Is my trainer right for this? What should I do?

[VickyDelgada]

I started with my personal trainer at the end of Jan this year and we've had some good progress. I've built muscle and reduced body fat. I'm pleased with the results so far, I'd be more pleased had I been stricter on the diet.

Anyway, last month my trainer had me doing things that I feel aren't really safe for someone of my size. I'm 235lbs, 22 years old. He had me on a step bench with like 5 risers or more doing one-legged squats with twists at the top. Basically, by the time I finished I ended up hurt. I didn't feel it till I was doing my post-weight training cardio. I started to feel a little pinching pain. By night time, the pain was so bad I couldn't walk on my left leg. It lasted for a week. When I came back to him, I told him I think I got tired and my form messed up or something. TBH, I might have locked my knee when I was landing. But that's just it...aren't I too big to be doing this sort of thing??

Also, I told my trainer that my knees hurt while I'm on the tredmill. I don't run. I go at around 3.8mph and tbh I hate it. I feel like it makes strain on my legs (ankles and everything) and I much rather go on the elliptical and do intervals and increase the resistance. He seems convinced that the elliptical is not good.

Finally, my trainer texts and talks to people alot while working out with me. I don't know if he does it because I'm young and we used to talk alot about things I doubt he'd talk about with other clients. How the hell do I tell him nicely without making things weird between us? I told him a few times while working out, "Hey PAY ATTENTION!" especially when I'm tired and I feel like I need his encouragement. He acts like he has ADD or something. In terms of personality, he is super outgoing and I do like that but when its my hour I need the attention, no?! I feel like I shouldn't even have to say anything...he should know his job is to pay attention to me for the hour!!

[extremenergy3]

He should definitely be conscious of your concerns and DEFINITELY not be on the phone or chatting it up with others when you're paying him!

Also, see a doctor about the knee for clearance of things you can, should, and should not do. If he still doesn't listen, talk to the personal training manager/club manager for concerns.

[Mr_Kinney]

Your concerns are valid. Talk to him about them and see what he can do about putting you on lower impact routines so you can spare your joints. Once you've gotten to a point where you feel that those higher impact routines won't hurt you tell him.

About his ADD issue be sure to let him know where his attention should be. You are after all the reason he gets paid. If he can't keep his focus find a new trainer who can. this way he will know it's not acceptable to take money for individualized attention yet not give his full attention while in session.

[Mr.ILL]

The texting is completely unacceptable. Sometime I chat with other people in the gym during a session but definitely not whie wle my client is exercising. Just be sure to communicate with him on how your feeling. A lot of clients don't communicate enough. I have some 250+ women that are very mobile and can do some intense stuff. Others I have to be really careful with because everyones mobility is so different. For example I have a 62 yeard old client that used to do ballet. She is one mobile grandma it almost blows my mind. You should see this lady do goblet squats haha. On the other hand some of my 20 year old clients can't do half the stuff she can.

[Keltron]

Wow... if someone else even asks me a question while I'm training someone else, I tell them to get back to me. And if I get a text or a missed call while I'm training, I don't even look at my phone until we're done. The most I'll do is take it out of my pocket to turn the ringing off.

How old is your trainer and how long has he been training? And what gym is he from?

[Mr.ILL]

I hate when people ask me questions while I'm training a client. I'll be in the middle of a set counting reps even and some people will come interrupt.

[JayAllen20]

The simple answer to your question is , "NO". He's not right for this. From those actions, that you listed, it doesn't sound like he really 'cares' about you the way he should. A trainer's job is to listen, teach, coach, motivate, inspire. There's a reason it's called 'PERSONAL' training.

Just thinking about you doing one legged squats with some form of twisting at the top makes the tendons and ligaments in my knees hurt. LOL. It sounds like he's trying to 'over complicate' the exercise. At your age, height, bodyweight, and training level (from what you listed as only a few months at best) he should still be focusing on the basics. That's just my opinion. One legged squats are a phenomenal leg exercise, but I would still classify them as a more advanced exercise for the relatively untrained individuals. That's right up there with Lunges in my opinion.

The Elliptical is not good? Did he explain this to you because I would love to hear it. What 'machine' you use is pretty much irrelevant to your cardio workout. Cardiovascular workouts, or cardio-respiratory workouts, as some refer to it, is a workout designed to exercise your 'heart and lungs'. Basically, get your heart rate up to a desired working range (i usually start my clients out at around 65-80% MHR, unless they are really obese or deconditioned) and keep it there for a specific amount of time. It doesn't matter HOW you do it! Use whatever form of cardio exercise or machine you are comfortable with. That's how you'll get the results. And make sure he understands this.

For the texting/ADD thing, if he was working in my gym, he'd be fired for doing something like that without a blink. His job is to be there FOR you, not just WITH you. The worst thing that could happen is, you're doing an exercise, he's texting, you get hurt, and he responds with 'What did you do?'. WTF? He should be watching, coaching, and correcting your form if needed on a continual basis. Injuries happen in the blink of an eye and usually because someone wasn't paying attention.

I would talk to him about all of your concerns. If he doesn't see why you feel the way you do, then move on and find a new trainer. If he's really concerned about you and your goals, he will correct the error of his ways. By doing this you may actually be helping him become a better trainer. Some people don't realize they are making mistake until they are actually pointed out to them

[JayAllen20]

I hate when people ask me questions while I'm training a client. I'll be in the middle of a set counting reps even and some people will come interrupt.

I agree! THAT'S actually one of the reasons I do a lot of my workouts at a gym outside of the one I work at. People don't see me as 'the trainer', but just another guy working out. I don't even talk to people there. I strap on my Ipod and get to work. I may look like the unsocial butterfly in the place, but I'm there to do what I need to do and get out.

I think all new gym members should have to take a class and be tested on gym etiquette before they are allowed through the doors to some places. HAHAHA

[Keltron]

I hate when people ask me questions while I'm training a client. I'll be in the middle of a set counting reps even and some people will come interrupt.

I f'kn hate that.

[Physiologist]

Wow. Just wow.Get rid of him. Talk to the manager because he is a liability to the gym if he is doing that. You'll get a new trainer, he might get fired, they'll give you free sessions.
Or just change gyms. But think of the other people he is hurting..

[tovlakas]

The simple answer to your question is , "NO". He's not right for this. From those actions, that you listed, it doesn't sound like he really 'cares' about you the way he should. A trainer's job is to listen, teach, coach, motivate, inspire. There's a reason it's called 'PERSONAL' training.

Just thinking about you doing one legged squats with some form of twisting at the top makes the tendons and ligaments in my knees hurt. LOL. It sounds like he's trying to 'over complicate' the exercise. At your age, height, bodyweight, and training level (from what you listed as only a few months at best) he should still be focusing on the basics. That's just my opinion. One legged squats are a phenomenal leg exercise, but I would still classify them as a more advanced exercise for the relatively untrained individuals. That's right up there with Lunges in my opinion.

The Elliptical is not good? Did he explain this to you because I would love to hear it. What 'machine' you use is pretty much irrelevant to your cardio workout. Cardiovascular workouts, or cardio-respiratory workouts, as some refer to it, is a workout designed to exercise your 'heart and lungs'. Basically, get your heart rate up to a desired working range (i usually start my clients out at around 65-80% MHR, unless they are really obese or deconditioned) and keep it there for a specific amount of time. It doesn't matter HOW you do it! Use whatever form of cardio exercise or machine you are comfortable with. That's how you'll get the results. And make sure he understands this.

For the texting/ADD thing, if he was working in my gym, he'd be fired for doing something like that without a blink. His job is to be there FOR you, not just WITH you. The worst thing that could happen is, you're doing an exercise, he's texting, you get hurt, and he responds with 'What did you do?'. WTF? He should be watching, coaching, and correcting your form if needed on a continual basis. Injuries happen in the blink of an eye and usually because someone wasn't paying attention.

I would talk to him about all of your concerns. If he doesn't see why you feel the way you do, then move on and find a new trainer. If he's really concerned about you and your goals, he will correct the error of his ways. By doing this you may actually be helping him become a better trainer. Some people don't realize they are making mistake until they are actually pointed out to them

This, except I wouldn't even talk to him... you shouldn't have to tell your personal trainer that he should be putting you on a low impact program... your trainer should be asking you questions throughout your workouts and after to determine that for you! That's what they're for, right? The fact that you had to come on bb.com and post your concerns shows that he is completely oblivious and flailing about with his responsibilities. There are too many qualified trainers out there to stick with some hack-job. The texting is just icing on the cake, really (and the FIRST thing that certifications warn you from doing... seriously that's pathetic).

[broad.stance]

If an activity is causing you serious discomfort then your trainer needs to be open to adapting your program. In the OP you said just as much about yourself, and you sound like one of those freaky clients every trainer wants but only gets once a year. You’re accountable, goal oriented (and willing to work sensibly towards that), and want to be challenged. I’m not trying to flatter you; it’s just strange you have a trainer who probably doesn’t recognize your potential and certainly isn’t pushing you.

I agree with everybody else. It’s time to get a new trainer, someone who is present to encourage you and prevent injuries. You should never have to ask a trainer to pay attention to you.

[JayAllen20]

This, except I wouldn't even talk to him... you shouldn't have to tell your personal trainer that he should be putting you on a low impact program... your trainer should be asking you questions throughout your workouts and after to determine that for you! That's what they're for, right? The fact that you had to come on bb.com and post your concerns shows that he is completely oblivious and flailing about with his responsibilities. There are too many qualified trainers out there to stick with some hack-job. The texting is just icing on the cake, really (and the FIRST thing that certifications warn you from doing... seriously that's pathetic).

Valid point and hard to really argue with that. After you quit, and he asks why you're no longer training with him, then maybe you can offer some feedback, if you choose to do so, but the above is correct. At this point it seems to be set that he's not the 'safest' and 'most effective' trainer for you.

The texting is usually something your place of employment warns you about as well! That's just uncalled for anywhere at anytime in my opinion for any reason. I don't think there's anything that comes across as more 'unprofessional' when you're on on the floor with a client.

[sargefit]

Fire him and find a personal trainer that:

a. Understands the word personal in that a client gets 100% of my attention and energies every session. Also that the word personal means every single client is differrent and may possibly require a unique approach and programme.

b. Leaves his phone in the locker room unless working outside and may need it for emergency calls when it should be off but ready to go.

c. Leaves the circus training used to impress others in the gym to clients that are capable of that type of exercise.

d. Understands that CV training can be done on or even off any machine if it is effective to your individual requirements (see 'a' above).

PS: Any PT should be able to clearly state exactly why you are doing anything at any time during one of their sessions.

[txapn]

fired!!!!! thats all that should be done to a trainer whose client has to tell her/him to pay attention!!!!!!

no talk, no "lets address my concerns"... dueces! with a bad referral!!!!

[EVO-PT]

I started with my personal trainer at the end of Jan this year and we've had some good progress. I've built muscle and reduced body fat. I'm pleased with the results so far, I'd be more pleased had I been stricter on the diet.

Anyway, last month my trainer had me doing things that I feel aren't really safe for someone of my size. I'm 235lbs, 22 years old. He had me on a step bench with like 5 risers or more doing one-legged squats with twists at the top. Basically, by the time I finished I ended up hurt. I didn't feel it till I was doing my post-weight training cardio. I started to feel a little pinching pain. By night time, the pain was so bad I couldn't walk on my left leg. It lasted for a week. When I came back to him, I told him I think I got tired and my form messed up or something. TBH, I might have locked my knee when I was landing. But that's just it...aren't I too big to be doing this sort of thing??

Also, I told my trainer that my knees hurt while I'm on the tredmill. I don't run. I go at around 3.8mph and tbh I hate it. I feel like it makes strain on my legs (ankles and everything) and I much rather go on the elliptical and do intervals and increase the resistance. He seems convinced that the elliptical is not good.

Finally, my trainer texts and talks to people alot while working out with me. I don't know if he does it because I'm young and we used to talk alot about things I doubt he'd talk about with other clients. How the hell do I tell him nicely without making things weird between us? I told him a few times while working out, "Hey PAY ATTENTION!" especially when I'm tired and I feel like I need his encouragement. He acts like he has ADD or something. In terms of personality, he is super outgoing and I do like that but when its my hour I need the attention, no?! I feel like I shouldn't even have to say anything...he should know his job is to pay attention to me for the hour!!

Pretty simple - get a new trainer.

Don't waste your money.