Expert Advice

2/4/2020

My head has been spinning for the past few months as I have quietly observed the number of fitness 'experts' and 'coaches' who have popped up because they know how to market themselves, have followers and likes or have finished a marathon or Ironman - it is mind blowing. For the number of amazing experienced coaches and trainers who have spent decades fine tuning their craft, I understand the frustration to being pushed aside for not playing the popularity game.

I do a lot of 'fixing' these days after these new 'popular' trainers and coaches have had their hands at newborn athletes. I thought it might be of benefit to give you a few things to think about before hiring a coach or trainer. You really should conduct an interview with the person who is going to take over the management of your Health and Fitness Program. That is a huge responsibility and your health is a lifelong investment, so know who you are hiring.

Anyone can become a certified personal trainer if they know how to take a test. TRUE. So it is easy for someone to appear intelligent about what they are saying if you haven't studied exercise science or physiology. There is a huge difference between theoretical and practical training. Just because one program works for someone, it doesn't mean it will work for you. I did an interesting study a few years ago at a very popular gym in Mumbai on trainers.

I spent a week observing trainers working with their clients, all while running endless hours on a treadmill. Every single trainer gave all their clients the exact same program. The only variance between women and men were the women got lighter weights and more reps. Same exercises, same type of programming for everyone each day. That is NOT personal training.

I have competed in over 100 races throughout the years in distances from 5km road races to Ironman distance triathlons. I have made it to the podium in over half of those, most all being in Sprint and Olympic triathlons. I have taken 3rd in US Nationals in two different events and 13th at World Championships and know what it takes to train to compete and win, not just finish a race. I started running at the age of 12 and haven't stopped for 30 years. Every sport I did became a study of biomechanics to gain an edge over my competitors, which eventually lead me to a position as Star Trac Coach. I have spent over 15 years working in the fitness industry constantly working to improve myself as a coach and sharing as much knowledge and education as I can - giving real science and not theoretical information to clients and other trainers.

This group of fellow Master Trainers I worked with in America have a combined experience from professional athletes to doctors, trainers, coaches, dancers and scientists; all working to raise the bar in the fitness industry.

So what should you be looking for?

Resumé - ask what certifications, continuing education classes and coaching licenses they have acquired.
How many years experience
- If racing - how many years racing, what distances (trainings are very different from one to the next), were they coached, did they win, did they experience injuries
- As a coach or trainer - the more years experience, education and continuing education will increase their rate. YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET!!!! There is a huge difference in quality between a trainer who charges 500/- and 3000/-.
Do they have a speciality? A great trainer/coach is always willing to help you find a more appropriate fit for you if they do not specialize in what you are wanting.
A personal trainer is NOT a nutritionalist and vice versa. Look at their qualifications.
Ask for references - if you have a specific goal and they have trained someone who has attained the same, ask to speak to them about their experience.
Expect a short and long term goal plan. Good trainers and coaches log your workouts and progression - ask to see this!!!
Any trainer who gives big discounts for long term programming is a red flag! THINK - the value of an hour. This is a service industry. Do you purchase discounted hair cuttings in bulk at a salon? NEVER! We are talking about our health and our bodies here, not just an 8 week hair style.
Do a trial workout. Is the trainer a counter or a coach? If a trainer just stands there and counts 1-10 rather than coaching you through the exercise as you do it, the likely hood of you improving your body mechanics is minimal.
A trainer and coach should be able to explain movement and exercises in a simple intelligent way which can be understood by anyone who hasn't learned these things. They should also know how to be able to adapt to different ranges of ability and body proportions.
Who are their mentors? Who do they and did they study under. A great coach and trainer is one without ego and on a constant path of growth and self improvement. Our bodies are forever changing, so we have to learn to adapt and change ourselves and not be narrow minded into only one method.
GURU??? A Guru or Master takes years to become. Ten years? Fifteen Years? More? Be intelligent - anyone who calls oneself a guru, I would red flag. Anyone who is called a guru - go through the list above. They are out there, but few and far between and you are blessed when you find one.
Is the trainer/coach fit? Yes, I am going there. I see a lot of very unfit and unhealthy trainers out there. Be a living example. Plain and simple.