Re: Help Bad experience with Personal Trainer and his attitutde

February 26, 2001

Naomi,

This person was a salesman looking to make commission, not a personal trainer

willing to listen-if that were the case, the first question he asked would

have been " What are your fitness goals? "

I am also a member of Bally's, and I " ll never forget the first day I walked

into that place! I felt like I was attacked by vultures-three guys in one

room, talking " at " me about joining. (and yes, I also walked out with a huge

package of BFitRx, or whatever that stuff is! This was before my BFL time.

Anyway...don't meet with him if you feel it won't bring you closer to

accomplishing your goals! Good luck....

February 26, 2001

Hi Naomi!

I'm SO sorry that you were put through that experience by that

Personal Trainer you described.

To answer your question simply: cancel that next appointment.

Now I will explain why I advise this. :-)

Personal Trainers can be a *terrific* help or a *total waste* of

time and money. They vary tremendously in knowledge,

competence - and as the example you gave points out, sensitivity

and listening skills! :-)

I've read, observed and believe that how helpful a Personal

Trainer can be for any individual depends hugely on whether the

Personal Trainer and Trainee get along. If they don't, odds are

overwhelming that the relationship will be counterproductive.

So I won't knock Personal Trainers as a class. That would be

unfair. Some are terrifically knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to

customize their assistance according to your preferences.

Others are sellers of snake oil.

A good Personal Trainer should be willing to allow you to set the

terms of what you want to learn - in your case, to simply show

you proper exercise technique. A good trainer could be a great

help that way.

So there was nothing flawed in your idea. Unfortunately, it

sounds as if the Personal Trainer you found, was flawed. :-)

I suggest finding a different one who is cooperative, who treats

you with respect, and is genuinely helpful. As an alternative, as

you suggested, you could have a knowledgeable friend help

instead.

I hope that helps and that you have better fortune next time,

finding someone who will provide the help you want and need!

Energetically,

February 26, 2001

>Naomi wrote:

>...I didn't like him at all and can't believe>he had not heard of BFL...

Drop him like a bad habit.

You need to trust your trainer. This person is going to be touching your body to correct your form. A trainer should be attuned to you and address your needs.

You deserve better.

Honey

February 26, 2001

Naomi,

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience with the trainer.

He definitely was inappropriate and unprofessional in his treatment

of you. First impressions are usually pretty accurate, and besides,

that guy will never get a second chance to make a first impression.

If I were you, I would cancel the second " free " session. I would bet

that he will try again to push some supplements or products on you

again. If you are uncomfortable with him, chances are that you won't

get the full benefit of what you would expect to get with a session

with a personal trainer.

I do think that it is a good idea to have a session with either a

personal trainer to someone experienced who can teach you good form

with weight training so that you don't injur yourself and so that you

get the full benefit from your workout efforts.

I have been very fortunate to be a member of the YMCA about 1.5

miles from my home. It is a fairly new and very modern facility, and

the trainers are extremely helpful, and knowledgable and supportive

of the BFL program. They remember my name and have never tried to

sell me anything. Your experience has reminded me of how truely

fortunate I am.

Best wishes,

Kathy

> Hi all,

>

> I need your help in this matter. Mainly some reassurance

> and advice .

> I am a member of Bally's and decided to see a Personal

> trainer to book " 1 " session so he could brief me on al lthe

> weights so I can commence my first challenge with up most

> preparation...sounds simple right?

> No...I was really uncomfortable the minute I met the guy

> and he asked for my name three times and couldn't even meet

> me on time at 6pm .....he then launched straight into a

> " what is your fav choc vanilla, strawberry " - Now I am

> sometimes a naive foreigner ( I am Aussie) but I knew he

> was immediatley FLOGGING soem Ballys supplement. so I

> stopped him in his tracks and told him that all I was

> interested in was weight guidance as I will be following

> BFL....he didn't listen and just launched into some blood

> test stuff....I stopped him again and he said he had never

> heard of it and there are thousands out there and that its

> not a good idea as it isn't talior made for him....I then

> stopped him again...and said I had read the book and loved

> the idea....(I am not in bad shape and certainley know

> about food)......He then said come and see him again and

> bring the book. I am totally annoyed I reluctantley made a

> " free " appointemnt to see him (he charges 70 bucks an hour)

> and am asking you guys what should I do?

>

> I have a friend who is a BFL'r but isn't a memeber of my

> gym but I can get her a guest pass....she has shown me once

> already the UBW....I jsut thought getting a PT for a once

> of session would be a good idea???? should I cancel the

> appointment....I didn't like him at all and can't believe

> he had not heard of BFL...considering he said he was the

> best nBallys HAD....

> I am keen to hear your thoughts...

> Naomi

>

> __________________________________________________

>

February 26, 2001