Kees (that's me) on Personal Training (Part 1)

Heya! Well it's been a while...a good long while since I scribbled here. I've been working on some other little projects that I will share in time.

One of my jobs is personal trainer (although not working at the moment) and as a personal trainer I have pet peeves at the gym. Well, I had pet peeves at the gym long before I was a personal trainer. I've been working out at gyms since I was 14 and I feel strongly about certain things in a gym atmosphere. Read on...

Because I care...

For the last two months I've been with my husband in California for his work and we've been working out at a fairly small, busy gym. There are things I notice right away about gyms...cleanliness, attitudes, courtesy and how the trainers work with their clients. The other day I was watching a trainer who I'd seen training clients previously. He was working with two females, a mother and daughter I'm guessing. I'd watch him demonstrate a specific exercise or lift, and then he'd have the two females do the exercise.

The form the women used was awful, but it wasn't their fault. Obviously beginners, they're not aware of form. Poor form is the fault of the trainer not paying attention to detail. My knees were hurting just watching, and I kept waiting to hear him give verbal cues. He did give one. He said "Imagine it as if you were sitting." So they did, but knees were over toes, abs were not held tight so there was a bending of the back. Verbal cues are key when working with newer clients, but should be used with all clients.

Why does this bother me...well, let me explain. People develop bad habits, bad habits lead to injury, injury leads to less working out which ultimately leads to illness, and/or a weak body. Americans already struggle enough with stress and diet in our hurry hurry lifestyles. If someone's actually making time to get to the gym, give them proper training. If you're training someone young and they have bad form it's sometimes because specific muscles haven't developed. The client needs to become more aware of form and posture and taught how to strengthen the weak areas.

Now, I'm a real hands on trainer, and I ask permission to touch my client. I will physically move their leg into the 90 degree position it needs to be in for a lunge or squat, or touch their back when I want them squeezing shoulder blades together and all the while reminding them to keep their core tight to protect their back. A good thing to remember when working with people who are newer to lifting, is 90 degree joint movements and don't let knees go over toes. No need to be hurting joints.

I just wish all trainers took the time to teach the right way in the beginning. I know there are a lot that do, but the few that don't can hurt someone. It may take time, but it saves time in the long run. Plus you end up with happy, healthy clients that will come back to you.

If you are the client...ask your trainer to give you cues as you do your lifts. Sometimes trainers feel rushed especially if they're working with multiple clients in one session so they may save time without even realizing it, by not giving as many cues and letting you get away with poor form. Proper lifting form takes time to learn. Be as educated as possible when seeking a personal trainer. Do you want a man or woman to train you? Do you know how long this person has been personal training? What is their education? And, what kind of shape is he or she in? Have you seen them lift or work out? Don't let someone you're paying to help you create a healthier lifestyle assume you know what you're doing. Ask a lot of questions. It's your body! Your life!