Hi guys

I have recently got myself a personal trainer to aid in the weight loss process. I have been meeting up for six weeks now and I feel that the introductory phase is now over. I'm looking to get some specific plans in place, but we seem to be doing whatever he feels like doing when I turn up. There doesn't seem to be a plan.

Don't get me wrong, he's good at keeping me going when I'm there and always gives a good session. He's also doing a very good deal on the sessions - offering very good rates.

We have had two weigh ins which I had to ask to get done with body fat % measurements. He's also tested me on the mile run twice and we noticed a marked improvement on the second test.

My question is this. What should I expect from a personal trainer and what can I ask of him?

Cheers

BB

what are you paying for? what are your expectations?

I would like to give this answer----
you should expect a genuine interest in your health, and improved performance, and not backslapping bull****"

BUT- most peeps want the backslappin, and are offended by the truth that can come from a genuine concern.

FF

RESULTS, plain and simple.

But in saying that you also need to eat clean. I know too many people that follow their trainers exercise program and then go home and ruin all of the hard work by eating fattening foods and drinking beer.

Suppose I'm after a bit of structure that I can see a way forward from. I've always tried to give myself a structure in the past, but it seems that I was doomed to fail while doing it alone. So I'm caught in the headlights here and being forced to trust someone else with my health.

Basically I'd like to know what I can ask of him in the way of training programs, diet advice, etc. without overstepping the mark.

ASK ASK ASK , and he will tell you when you cross.

do not respect your trainer, unless you can USE your trainer. And the only way you can know that is by USING THEM.

ASK ASK ASK and then ask again.

trainers want to see WANT out of you, and when you show it- you can get ALL they have to offer.

FF

p.s. and I will add this-- if you ask and he does not answer (like e-mail or questions that he will get back to you on) then YOU FOLLOW UP WITH HIM! and say - hey- why no answer. DEMAND the attention you deserve. Then he will see you are serious. like waitwhat said, most peeps go home and ruin it all anyway. So trainers look for the real deal-- show you are the real deal by ASKING and followimng up on what you want.

Thanks for that - I find that I'm always asking questions in general everyday life, a bit like a five year old So I've found that I've been holding back with him. I won't ask twice, so it's not an annoying pestering Spanish Inquisition, just the ask once, get the answer and learn from it.

First question then: ??????

Every personal trainer is different and will go about his or her business differently. As WaitWhat said though, you're looking for and expecting Results.
With my clients, it's obviously important to do a good hour of testing in the first session i.e. blood pressure, girths, skin folds, weight, RM testing and so on...
With the goals the client has given me, I basically design a programs that will best deliver the results they are after. I personally like to change up the program and keep it fun and enjoyable... but whatever gets your results...

You should expect the truth. Ask all of your questions at the beginning and hold him/her to their answers.

Hey there Bear!
From what you have described, it sounds like your personal trainer is waiting for your input. What body parts do you want to work on? What are your goals? If you are clear with the trainer on what you want, then maybe he will come up with an organized routine. If you tell him, I really would like stronger legs and to lose some body fat, he should be able to come up with a workout routine that will help you with that. Ask and you shall recieve.

Brianna
witnessforfitness

Good point




I have a client I see one day a week and drinks beer and fried food 2-3 times per week. He and 2 friends started weight watchers the same time. They have lost 25 & 12 lbs respectively. He is down 8 and is often on the yo yo. Down 2 one week, up 3 the next.

[QUOTE=Trainer01;371410]Every personal trainer is different and will go about his or her business differently. As WaitWhat said though, you're looking for and expecting Results.
With my clients, it's obviously important to do a good hour of testing in the first session i.e. blood pressure, girths, skin folds, weight, RM testing and so on...
With the goals the client has given me, I basically design a programs that will best deliver the results they are after. I personally like to change up the program and keep it fun and enjoyable... but whatever gets your results...[/QUOTE]

Good points on both. I like to mix it up as well. While each session has basic lifts (squat, deadlift, push press), the rep scheme, tempo, weight, object etc always changes.


Anytime you choose a trainer you should watch the trainer in action for 1-3 months. Talk to his/her clients about their sessions and results. 90% of my clients come from the classes that I also teach so they are used to my style and approach.

Good luck with your training

A big bill.

Keep asking him questions, even it it twice. Most traininers love to teach and the questions will not bother them.

Sounds like your traininer is trying to keep it mixed up so you do not get bored. If you need a set routine, ask him to put something together for you.

BareBear

I disagree with a lot that's written here.

How can you possibly expect to improve, and make progress unless you have a plan. It's really quite simple with my clients - we agree fitness and health goal(s), we agree modes of exercise, I develop a progressive periodised plan, and we operate the plan. I chart their progress as part of the process of encouragement and I vary the workouts.

Variety does not = no planning! Variety is simply there to make training interesting and to continue to challenge your body.

Most people want to see and have proof of improvement (more weight lifted or further distances run, or walked etc). Your trainer sounds to me like he frankly can't be bothered to prep your sessions.

If that's wrong - apologies, but based on your thread here, it looks that way.

PM me if you'd like any further info,

Steve
Fitterover50

You should clearly articulate what it is you want and ask when to expect it. If the results you seek don't come, ask for free sessions until they do.