While personal trainers may seem superhuman at times, they’re people too and there are a few things that might get under their skin when they’re training a client. According to Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor Jennipher Walters, As a personal trainer myself, I’ve had a lot of conversations with other trainers about what irks them. While some clients’ personalities may rub a trainer the wrong way, a good trainer will never let that get in the way of a good professional session. However, there are some client no-no’s that are more than just personality quirks—they’re detrimental to both a trainer’s and client’s success in the gym.’ So which faux pas are you making that not only impede your wellbeing; but your trainer’s mental wellness as well?
1. Withholding Health Information: Walters asks, ‘Are you on any medications? Did your recent bone scan reveal thinning bones? Did you injure your knee or have back surgery five years ago? Even if your health care provider has cleared you to exercise, your trainer needs to know these important health facts to keep you safe. Medications can affect your heart rate; doing certain moves when you have osteoporosis can make your condition worse; and prior injuries or surgeries can also affect your workout prescription.’
2. Complaining: ‘No one likes a complainer and, if you’re a personal trainer, you really dislike complainers,’ Walters asserts. ‘To a personal trainer, complaining doesn’t make sense. If you’re paying someone to work you out and push you, then you have to expect to be worked out pretty hard…Complaining takes up precious time that a trainer can use for explaining proper form for an exercise or for general dietary advice.’
3. Making Excuses: ‘Many people are busy and have trouble fitting in exercise,’ says Walters. ‘But once you commit to working out with a trainer, refrain from making excuses for missing a workout or overeating. Be honest as to why you missed a workout or what drove you to overeat. If a trainer doesn’t know the full scope of your situation, then how can he or she help you?’
4. Lying: Walters points out, ‘A good trainer is constantly modifying your workout plan to fit you. And if you’re not telling the truth about your workout or eating plan, then a trainer isn’t going to be able to adapt your fitness plan accordingly. And at the end of the day, you’re paying a trainer to help you reach your goals, so by lying, you’re the one you have to face at the end of the day.’
5. Talking Too Much (Or Not Enough): ‘A trainer can only design your workout based on the information you give them,’ Walters comments. ‘If you’re as closed as a clam in chilly waters, then it’s darn near impossible for a trainer to help you set goals that really matter to you. On the flip side, if you’re a total chatty Cathy or gossipy Glen, then you really need to make sure that your conversations with your personal trainer stay on track and are about fitness, your goals and your health. A session with a personal trainer doesn’t come cheap, and you need to make sure your time is being spent discussing your weight loss.’
6. Not Following Your Plan: Walters argues, ‘Personal trainers create a workout plan for you for a reason. It may seem random, but they have a method to their cardio and strength routines. Trainers are not expecting you to do more than your plan calls for—or less. If you work out more than called for or eat less, it can really mess with your results.’