Beware of the "So Called Personal Trainers"

I feel I need to address something that is extremely important to me, and that's your health and fitness results.

The problem I am seeing lately is that there are many "So Called Personal Trainers"... ready to take your money, who have no clue whatsoever on how to train you for maximum results. Some even employ techniques that are unsafe. I've seen so many group fitness instructors put their clients in harms way.

Some of these people who run boot camps, group fitness and/or personal training programs are not even qualified. Many don't have the proper certifications, degree (some are not even trained in CPR...) , much less they don't carry proper insurance or worst they don't have one.

Do you understand my concern now? I am truly worried for your health and overall fitness.

However, if you are not satisfied with your health and fitness level and are tired of just going through the motions on your own, never really accomplishing any of your goals, then it’s time to realize you need help. What if you are considering hiring a personal trainer?

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when deciding to hire a professional.

Let me address the first issue; is a personal trainer expensive? It’s not expensive when you compare it to surgery, liposuction, and other alternatives; that besides being expensive may not be safe as well. For example there are now less invasive techniques used by medical spa's (and by less invasive it means no surgery... but you must be almost naked or have someone rubbing you in an uncomfortable way) but types of lipo machines can cost over $3500 in treatments... You may see some results, probably not; however at the same time you learn nothing on how to prevent your body from getting to the same place again after a couple of months or years.

True, that in today’s economy we need to plan ahead and be smart buyers. However you either invest in yourself today or regret it tomorrow and pay a bunch more in costly health issues or by being deprived of enjoying your life with those you love. (By the way Personal Training is not a lifelong commitment… being fit and healthy is!)

Reality is that personal training fees may vary from one location to another and from the experience and expertise of the trainer. But remember you are investing in yourself. Ask yourself, what price tag do you put on a healthy and fit body? Keep this in mind, how you treat yourself today will define you tomorrow… what goes around comes around!

Now comes your concerns: how do I know if I hired the right trainer? This is where I like to highlight the differences between "the old so called personal trainer" and a true Fitness Specialist. In my opinion any personal trainer might take your money, count repetitions and get you tired. A true Fitness Specialist, will motivate you, guide you through the right path, work hard with you in order to inspire and educate you and get you in the best shape of your life.

A true Fitness Specialist will be able to understand your background. He would consider whether you'd had surgery, or been injured, or even whether you wanted to compete in a Figure, Fitness or Bodybuilding show. A true Fitness Specialist is able to explain his methods of training and why they are effective and how they relate to you. Is there an assessment process? How long will it take to see realistic results? Do they have past clients testimonials and references? For example take a look at Michelle Adams who's been training with me for a while...

What you are looking for is a reflection of trainer credibility and expertise. Anyone can print a business card with a muscle head or fit girl as their logo, and call themselves a trainer. SO… if the trainer makes cliché'd quips like, "I kick my clients’ butts…No pain, no gain, dude," thank them for their time and move on. Be an intelligent consumer. Ask for specifics and clarification if you don’t understand something. It’s your life you are trying to regain or looking to improve.

Also you should never base your selection solely on physical appearance. Sadly most of the times "Perception becomes Reality"...

A person with a flawless-looking body may not know the first thing about safely teaching proper exercise techniques or how they relate to your body. The person you hire will be teaching you skills and lifestyle habits and doesn’t need to look like a model in a fitness magazine. But trainers do need to practice what they preach. Let’s face it. Are you really going to respect someone’s opinion if you’re in better shape than they are? Probably not.

Above all, make sure you choose a trainer with whom you feel comfortable and whose personality is a good match with yours. Chemistry will go a long way towards your goals. Remember this…

ANY TRAINER can get you tired.

BUT A TRUE FITNESS SPECIALIST KNOWS HOW TO MAKE YOU BETTER!

ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

All you have to do is pick up the phone and call 941-301-9352 or e-mail: ed@fitlorenzo.com

Eduardo Lorenzo, NASM-CPT specializes in sports performance, injury prevention, corrective exercises, physique enhancement, Boot Camp and weight loss programs.