Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Fitness Trainers

We’re wrapping up the list with “facts” eight, nine, and 10 from the article “10 Things Your Personal Trainer Won’t Tell You” written by Reneé DeFranco on smartmoney.com. My insight of what I think about them follows.

10 Things Your Personal Trainer Won’t Tell You (Cont’d)

8. “Just because I’m more expensive doesn’t mean you’ll get a better workout.”

Personal trainers charge more depending on their level of experience and how booked up they are, and any fees you pay them are obviously an investment in your health. Nonetheless, a more expensive trainer won’t necessarily yield better results. “At the end of the day, it’s about behavioral change,” fitness consultant Florez says. So safety aside, finding someone who personally motivates you and with whom you click is most important — and that person may not be a top-dollar seasoned veteran. “If he can’t motivate you based on your personality style, you’re throwing money away,” Florez says.

To find the right match, ask for a trial workout session with a trainer before you hire one. Florez specifically recommends a preliminary consultation, which should include no exercise but rather an in-depth conversation about your personality and goals. To evaluate a prospective trainer’s ability to produce results, ask questions like, “Have you worked with someone like me before and been successful?” If the answer is yes, request a recommendation from that person.

Brides Made Fit says: “Trainer’s hourly rates do depend on their education and experience– which can be a good and bad thing for the trainer and client. If a trainer has many years with a gym and not necessarily a better trainer, they could charge up to $50 more an hour! On the flip side, I’ve worked with trainers who trained professional athletes, but couldn’t charge nearly as much as other senior trainers because her sales numbers were lower. (FYI: most trainers are commission only!) My advice to the client is to try a trainer out for two sessions, and just flat out ask how they get paid. Some clients don’t like the fact that the majority of the money they’re paying for their trainer is being put back in the pocket of the gym they’re already paying monthly dues for.”

9. “Once I get my big break, I’m outta hear”

When Patrick Wickman, a scientist for an engineering firm in New York City, signed up for eight sessions with a personal trainer at $70 a pop, he was excited about the prospect of developing a long-term program. And sure enough, says Wickman, the trainer promised to help him reach his goals — only to disappear after five sessions, at which point, Wickman says, he was passed off to other trainers: “The personal touch evaporated.”

The personal-training industry has high rates of employee turnover, partially because of low salaries, which average $32,900 for independent trainers and $35,000 for those employed by a health club, according to IDEA. Plus, the flexible nature of the gig attracts those who want to work part-time while following other pursuits, like acting or dance. Unfortunately for you, when your right-hand man lands a callback audition that conflicts with your next appointment, you’re the one stuck rescheduling or settling for a sub. To help avoid future disappointment, ask about your prospective trainer’s intentions and long-term career goals, especially if you’re interested in purchasing a bigger package of sessions.

BMF says: “Clients should note that if your trainer leaves your gym … it’s not because of you, it’s because of the gym. Most gyms take more than half commission from the trainers, forcing trainers to step out of their profession of fitness and into the world of sales. Selling is not a bad thing, but the monthly quotas may become a burden on your trainer, prompting them to find a job elsewhere. Because gyms lock their clients into training package, the sessions may outlive the trainer and another is assigned. This is a tough one to avoid, so clients need to tell the trainer from the start that they understand the possibility that the trainer may leave. What they can do is request information on traits and credentials of other trainers at that gym in case the current trainer becomes MIA.”

10. “I’m no nutritionist, but that won’t stop me from telling you what to eat.”

Personal trainers have been pushing protein powders and meal replacements for years, but now many are playing nutritionist as well. “There’s no evidence that nutritional advice or any of these health products are beneficial — or at all necessary,” says Ann Albright, dietitian and president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. “It’s just an income generator, a way to push products.”

Not only that, but if you’re facing certain health issues, nutritional advice given by trainers can sometimes do more harm than good. “Nutritional supplements, when mixed with other medication and strenuous exercise, can result in injury or even death,” says a spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. Take one of the country’s growing epidemics — diabetes. For those suffering from it, “it’s crucial that your health care provider knows you’re taking nutritional supplements, because it can be dangerous,” Albright says.

Buyer, beware: Before agreeing to alter or supplement your diet based on a trainer’s recommendations, ask lots of questions, and keep your doctor in the loop, Albright advises. The best personal trainers don’t pretend to be health professionals, but they are happy to facilitate an open channel of communication between a client and a health-care provider if the situation calls for it, says a spokesperson for New York Health & Racquet Club.

BMF says: “The reason I don’t think this statement pulls any weight is because a.) most clients will eat what they want no matter what the trainer says, and b.) most clients have voluntarily put themselves through more harm with fad diets found in magazines and infomercials than a trainer ever could! Only people who never go to the doctor or are in denial of health issues have a problem with this one. Personal trainers understand and stand by the fact that results are 80% reliant on nutrition. That said, although personal trainers are not certified nutritionists or dieticians, administering nutrition recommendations is part of the job. All the client needs to do is make the trainer aware of any food allergies or conditions and get their program approved and monitored by a physician.”