Who is better at training females...males or females?

[thediabolical]

So in the spirit of the Christmas season...let me throw some coal either in your fire place to warm your spirit, or in your Christmas stocking to heat up your temperament...

So bottom line, who is better at getting a woman fit, whether in generally good shape or competition ready; a male or a female?

[nicoledominique]

I'm sure there are good trainers of both sex, but when it comes to training women, I believe that a KNOWLEDGABLE woman would be best. My reasoning? Well, when you're out of shape and feeling unattractive, the absolute LAST thing any woman wants is some buff guy watching their every move...

When I get further in bodybuilding, I plan on getting a trainer...will I get a male? No. Will I get some ditzy female with no muscle? No. I will get a reputable female bodybuilder who has won and helped other people win competitions. Why not a male? Well, who better to know a woman's body than another woman? And who better to get CORRECT information from regarding steroids, etc. than a woman who has been through it all and understands how it can affect a woman's body? I wouldn't want a male bodybuilder giving me information on what has worked for him, when a woman's body is SO different - especially regarding anabolics.

But that's just my 2 cents.

[Tiffany_P]

Well, at my old gym, there was one trainer whose female clients all looked AWESOME. This trainer was a woman. I won't draw any conclusions from my sample size of one, but if I ever had the money and need to get into really great shape, she's without a doubt the person I would hire to help me.

[thediabolical]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

[nicoledominique]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

I see your point, but I think it definitely depends on the woman. So many people get into personal training, many without even truly knowing what they're getting into.

Male or female, I believe that a good trainer is a people person, and will be able to determine the personality type, strengths, and weaknesses of their clients. Some clients may need you to be more gentle and encouraging, whereas others might need that little extra push. A good trainer will know when to be "sympathetic" and when not to be...not sure if that is the right word, because I definitely don't feel that any trainer should be sympathizing with a client - but a little understanding can go a long way for certain individuals, and actually give them the motivation necessary to achieve their goals.

[midilandshockey]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

I think this would have to do more with how good the trainer is. A true professional in this field would not allow themselves to get emotionally involved to the point where it hinders their clients progress. As to whether who is better at training females...definitely depends on the trainer. I am sure there are some trainers out there who train women to the trainers ideal body type, even if it conflicts with the clients.

[lopaw]

When I decided to hire a PT 3 years ago, I walked into my gym, past about a half dozen male trainers, and headed right to the only female trainer there. I never looked back. She was fit, focused, and pushed harder than Bobby Knight!
She put the male trainers to shame.

I quit training 1.5 years ago, but I still keep in touch with her, and she still continues to amaze me.

[Chicken_Patty]

the only one who's best at training myself is me. if i'd need help though, i'd hire someone with credentials and good client feedback (word of mouth).

it really doesn't matter to me if the trainer is a man or a woman.

[beanbag]

I've worked with two trainers before. to be fair, I only had one session with the first one and I had several sessions with the second. the first was female and I felt like I knew just as much as she did when she did my "free session" at the gym. the second was male, and was working on a trial basis so sessions with him were free. he was really great, actually. he was knowledgeable and really active (he was hard to keep up with. he was such a spaz, but in a good way.) but the thing I liked best about him was that he was so totally encouraging. he pushed me really hard and wouldn't let me short-change myself, but he was extremely encouraging.

he's actually the person who tested my bf% for me (twice) and the first time I was nervous and thought it would be totally awkward, but he put me at ease and was a wonderful trainer. unfortunately for me (and my brother) he moved out of state.

if I were to choose a trainer today, I wouldn't choose on basis of gender, but rather on personality type and knowledgeability.

[Titania]

I see your point, but I think it definitely depends on the woman. So many people get into personal training, many without even truly knowing what they're getting into.

Male or female, I believe that a good trainer is a people person, and will be able to determine the personality type, strengths, and weaknesses of their clients. Some clients may need you to be more gentle and encouraging, whereas others might need that little extra push. A good trainer will know when to be "sympathetic" and when not to be...not sure if that is the right word, because I definitely don't feel that any trainer should be sympathizing with a client - but a little understanding can go a long way for certain individuals, and actually give them the motivation necessary to achieve their goals.

.........if I were to choose a trainer today, I wouldn't choose on basis of gender, but rather on personality type and knowledgeability.

A big bump to both these posts. As a strength coach, my primary focus is on 'empathising' with my clients to find out what they want and need on any given day.
Sometimes, what they want on a given day may be very different to what they need so it can be a delicate balance keeping them fired up and on track to their goals.

[StartinOver-68]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

The better question would be, would you employ a female trainer. Why would a man be more focused than a female ? Especially since the female on female has a better understanding of what is necessary, assuming that trainer has been there before.

[dvsness]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

That seems to be a sweeping generalization as to gender and behavior.

[Sable_Strenua]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

That seems to be a sweeping generalization as to gender and behavior.

I was about to say the exact same thing

I've met men who were more socially awkward, unfocused and who lacked the ability to pay attention to detail and I've met women who were strong, focus, driven, blunt and direct.

That question kind of placed all women in a particular stereotypical box, while assuming a type of perceived action from the male gender. Your original posed question and this one boils down to that individual and their own particular personality, training philosophy and methodology rather than their gender.

[Defiant1]

Eunuchs.

get 'r' done!!

[Kaetli]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress? Where a man is more focused and to the point.

This would depend on the PT. My trainer is female and she is the toughest trainer at my gym. She is completly unsympathic when I complain (which I do all the time ). On the other hand I have seen male trainers who wouldn't even take a woman into the free weight area and only train women with stability balls and 2.5lb weights as if a woman might hurt herself with the free weights. I'm not saying this is the norm for all trainers but to say female trainers would be more sympathic than males is a big generality.

[TurbulentFluid]

Do you think a woman would be too sympathic in training a female...and might hurt her true progress?

You could also say that a guy could have his own preferences in mind (what he likes in women) rather than the female client's goals, and lead her in the "wrong" direction.
In both cases, I would call such a person "an unprofessional PT". I highly object to people allowing their personalities step in the way of their professional conduct.
I vote either sex, as long as they're professional and knowledgeable.

[Sable_Strenua]

Eunuchs.

get 'r' done!!

lol!

[freebirdmac]

Methinks thediabolical likes to stir the pot

[biochick]

When looking for a trainer, each person should make a list of what they are looking for in a trainer and find someone who has those attributes. If you look at the two female trainers on "the Biggest Loser" you can see how two female trainers can have very different training styles. I'd pick Bob over Kim any day. Just because someone is female, does not mean they are an expert on all things female. When I used to teach Anatomy and Physiology, I had a student who had given birth do poorly on the Childbirth and Development chapter. Just because you have the parts does not mean you know how they work. Some females are intimidated by a male trainer and that is in their right to be that way, they should choose a female trainer. It should come down to what someone needs in a trainer and find someone with those attributes, male or female should not matter.

[cyde]

It all depends on the trainer and how dedicated they are to their job and lifestyle. It goes both ways for the genders.

Next week I am taking a power lifting class from two female trainers at my gym. From what I've seen, they are absolutely ruthless! I just hope I survive their training sessions and can focus through the physical fatigue to actually learn something

[goyongj]

sounds like a question opener. 'Who lies more, girls or guys?'

I am sure this could be a great gym opener lol