago where I go for my training and nutrition as she has a client that wants to compete. I told her I do it myself & I would be happy to help her with the client. She turned me down flat & told me she would figure it out (I'll put that one down to personal financial issues!). This PT is a keen hockey player, so I told her that when I get a client that wants to learn the game I'll get a book a try to teach her. She was not amused - PT's should stick to what they know!

This is a pet hate of mine. In our industry its about refferal as well as offering a service. A docter wouldnt try do a physios job they would reffer on and in the long run the same would happen in return. Being a trainer doesnt mean you know everything so as you said people should stick to what they no and are qualified to do.

the number of trainers that offer particular services that i know for a fact they shouldnt be really gets to me.

NZPT

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It's the self obsessed culture of tweebs we live in. It's no different that going to a meeting and people taking mobile phone calls, or being with a cell rep who is contantly interrupting you because of their cell phone.

It illsutartes how much repsect these people have for their clients or business associates -it's just plain rude.

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One morning he tried to do the same thing to this elderly women on the lat pull down next to me, she went to move off, i asked her in front of him if she had finished what she had set out to do on it, she said "Its ok I can finish later" and she moved away trying not to look the prick in the eye.

So before he could scoop up his gear and rush over with his client in tow, I jumped on it and started my own sets. (I wasnt even gonna do back that day)

Man if looks could Kill.

I said "sorry is there a problem?"

He just grunted and walked off in a big huff.

I made an enemy that morning, but I also made a shit load of new friends.

The old girl was pissing herself laughing.

Aw, Mike, you're a superhero! :nod:

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