By: Joel Luedke
I want to start this article off being very clear. I applaud anyone who gets into the gym to improve their health, wellness, physique, confidence or anything else that they are aiming to improve while there. This article is in no way a knock on anyone, again I applaud you and if we/I can help in anyway, please let us know.
On to the article. I had the opportunity to visit a gym this a couple weekends ago to get a workout in with a buddy. It's hard enough to concentrate working out in a a new gym but I especially struggle because I can't help but observe what is happening around me. As I was working out I wasn't watching everyone else who was working out that closely I was watching the personal trainers.
The personal trainers were an interesting collection of employees. There was a guy who was either one of the biggest boxers I've ever seen or looked like he should be playing in the league. The other one was just starting his first day on the job and the third just didn't quite fit the part but athletic enough. They all appeared to have different styles of working out and I want to focus on the really big guy and the not so big guy he was working out.
It was leg day and so it started, leg extensions super set with walking lunges or something resembling them. This was followed with calf raises and leg curls and that was leg day. I overhead what they were talking about and I'm not sure if the client was serious when he said he had a great workout or if he just didn't want to disappoint the trainer.
As I watched all this happening I kind of felt bad for the client because he had just paid for something that I think that he could have done on his own and there was so much left on the table. All of this brings me to my main point of this whole article. If you are going to start with a personal trainer do your homework, a lot of homework. There are a lot of smart people out there that are there to help and can not only put you through a workout (not one they just thought about in their head) but can help you move better, get stronger and stay injury free.
Often times these personal trainers or coaches are going to be a little more money but they don't have to be. Also, you are most likely going to get what you pay for. So what can you do to find the best personal trainer for you? First here are some questions that if they answer well they might be the person(al trainer) for you.
- What is your plan for the first and second block of my training? And can I see it?
- What can I expect from your program? More than just lifting?
- Who and/or what resources do you use to help improve your skills?
- How has your program changed/evolved over the past several years?
It is a short list but can get you started with finding answers to you either agree with or don't. Unfortunately like most businesses you're going to have people who are in it just for the money because it can be a simple and easy job if you don't invest int it. On the bright side there are a lot of people out there that have your best interest at heart and will do the research and work necessary to help you achieve your goals.
If you're in the La Crosse area we would be happy to help recommend some people we really think can help you achieve your goals. Even if you are somewhere else and have questions and want a second opinion, let us know and we would be happy to dig into it a little bit for you (with NO cost associated with it of course).
Keep up the good fight and let us know how we can help.
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