I'm so upset!!

[hugs]

So I went to my new gym today and had the one free session with a personal trainer and he weighed me (with my shoes on!!!) and took my bodyfat (he'd only do a 4 point test). My bodyfat % was a whole lot higher than i thought it was going to be. I'm so upset! My scale at home does the electric current bodyfat thing (where you stand on it) and it consistantly says i'm 20.4% bf but when he took it he said I was 25.5%!!! I thought it was going to be about 19% (since I can see my abs but carry more weight in my lower body), so u can see how completely overwhelemed I was by that. That means that when I started working out I was probably about at least 30% bf and that's obese!!! I'm hoping that because he took my measurements through my shirt and sportsbra that it got thrown off (I even told him i'd lift up my shirt, but he said it didn't matter).

He also told me that if I wanted good results I'd have to do full body exercise 4-5 days a week instead of the isolated days (like for legs, shoulders, chest, tri/bi, etc.) Is that true?

I also told him I didn't want to work my chest out too much because of my implants (under muscle) and he said that was a myth and that he has a lot of clients with implants and they all get good results doing chest exercises and so he was showing me how to use the machines (I've actually never used a machine at the gym before...I've only used free weights & workout videos) and the machines he had me use were mainly for chest! and now the bottom of my right peck feels really sore even though I only used like between 15-30 pounds ( i know, i'm super weak). He also said that I should do 14 reps for everything..but isn't that too much? I thought I should be doing lower reps (like 6-8) at a higher weight so I can build the muscle which will (in the long run) increase the amount of calories burned. He said that I need to work my chest or my back will get too weak and I'll have bad posture. But my boobs are perfect, I dont want them messed up!

I guess I trust you guys way more than that dude, so I'm just asking for you guys to either tell me that he's wrong or right and THEN I'll believe it.

[sl4nd3r]

Originally Posted by hugs

But my boobs are perfect, I dont want them messed up!

Pics or it's not true

= P

[Amanda76]

LOL

1. He should not be taking your bodyfat measurements through your clothing. A lot of people have enough trouble feeling muscle slide away from fat when taking a skinfold measurement, let alone with the interference of cloth in the way. Besides that, does he take away millimeter from each site to account for the shirt or what?

2. How many people here at bodybuilding.com claim to be getting good results by splitting the body up over about 5 days? Maybe we're all liars.

3. Not sure why he doesn't have you working your back to strengthen your back and your chest to strengthen your chest, but, whatever.

4. I don't have implants, but I have heard over and over again from people who lift that gaining a large amount of muscle will cause them to shift (lifting enough to maintain what you currently have won't).

5. He is kinda right, though. If you base your workouts around 14 rep sets, chances are you aren't going to be lifting heavy enough to shift your implants or cause any noticeable difference with any other body part, either.

I have a feeling that this guy only knows one way to train people and is just making up his reasoning as you ask questions.

[Thuirwyne]

Trainers get a bad rep because most aren't that great. Was he trying to sell you a package of pt sessions? They're taught to make you feel more out of shape than you might be...he also should've done a 9 point and pinched the skin, not through the clothing. But don't put too much trust in the bf scales either...

Are your implants under or over the muscle? If they're under this can cause some women discomfort. I've had 2 clients who could only do certain exercises and range of motions due to their implants.

I'm sure there are many opinions on full body vs split workouts. If you're pressed for time and can only get into the gym 2 or 3 days a week, full body is good; however, you can work harder with splits and it's all about intensity.

Rep range? 1-3 power/strength 3-8 strength 8-10 strength/hypertrophy 10-15 hypertropy/strength so 14 isn't a bad number but not the absolute.

I wouldn't hire this guy.

[hugs]

Originally Posted by Amanda76

LOL

1. He should not be taking your bodyfat measurements through your clothing. A lot of people have enough trouble feeling muscle slide away from fat when taking a skinfold measurement, let alone with the interference of cloth in the way. Besides that, does he take away millimeter from each site to account for the shirt or what?

Thanks for replying...
I dont know if he took away anythign to accoutn for it but when I asked him if I needed to lift my shirt he said that it was fine cuz he could still feel my skin under my clothes (through a thick sportsbra and cotton shirt?!)

anyway, i feel fat.

[Feny]

Originally Posted by hugs

anyway, i feel fat.

you shouldn't... you don't look close to 25% fat in your avitar... by looking, i'd guess <15% ... probably less than that even

[SophieM]

I've had awful luck with those assessments. I really do think they try to sell you things but making you think you're really unfit. The women who did my fitness assessment added inches to all of my measurements, I watched her do it!! And she used the handheld bioimpendance thing, which is crap.

A mirror and a tape measure, and sometimes the scale and calipers, works for me.

[hugs]

Originally Posted by Thuirwyne

Trainers get a bad rep because most aren't that great. Was he trying to sell you a package of pt sessions? They're taught to make you feel more out of shape than you might be...he also should've done a 9 point and pinched the skin, not through the clothing. But don't put too much trust in the bf scales either...

Are your implants under or over the muscle? If they're under this can cause some women discomfort. I've had 2 clients who could only do certain exercises and range of motions due to their implants.

I'm sure there are many opinions on full body vs split workouts. If you're pressed for time and can only get into the gym 2 or 3 days a week, full body is good; however, you can work harder with splits and it's all about intensity.

Rep range? 1-3 power/strength 3-8 strength 8-10 strength/hypertrophy 10-15 hypertropy/strength so 14 isn't a bad number but not the absolute.

I wouldn't hire this guy.

well I don't know if he was trying to sell me anything...but he wouldn't show me all the machines (he said I could "build up to that") and he only showed me how to turn the treadmill on--not how to use the settings and when i asked him about the settings he told me not to worry about it and just do it manually. towards the end he told me the price of the most expensive package ($600 bucks) but didn't waste too much time trying to talk me into it. He seemed like a nice guy and offered to test my bf anytime i wanted for free..but he didn't seem that knowledgeable.

oh, and my implants are under the muscle.

[someday]

first off, don't stress about the bf% they are not accurate and from the look of your pics and your stats i'd say your guess was more accurate than the test.

second, there is more than one way to skin a cat and for him to say the best way to achieve your goal is total body workouts is just his opinion and certainly not the only way!

third, i had under the muscle implants for 9 years and have always lifted heavy. i work my chest just as hard as any other part. i press 160#s for reps and yes, under the muscle implants flare out to the sides when you do them, but it won't hurt them. if you are only pressing 30#s believe me you have nothing to worry about!

[Amanda76]

Originally Posted by hugs

Thanks for replying...
I dont know if he took away anythign to accoutn for it but when I asked him if I needed to lift my shirt he said that it was fine cuz he could still feel my skin under my clothes (through a thick sportsbra and cotton shirt?!)

anyway, i feel fat.

You don't look near the bodyfat percentage he told you you are. Between that, not indulging in your interest in the free weight section and all the other misinformation he gave you, I would take any info you get from him with a grain of salt.

[Sambakitten]

I agree with the posters above. Please don't put too much stock in the opinion of one (misguided) trainer. The machines aren't hard to work - just watch other gym members, and get the rest of your advice on this forum. At least here you have the benefit of hearing many opinions at once.
And btw, I have implants under the muscle, too. I have heard varying reports on this, so I don't work chest much, and when I do it's fairly light. But I do find it gets hit pretty well secondarily when I do arms and back. If you're not going to be a competitive bodybuilder and lifting super heavy, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Dangerousd37]

Just my 0.2. This guy sounds like a trainer who isn't that experienced and may have got his degree from a cracker jack box. You are 102 lbs and your pics show muscles... maybe he needs glasses?! Overall it sounds like he is trying to make you feel bad so you buy into paying him to train you. Why would you want someone to "train you" who makes you feel bad about yourself? Not only that why would you want someone to "train you" who thinks splitting is for the birds? I am suprised he didn't tell you that you are lifting too heavy and instead should only use 1- 2lb weights with tons of cardio because women shouldn't be lifting weights. Puhlease. Definitely don't buy into the garbage he's selling.. I'd take the advice of anyone on here over someone who does body fat testing through clothes. Totally ridiculous!

[hugs]

okay, so I just took pics and uploaded them om my profile. Maybe some of you could look and see if you think i'm 25.5% My estimate is between 19% and 21%. I guess I just feel like I need a somewhat accurate estimate so I can gauge how long it will take me to my goal. I told the trainer my goal was to be 15-16% by end of april and he said that I was being unrealistic and that I might be able to get to 18% if i lost 2lbs a week.

[bttrthnb4]

Sister, if you are fat then I want to be a fatty moo moo too! Srsly...I think your "trainer" is probably a kook, lol.

You look awesome!

[limniade]

Any trainer who feels the need to split up instructions on showing you how to use a TREADMILL is a trainer who needs to be dumped. Seriously. You're paying the guy to SHOW you how to use the equipment! Not to not show you! F that guy.

I have implants under the muscle, and I max out the weight at low reps (currently 50-60 lbs at 6-8 reps) and I have had no problems with shifting or other issues. Of course, if I were looking to become a powerlifter or lift my weight in my bench press, then that might be another story, but the implants are not fragile. Consider that they're taking half your weight every time you lay on your stomach. (Or any time someone else does, if you know what I mean.)

And, of course taking a bf% measurement through your shirt DOES matter, because the measurement is based on the number of millimeters of gap between the calipers. If you're wearing clothes, then of course that adds 2-3mm per layer of clothing, right? So that's what, 5% or even more right there. If he's taking it using bioelectrical impedence (like the scales use), then clothing will also add a percentage point or three.

I think we've all established that that trainer is full of **** and not worth the paper his credentials are printed on, if he even has any. If I were you, I'd just walk around the gym, try equipment out, watch people using it (or even ask someone to help you) and develop your own routine. You'll save money and see better results than that guy could give you.

[fromflabtofab]

I just got my certification and I'm impressed with SOME of the people I've gotten to know. It kind of bugs me to hear some of the things. I guess the bottom line is it's all about who you "gel" with. HE WAS trying to sell you. I garuntee you that. But I also think he was giving you the basic shpeel that he gives every woman who looks pretty good but is here to take their "free" assessment. I know a TON of PTs hate those part of their job. Personally, they sound FUN to me. (maybe because I'm too new to the job). They don't typically get paid as much. After all, you're not paying for it are you?

Bottom line If you don't want to work your chest, you need to ONLY enough to keep a balance in your body so you do not create imbalances that will end up hurting your body somehow.

A little story: I got a little upset because when I was interviewing at a gym that sounds like the one you went to I was told I was wrong in the exercises I chose. Here was my scenario. There is a woman who is middle aged, overweight, has balance issues, and lives a sedentary lifestyle. Other than that, she is healthy. She’s scared of the gym and doesn’t know what to do. Here’s what I had planned for her. I started her with some body weight squats and wanted to better her form. After all, she has balance issues. I would introduce her to the treadmill for 5 minutes and show her what she could do. Then the elliptical and a step machine. That way she would not be “scared” of the machines, right? After all, she can’t train with me every day right? That would be ridiculously expensive. I wouldn’t mind, but I wanted to equip her. Then we’d do a series of three or four exercises on machines that stabilize you. They can be a bit scary because they’re MACHINES! So I wanted to show her that she could use them. They’re not that intimidating. Then we’d go to the free weights section. We’d do some lateral lifts, bicep curls, and shoulder presses with some light weights. They’re not scary either. Even with light weights, we’re loading the spine and making her stronger with learning to move with weight. We’d end with some core exercises like ankle wiggles and swissball crunches. Work the core which is all about balance and I always found swissball crunches fun. And end with some birddogs while on the swissball so that she didn’t have to hold herself up, but she could get the work as much as she can at this point. “Well, first of all, we… I mean… You had some great things in there. BUT….” And she proceeded to tell me what I did wrong. And I took it all. Whatever she said. And I understood what she was saying. Made me feel like an idiot! And the more I think of it, I thought, NO I like the workout I planned. We hit all major body parts. She was introduce to many machines and a number of ideas to try working out herself. But no, the lady would rather have me try the “freemotion machines” which I hated when I was new because they were too hard. I didn’t get them. But she said that those machines work the core and would work on her balance. SURE but she’d only do them when I was around and she’d hate me for it. I shouldn’t have her do regular machines because they’d be too easy for her. WHAT?! IT’s her first time in a gym! Shouldn’t we give her ONE thing that is making progress while building her confidence. She didn’t like the idea that I had her doing Bodyweight squats because her balance is bad and she’ll probably fall over. WHAT THE HECK! Isn’t that what I’m there for. To make sure she doesn’t fall over?! SO, don’t let this guy make you think all trainers are idiots. They just all have different ideas. I’m sure the lady who interviewed me would have done middle aged, overweight, balance issued Mrs. Jones good. But I think Mrs. Jones would have loved me. You be the judge.

[fromflabtofab]

By the way, I HIGHLY doubt you're 25%. Yeah I looked at your picks. I think you have a good guess. Remember though, 19% is considered healthy for a woman. And BOY do you look "healthy!" ;-)

[hugs]

Thanks guys for the help and support! So from what i've gathered, I'll be just fine doing split routines, and i'll be just fine lifting chest and I'm most likely not overly fat. The good news is my right boob doesn't hurt anymore. yay

[sl4nd3r]

Originally Posted by hugs

The good news is my right boob doesn't hurt anymore. yay

PICS so we can verify there's no injury?

J/K, Good Luck, hope all works out well. Splits are where it's at btw.

[nicoledominique]

Originally Posted by hugs

He said that I need to work my chest or my back will get too weak and I'll have bad posture. But my boobs are perfect, I dont want them messed up!

He has a good point, but he may have explained it incorrectly. Training is all about balance. If you only work your back and never work your chest, you could risk serious injury. Your chest will be weak in comparison to your back and this will cause your other muscle groups to overcompensate for this shortcoming.

Your body is one big kinetic chain and ideally your goal should be to have everything working together in harmony without any muscle group having to work harder than another.

[Going4Lean]

Well that trainer sounds like a real winner! Even 'I' know you aren`t suppose to do caliper testing through clothing. Geesh!

I say..if it upsets you this much...then why don`t you just go to a more reputable trainer and get tested again. Even if it costs you a little bit of cash, it would give you better piece of mind.

And your pictures look great, by the way.

[SpinCycler]

There is no way he was right. Move on and if you feel the need tell the manager at the gym about his unethical behavior. What a piece of crap!!!!

You look fabulous, BTW!

[dog20]

you are 14% bf based on pics

[Reality_Check]

Originally Posted by hugs

He also told me that if I wanted good results I'd have to do full body exercise 4-5 days a week instead of the isolated days (like for legs, shoulders, chest, tri/bi, etc.) Is that true?

Get another trainer. Thats nonsense. The only way 4-5 days a week will work is if you are doing splits. Full body 4-5 days will be overtraining unless you are not very developed and very week. A complete newbie might benefit form 3 days per week full body if there was a days rest between each session.
Once you develop significant muscle mass the time for recovery per muscle goes up. Muscles are growing at least 4 days after you hit them (most within the first 48 hrs). Some adaption is even occuring after 9 days, which is why people can even make gains on once a nine day workout (I've done that). Once your muscles have been stimulated to grow there is no advantage in hitting them again till recovery from the last session is complete. If anything hitting them again before recovery is complete will interfere with recovery).

You look great, I don't see how you could be upset with your BF level. The number he gave is pretty much meaningless and shouldn't be an input into your training, go by what you see in the mirror. If you look like that and have a trillion percent body fat (according to some trainer) it doesn't really matter.

How can someone advsing you that you need to loose more fat or telling you you need 5 full body workouts give any usefull advice? Like I said I'd get another trainer.

[stella summers]

I hate to make this off-topic but hugs, may I ask which gym you go to? I thought your old location said you live(d) in Vista, so if you're still there or around that area.....my guess is gonna be the L.A. Fitness off the 78?

[hugs]

Originally Posted by dog20

you are 14% bf based on pics

That's nice of you to think that, but I highly doubt that I'm that low.

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Get another trainer. Thats nonsense. The only way 4-5 days a week will work is if you are doing splits. Full body 4-5 days will be overtraining unless you are not very developed and very week. A complete newbie might benefit form 3 days per week full body if there was a days rest between each session.
Once you develop significant muscle mass the time for recovery per muscle goes up. Muscles are growing at least 4 days after you hit them (most within the first 48 hrs). Some adaption is even occuring after 9 days, which is why people can even make gains on once a nine day workout (I've done that). Once your muscles have been stimulated to grow there is no advantage in hitting them again till recovery from the last session is complete. If anything hitting them again before recovery is complete will interfere with recovery).

You look great, I don't see how you could be upset with your BF level. The number he gave is pretty much meaningless and shouldn't be an input into your training, go by what you see in the mirror. If you look like that and have a trillion percent body fat (according to some trainer) it doesn't really matter.

How can someone advsing you that you need to loose more fat or telling you you need 5 full body workouts give any usefull advice? Like I said I'd get another trainer.

Thanks for the reply I thought what he said was too much too, but it's nice to get some affirmation

Originally Posted by stella summers

I hate to make this off-topic but hugs, may I ask which gym you go to? I thought your old location said you live(d) in Vista, so if you're still there or around that area.....my guess is gonna be the L.A. Fitness off the 78?

Hey! I moved to Carlsbad in December (I got laid off from work so I had to move back home with the parents) so I go to the new 24hr Fitness Sport off Palomar Airport Road (off the 5). Its actually walking distance from the house...i still drive though

[CFranzen1]

Know that there is a 3-5% error on skin caliper tests, with my degree in Kinesiology we are told 9-site measurement is the minimal and at least over 200 people you have had practice on.

I've seen and tested some scales that have the contact points to measure bodyfat and found that most are not as accurate as adveristied. I worked with the BiPod and DEXA as well as underwater weighing and it's very accurate if you are really wanting to know what your bodyfat percentage. Some colleges offer these testing at a very low cost and other clinics.

You look great and know that we don't carry numbers above our heads. If you feel great inside, then let that energy flow from the outside and people will read and see that faster than any other impression.

Good luck and keep moving forward!!!

[mmmcookiesnmilk]

pay attention to what you see, not what the scale or calipers tell you (you look fantastic!). the numbers really aren't important. I'd be wary about the pec exercises as well, I don't feel right after I do them so I avoid it. trust what your own body is telling you.

[eminva]

Yeah, he's wrong. Our stats are somewhat similar (you're a smidge shorter, a few pounds lighter, and your measurements are a bit less than mine) and I'm around 21%. You also look considerably leaner than I am, so you aren't 25% body fat. I'm no expert but I'd confidently put you below 20%.

Ignore him. Keep doing whatever you're doing- it's obviously working and you look great!

[Jmh80]

Originally Posted by eminva

Yeah, he's wrong. Our stats are somewhat similar (you're a smidge shorter, a few pounds lighter, and your measurements are a bit less than mine) and I'm around 21%. You also look considerably leaner than I am, so you aren't 25% body fat. I'm no expert but I'd confidently put you below 20%.

Ignore him. Keep doing whatever you're doing- it's obviously working and you look great!

X2.

You look great - keep up the good work.