Training clients on a bowflex?

[jimjos4]

Has anyone done this with good results?

[EMISGOD]

Anyone who does this is not a trainer, but more likely a paid spokesperson.

[ny58]

Anyone who does this is not a trainer, but more likely a paid spokesperson.

i actually disagree to a point. . i think if ur a good trainer u can train a client with anything. . while the boflex may not be optimal, if that is all ur client has at their house . .there are a great deal of resistance exercises u can do on it. .

[BulldogVTX]

i actually disagree to a point. . i think if ur a good trainer u can train a client with anything. . while the boflex may not be optimal, if that is all ur client has at their house . .there are a great deal of resistance exercises u can do on it. .

I completely agree. I have trained a husband and wife on their crappy old bowflex, and they had great results. Who cares if the resistance is diffrent than DB's and BB's, there is still resistance, and that is all that matters. Most trainers have come across cliets that are afraid to jump in and start working with db's and bb's because they don't feel safe. Find me one person that doesn't feel safe on a bowflex!

Having said that, both people that I have trained on the Bowflex have since moved onto more advanced training, and now incorporate db's and other exercises.

[EMISGOD]

The Bowflex is an absurd piece of **** to be "training" people on and anyone who does so should realize a couple things. First, they're training people too stupid to read the instruction manual or view the DVD that comes with the equipment and second, that this piece of equipment is designed specifically to replace trainers in the first place...the whole concept is very funny.

[BulldogVTX]

The Bowflex is an absurd piece of **** to be "training" people on and anyone who does so should realize a couple things. First, they're training people too stupid to read the instruction manual or view the DVD that comes with the equipment and second, that this piece of equipment is designed specifically to replace trainers in the first place...the whole concept is very funny.

While it might be absurd to train people on a machine designed to be intuitive and DVD taught, I saw a need and I filled it. Most people that get the bowflex think that it's going to solve all of their problems, but they still lack the motivaion to actually train. Training might come natural to some people, but most people need a kick in the butt to get to it, and stick with it. And while the Bowflex seems like a harmless machine, it can still intimidate.

People can walk into a gym and play on the balls and do curls with the pink dumbells all they want, they have DVD's that they can learn that sh*t from too. But most people would rather learn from a human being. That's what we're there for.

[EMISGOD]

While it might be absurd to train people on a machine designed to be intuitive and DVD taught, I saw a need and I filled it. Most people that get the bowflex think that it's going to solve all of their problems, but they still lack the motivaion to actually train. Training might come natural to some people, but most people need a kick in the butt to get to it, and stick with it. And while the Bowflex seems like a harmless machine, it can still intimidate.

People can walk into a gym and play on the balls and do curls with the pink dumbells all they want, they have DVD's that they can learn that sh*t from too. But most people would rather learn from a human being. That's what we're there for.

What percentage of the population constitutes the phrase "most people" that you're using continually here and how did you assess the variables to come to this particular conclusion?

I suppose a gigantic sponge ball can intimidate also, but seriously, intimidation by Bowflex? Sometimes the **** just writes itself...

[BulldogVTX]

What percentage of the population constitutes the phrase "most people" that you're using continually here and how did you assess the variables to come to this particular conclusion?

I suppose a gigantic sponge ball can intimidate also, but seriously, intimidation by Bowflex? Sometimes the **** just writes itself...

By "Most People", I mean almost every person that see's the Bowflex informercials and says "That's all I need and I'll finally be in good shape". And my other mention of "Most People" was refering to that small portion of the US population that is overweight. I'm not going to get into a pissing match with you over where I derived these variables, as it's a pointless arguement.

And yes, anything can be intimidating if you don't know how to use it. DVD or not, if you don't watch it, you still have that expensive piece of equipment staring at you till you start using it as a clothes hanger.

[EMISGOD]

We're parting ways on the "most people" thing because I think you're making it up to suit your argument...

Bowflexes are excellent for hanging clothes and everyone needs somewhere to hang their clothes...

[WannaGetLean]

Bowflexes are excellent for hanging clothes and everyone needs somewhere to hang their clothes...

I def need a place to hang more clothes..Emi can i have your boflex :D

[EMISGOD]

I def need a place to hang more clothes..Emi can i have your boflex :D

Ha! If I owned one, the answer would be yes, of course, positively, immediately, come and get it! :D

[WannaGetLean]

Ha! If I owned one, the answer would be yes, of course, positively, immediately, come and get it! :D

See you soon :o

[ThatArmyKid]

Has anyone done this with good results?

WOW

you are one great personal trainer....

imo just quit your job

[EMISGOD]

See you soon :o

Lovely. I can hardly wait. :)

[Takuan]

1. Person is scared ****less of the gym
2. They have a bowflex from their relative that they've never used
3. They want you to work with them, and slowly introduce them to the gym

You can start them there, give them a foundation at least, and ease them into a gym setting. It's not the prime circumstance, but as someone else said, a good personal trainer can train using what's available.

If you say "**** YOU I HATE BOWFLEX YOU SUCK" That's one client I'll have that you don't, because you're unwilling to work with a bowflex.

[mydamnself]

I understand using what's available, but if you're serious about training you would have planned for this eventuality and been prepared. understanding a bowflex is not optimal you would have set yourself up with easily portable solutions that will produce greater results.
1. Bodyweight exercises. Real ones. Squats, push ups, hindu push ups, hindu squats, pull ups, planks, etc.
2. Kettlebells. Ok, I'm biased.
3. TRX
4. Clubbells.

The list goes on, all better than bowflex, all fit in your trunk.
As to the gym, none of my clients ever step foot in one, at least not the modern conception of a gym. Gyms exist primarily because the fitness industry tells us we need them, and we believe.

[Tyciol]

I think for newbies I'd feel better coaching them on a bowflex, mainly because you don't have to worry about spotting them you could spend more effort and attention to looking at their form and coaching them psychologically, or touching their muscles as they work to help them generate tension.

[EMISGOD]

I think for newbies I'd feel better coaching them on a bowflex, mainly because you don't have to worry about spotting them you could spend more effort and attention to looking at their form and coaching them psychologically, or touching their muscles as they work to help them generate tension.

The form relative to a Bowflex (or other machine) is not necessarily indicative to the correct form for the exercise, particularly in the usage of free weights...

[nickmanzoni]

The Bowflex is an absurd piece of **** to be "training" people on and anyone who does so should realize a couple things. First, they're training people too stupid to read the instruction manual or view the DVD that comes with the equipment and second, that this piece of equipment is designed specifically to replace trainers in the first place...the whole concept is very funny.
If people were smart, they wouldn't NEED us.

[EMISGOD]

If people were smart, they wouldn't NEED us.

This is debatable. Some people need someone pushing them and for competitors, they often need someone to take the guesswork out so they can concentrate on things like performing the reps and tons of cardio and just preparing/eating from the diet...

[hublife]

i actually disagree to a point. . i think if ur a good trainer u can train a client with anything. . while the boflex may not be optimal, if that is all ur client has at their house . .there are a great deal of resistance exercises u can do on it. .

This is 100% accurate. You give me some rocks, a tree, and a shovel and I'll get you one bad ass workout. Repped.

[Kiknskreem]

i think if ur a good trainer u can train a client with anything. . while the boflex may not be optimal, if that is all ur client has at their house . .there are a great deal of resistance exercises u can do on it. .

I would have a million better options as a trainer just by bringing some simple **** with me in the trunk of my car rather than try to train someone on a bowflex.

[reamade]

If you are a good trainer, you can train someone with a rubberband and two bricks. You just have to be creative. Sure, I would rather have them in a gym with all the bells and whistles, but sometimes you have to make do with what the client is comfortable with.

http://reamade.wordpress.com/

[EMISGOD]

This is 100% accurate. You give me some rocks, a tree, and a shovel and I'll get you one bad ass workout. Repped.

All of which would be infinitely preferable to a Bowflex...

[BulldogVTX]

All of which would be infinitely preferable to a Bowflex...

Em - Did you have a bad experience with a Bowflex? You seem pretty damn against them, even though you like using machines in your training. Yes, it's differen't resistance than a BB or a DB, but it's still resistance, and it's not in a fixed range of motion, so what's so bad about it?

[EMISGOD]

Em - Did you have a bad experience with a Bowflex? You seem pretty damn against them, even though you like using machines in your training. Yes, it's differen't resistance than a BB or a DB, but it's still resistance, and it's not in a fixed range of motion, so what's so bad about it?

I have nothing against machines in general, but cheap, plastic pieces of **** like Bowflexs are not actual equipment and represent a public scam to me. Accordingly, I don't think they should be supported at all, particularly not be persons purporting to be professional trainers. Further, the machines are remarkably easy to overrun, which makes them an even bigger waste.

As to me, when I started, there were very few machines available and most of them were junk, so I necessarily began with free weights. The other part of this is that if people are training starting out with Bowflex, they're placing themselves at a rather immediate disadvantage, particularly in recruiting auxiliary/stabilizing muscles. The downside of this should be obvious but if it isn't, this could very possibly lead to imbalances and injury down the road...

[BulldogVTX]

I have nothing against machines in general, but cheap, plastic pieces of **** like Bowflexs are not actual equipment and represent a public scam to me. Accordingly, I don't think they should be supported at all, particularly not be persons purporting to be professional trainers. Further, the machines are remarkably easy to overrun, which makes them an even bigger waste.

As to me, when I started, there were very few machines available and most of them were junk, so I necessarily began with free weights. The other part of this is that if people are training starting out with Bowflex, they're placing themselves at a rather immediate disadvantage, particularly in recruiting auxiliary/stabilizing muscles. The downside of this should be obvious but if it isn't, this could very possibly lead to imbalances and injury down the road...

How are you NOT recruiting auxiliary/stabilizing muscles with the bowflex? This isn't the smith machine here, these are handles and pulley's. The fact that you're not working in a fixed plane means that you're building stabilizing muscles. Everything that you can do with a DB or BB can be done on a Bowflex, just to a different degree, with different resistance peaks. The bowflex was also designed to keep a balance in your body, not create imbalances. How many times have you heard "My right tricep is stronger than my left, so the bar goes up at a wierd angle". That doesn't happen with the bowflex because both arms are working independantly! If the client isn't training for Powerlifting competitions, and all they care about is building a stronger body, there is NOTHING wrong with the bowflex. I'm not saying it's as good as DB's or BB's, but it is a workout, and that is what the OP was asking.

And as for being overrun easily, I'm assuming that you mean that you can max it out pretty easily. Fair enough, but for those people that are just starting, they will most likely find it to be more than enough. And as far as most home workout equipment, you ARE going to outgrow/outlift it eventually on some exercises. I don't know about you, but that 300# weight set that I first started with isn't enough anymore, so what did I do? I went out and bought additional weights. You can do the same for Bowflex. You can also change your pacing, body position, and handle position to make the exercises easier or harder on the bowflex.

[EMISGOD]

How are you NOT recruiting auxiliary/stabilizing muscles with the bowflex? This isn't the smith machine here, these are handles and pulley's. The fact that you're not working in a fixed plane means that you're building stabilizing muscles. Everything that you can do with a DB or BB can be done on a Bowflex, just to a different degree, with different resistance peaks. The bowflex was also designed to keep a balance in your body, not create imbalances. How many times have you heard "My right tricep is stronger than my left, so the bar goes up at a wierd angle". That doesn't happen with the bowflex because both arms are working independantly! If the client isn't training for Powerlifting competitions, and all they care about is building a stronger body, there is NOTHING wrong with the bowflex. I'm not saying it's as good as DB's or BB's, but it is a workout, and that is what the OP was asking.

If you feel the recruitment of those muscles is identical with a Bowflex as to free weights, we are really at an impasse and at completely opposing sides of this. I'm not telling anyone not to train people on one of these; you can do what you like and I promise not to care one way or the other. However, anyone who DOES train someone on one of this will have their actions scream out that here is a practicing hack, whether you care to believe it or not.

[hublife]

If you feel the recruitment of those muscles is identical with a Bowflex as to free weights, we are really at an impasse and at completely opposing sides of this. I'm not telling anyone not to train people on one of these; you can do what you like and I promise not to care one way or the other. However, anyone who DOES train someone on one of this will have their actions scream out that here is a practicing hack, whether you care to believe it or not.


If I have a client who bought one of these and is excited about their new thousand dollar purchase and wants me to show them how to do it, guess what...I'm going to do it. Who am I to tell them that their machine sucks ass and they are morons for purchasing one. Furthermore, I can't take their money and assist them because it will "scream out that here is a practicing hack." Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?

I'm a personal trainer but I'm a business man first. If someone wants to pay me to teach them how to use a thigh master I'm gonna do it. It doesn't make me a hack it makes me a capitalist. I'll always offer a better alternative but I prefer to use tact and knowledge not arrogance and pride.

Maybe you have enough money to tell someone that they suck and are stupid for buying one of those POS's but I don't so please feel free to refer me all the clients that you think are using "inferior equipment."

kthxbye

hublife

[EMISGOD]

If I have a client who bought one of these and is excited about their new thousand dollar purchase and wants me to show them how to do it, guess what...I'm going to do it.

I'm going to either tell them to get a refund or read the goddamn instructions or watch the instructional video/DVD that comes with every one. If I were training them, they would not be using that piece of equipment, period.


Who am I to tell them that their machine sucks ass and they are morons for purchasing one. Furthermore, I can't take their money and assist them because it will "scream out that here is a practicing hack." Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?

No, how ridiculous does it sound? I have no perspective of what the words of integrity would sound like to someone who has none. Enlighten me.


I'm a personal trainer but I'm a business man first. If someone wants to pay me to teach them how to use a thigh master I'm gonna do it. It doesn't make me a hack it makes me a capitalist. I'll always offer a better alternative but I prefer to use tact and knowledge not arrogance and pride.

No, it definitely makes you a hack and one with no conscience to speak of if you're willing to **** over your customer base in such a manner. Perhaps you'll also be inclined to teach them how to pour dog food into a dish or operate a remote control or eat a bag of chips or train them in a gigantic donkey suit if they offer to pay you... :rolleyes:


Maybe you have enough money to tell someone that they suck and are stupid for buying one of those POS's but I don't so please feel free to refer me all the clients that you think are using "inferior equipment."

kthxbye

hublife

If your previous post was any actual indication of you, as a person or trainer, then you qualify as one of the very last people on the planet whose direction I would ever intentionally send persons.

[Navigator416]

wow so defensive emis. Attacking other trainers/members because their opinion varies from yours? I believe that part of being a p/t is being personable, I hope this is truely not how you treat your clients.

[EMISGOD]

wow so defensive emis. Attacking other trainers/members because their opinion varies from yours? I believe that part of being a p/t is being personable, I hope this is truely not how you treat your clients.

Hardly an attack on any trainer (not sure what you mean by trainer/member). I was addressing the post, not the poster.

As I have already mentioned, it really doesn't matter all that much to me if someone wants to fleece the plebes of their hard-earned money for what amounts to nothing more than slightly gussied-up bull****. I don't agree with the attitude behind that training, which amounts to the sheep being there to be shorn and if they don't do it, someone else will.

My opinion disagrees greatly from yours in that part of being a trainer is to be personable. I think it is entirely irrelevant (and unrelated to posting on a Forum, in any case), at least as much as your misguided hope for my client base...

[nickmanzoni]

Hardly an attack on any trainer (not sure what you mean by trainer/member). I was addressing the post, not the poster.

As I have already mentioned, it really doesn't matter all that much to me if someone wants to fleece the plebes of their hard-earned money for what amounts to nothing more than slightly gussied-up bull****. I don't agree with the attitude behind that training, which amounts to the sheep being there to be shorn and if they don't do it, someone else will.

My opinion disagrees greatly from yours in that part of being a trainer is to be personable. I think it is entirely irrelevant (and unrelated to posting on a Forum, in any case), at least as much as your misguided hope for my client base...
This has been taken too far to the literal.


There IS a professional obligation for a personal trainer to parlay information of any and all equipment to the best of their knowledge. How long they decide to teach, how much the trainer consumes the clients workout life, and how willing the trainer is to teach autonomy to their clients in their workouts, are several ways some trainers differ in thought. These are all shades of grey and MUST be treated as such.

[hublife]

I'm going to either tell them to get a refund or read the goddamn instructions or watch the instructional video/DVD that comes with every one. If I were training them, they would not be using that piece of equipment, period.



No, how ridiculous does it sound? I have no perspective of what the words of integrity would sound like to someone who has none. Enlighten me.



No, it definitely makes you a hack and one with no conscience to speak of if you're willing to **** over your customer base in such a manner. Perhaps you'll also be inclined to teach them how to pour dog food into a dish or operate a remote control or eat a bag of chips or train them in a gigantic donkey suit if they offer to pay you... :rolleyes:



If your previous post was any actual indication of you, as a person or trainer, then you qualify as one of the very last people on the planet whose direction I would ever intentionally send persons.


Based on this entire post you have exposed yourself as not only an arrogant trainer but also an immature person who isn't very nice. There is no reason for us to continue any type of dialogue.

Thanks,
Hublife

[EMISGOD]

This has been taken too far to the literal.

There IS a professional obligation for a personal trainer to parlay information of any and all equipment to the best of their knowledge. How long they decide to teach, how much the trainer consumes the clients workout life, and how willing the trainer is to teach autonomy to their clients in their workouts, are several ways some trainers differ in thought. These are all shades of grey and MUST be treated as such.

Professional obligation is also where some differ in thought. As to the parlaying of information on this piece of equipment, I'd personally feel obligated to tell them they got screwed when they bought the machine (unless they got it free) and should rid themselves of it at their earliest available opportunity. I would also feel obligated to tell them that I could not, in good conscience, take their money for training them on it, so they would have to either train on something else or find someone else, if they insisted on it. I would feel further professionally obligated to point out that a very good instructional DVD/video and booklet comes with those things and that they did not need me to take their money from them to either explain it or watch it with them.


Based on this entire post you have exposed yourself as not only an arrogant trainer but also an immature person who isn't very nice. There is no reason for us to continue any type of dialogue.

Thanks,
Hublife

Arrogant, immature and not very nice. Looks like a clean sweep!

If it takes standing against the masses on the side of those who cannot ethically take money from people for just any old thing, so be it, I guess. This also points up the big difference in trying to use this as a mechanism to get rich and actively helping people, similar to the medical industry. As many of you have noticed, that has swung from the Hippocratic Oath allegiance to subservience to the almighty dollar sign and you can take a look at the condition of the state of things there to get a good idea of where the personal training and fitness industry will be going, if the pendulum swings in a similar direction. While many of you may not care, perhaps some of you will have the foresight, since we're still more or less on the leading edge of it, to at least not contribute to the great skid, if you have no interest in working to stop it...

[nickmanzoni]

The fitness industry is a vastly growing business.


Read that sentence again.





I love it when clients get the results they want. I also take it with a grain of salt when they don't. They could be doing alot worse things with their money than spend a few hours with me.... I'm a funny guy, and I don't smell bad.


But no one, regardless of how altruistic they may be, will become a personal trainer for free! America is capitalist country, we strive to build up and up and up, it's the way it is, and one generation won't be able to agree as a whole to change it.


If anyone ever had a normal 9-5 job, we all know that time of year/week/day where there is just the easiest part of the job, and you get paid for virtually nothing. Would the same be said of the worker? Would he say " this part of the job is too easy, you can get someone to do it for cheaper, don't pay me"?
I doubt it.


I commend those out there who truly go above and beyond. I myself have a few "pet people" who I will help for no real reason other than I like to help.

BUUUUUUT! If someone wants to pay me good money for a bogus job, in the client's eyes they are being provided with a service. Sometimes reading/seeing a dvd will not be enough to build confidence in using the equipment. We can all agree confidence is a BIG part of training. There are many facets to personal training, not just the training! As ironic as that sounds...

[hublife]

Professional obligation is also where some differ in thought. As to the parlaying of information on this piece of equipment, I'd personally feel obligated to tell them they got screwed when they bought the machine (unless they got it free) and should rid themselves of it at their earliest available opportunity. I would also feel obligated to tell them that I could not, in good conscience, take their money for training them on it, so they would have to either train on something else or find someone else, if they insisted on it. I would feel further professionally obligated to point out that a very good instructional DVD/video and booklet comes with those things and that they did not need me to take their money from them to either explain it or watch it with them.



Arrogant, immature and not very nice. Looks like a clean sweep!

If it takes standing against the masses on the side of those who cannot ethically take money from people for just any old thing, so be it, I guess. This also points up the big difference in trying to use this as a mechanism to get rich and actively helping people, similar to the medical industry. As many of you have noticed, that has swung from the Hippocratic Oath allegiance to subservience to the almighty dollar sign and you can take a look at the condition of the state of things there to get a good idea of where the personal training and fitness industry will be going, if the pendulum swings in a similar direction. While many of you may not care, perhaps some of you will have the foresight, since we're still more or less on the leading edge of it, to at least not contribute to the great skid, if you have no interest in working to stop it...


Again...you've turned this into something that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic. Clearly you've got some personal angst against individuals who are not only successful financially at what they do but also are successful in getting their clients results. It is possible to get a "win, win" in the fitness industry.

No reason to quote this post with another one of your convoluted rants. Please feel free to pm me any other concerns but as of right now your making us both look ridiculous in a section that is dedicated to mature posts. Maybe you could post your complaints in the misc. section. It might be more appropriate for you.

Hublife

[EMISGOD]

Again...you've turned this into something that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic. Clearly you've got some personal angst against individuals who are not only successful financially at what they do but also are successful in getting their clients results. It is possible to get a "win, win" in the fitness industry.

That would be the ultimate irony for me to have personal angst against those particular individuals and for those particular reasons.


No reason to quote this post with another one of your convoluted rants. Please feel free to pm me any other concerns but as of right now your making us both look ridiculous in a section that is dedicated to mature posts. Maybe you could post your complaints in the misc. section. It might be more appropriate for you.

Hublife

I sharted.

(signed)

Mr. Poopypants

[BulldogVTX]

I'm going to either tell them to get a refund or read the goddamn instructions or watch the instructional video/DVD that comes with every one. If I were training them, they would not be using that piece of equipment, period.



No, how ridiculous does it sound? I have no perspective of what the words of integrity would sound like to someone who has none. Enlighten me.



No, it definitely makes you a hack and one with no conscience to speak of if you're willing to **** over your customer base in such a manner. Perhaps you'll also be inclined to teach them how to pour dog food into a dish or operate a remote control or eat a bag of chips or train them in a gigantic donkey suit if they offer to pay you... :rolleyes:



If your previous post was any actual indication of you, as a person or trainer, then you qualify as one of the very last people on the planet whose direction I would ever intentionally send persons.


Seriously Em - This topic has gone too far. The Bowflex is a resistance machine. No, it's not the same as DB's or BB's, but hey, not everyone likes to use those. Not everyone wants to be a powerlifter, or a bodybuilder. There ARE some people who just want to get in shape. The Bowflex is a machine that offers a full body workout in a small footprint. Whether you like them or not, they are appealing to the mass audience. To be able to train at home without having to clutter up useful square footage, people buy these! And yes, these machines have manuals, and video's to help people use them, but sometimes people need the extra push of a human being to actually use them.

So say what you want about them. Yes, they're overpriced if you buy them new, but hey, they're cheap on Craigslist. Buy them from the people that never used them! (maybe they needed a personal trainer to make it worthwhile!) But don't crap on people that actually want to use them.

You might think not that it's hardcore enough for PT's to train clients on, but seriously, I have trained clients with no equipment at all before, and had great results! Is that OK? If you don't like the Bowflex, FINE, you've made your point. That's your opinion and you've expressed it very well. But if you have never picked up a kettlebell, or a bosu ball, then please let your opinions rest for the OP's sake. (yes, I have trained with Kbells and bosu balls and LOVE THEM)

[MissJamille]

I think people are neglecting to say why it is so ****ty...it is pretty simple. ****ty ROM. The type of stress isn't really that big of deal, stess is stress especially for a beginner. But it has the most horrible range of motion. You can get more out of calisthenics, plyometrics and body weight exercises which are less inexpensive and low space requirements and to go from one exercise to the other one doesn't have to fidget setting it up for a few minutes between sets. Obviously it would be easier if you wanted more stress to add db, bb, kettle bells, medicine balls. If you intend to teach a newbie on something best to use exercises that force form other then teach them form with a machine that has low range of motion.

In my line of work which is not really personal training, i have clients that I am constantly telling them to get out of bed. If bowflex is the only medium they like and will stay motivated to use then more power to them for finding something that gets their fat lazy ass out of their bed.

[kserajuddin]

Mr. Poopypants

Hey Em -
I just petitioned a mod to change your name to this on your behalf -
This thread was freaking hilarious - give 'em hell man!!!

And NickManzoni -
Funny that I just PMd you the other day about how I liked your posts - but I want to point out a few things you said in your replies -

One about something like if people were smart they wouldn't need us, the other about making people autonomous, and the last about how sometimes it's easy and you just take the money -

I really don't feel like this in any way, and that's what makes the job easy for me -
I train some VERY smart, committed, motivated people - they are so smart that they know they could never be autonomous of me (or any very good trainer) - that the level intensity, progression, and consistency you get makes it worth the nearly 10K it costs for the year - you could have spent that money on a Benz, but in the end YOU look like the Benz, so it was definitely worth it - I think what you're missing is that as you get older working out becomes a chore, and staying up to date on fitness info becomes far secondary to other responsibilities - that's why God made trainers -

And it's a mistake to take on an EASY client - it doesn't take you anywhere professionally - the consulting guru Jeffrey Lant, who I quote all the time because he was a genius and pulled no punches, said that a client is useful to you for only one reason: their ability to bring in new business and grow your practice - not the paycheck they're bringing in today - I always keep this in mind - is this client making me a better trainer? Will they make a good testimonial if we achieve success? Will I be able to continue to demonstrate my specialty and gain further mastery? Are they part of my target market, and thus will be able to bring in further business from the same market either directly or indirectly? With these questions there's no easy money - you're always trying to grow in some way - PT IS NOT LIKE A 9-5 (how dare you?)

[nickmanzoni]

Hey Em -
I just petitioned a mod to change your name to this on your behalf -
This thread was freaking hilarious - give 'em hell man!!!

And NickManzoni -
Funny that I just PMd you the other day about how I liked your posts - but I want to point out a few things you said in your replies -

One about something like if people were smart they wouldn't need us, the other about making people autonomous, and the last about how sometimes it's easy and you just take the money -

I really don't feel like this in any way, and that's what makes the job easy for me -
I train some VERY smart, committed, motivated people - they are so smart that they know they could never be autonomous of me (or any very good trainer) - that the level intensity, progression, and consistency you get makes it worth the nearly 10K it costs for the year - you could have spent that money on a Benz, but in the end YOU look like the Benz, so it was definitely worth it - I think what you're missing is that as you get older working out becomes a chore, and staying up to date on fitness info becomes far secondary to other responsibilities - that's why God made trainers -

And it's a mistake to take on an EASY client - it doesn't take you anywhere professionally - the consulting guru Jeffrey Lant, who I quote all the time because he was a genius and pulled no punches, said that a client is useful to you for only one reason: their ability to bring in new business and grow your practice - not the paycheck they're bringing in today - I always keep this in mind - is this client making me a better trainer? Will they make a good testimonial if we achieve success? Will I be able to continue to demonstrate my specialty and gain further mastery? Are they part of my target market, and thus will be able to bring in further business from the same market either directly or indirectly? With these questions there's no easy money - you're always trying to grow in some way - PT IS NOT LIKE A 9-5 (how dare you?)
I was using the 9-5 as a metaphor. I dunno, I thought it was clear.


And I couldn't disagree more on how a client should be able to become autonomous in the gym! If they can't do a routine by themselves, you didn't teach them! As far as the level of effort I bring to their session, that was not in question. You can't lump every client into one grouping: older folks lost track of time and the gym. Because that isn't the case!

i can't tell you how many times I think to myself: man if they just did a little research on diet/cardio/exercise, they WOULD NOT NEED A TRAINER. Maybe I feel guilty for charging as much. But to this day I will never apologize for what I say, or what I promise because I know they are truths.



I think that maybe you were just having a lousy day and took what I said out of context.

[Aletha]

I've trained myself and receive satisfactory results. However, when I need to gain more muscle mass, I had to go back to the dbells and bars.