Ladies, this is for you.
If your trainer says any of the following to you – run!
If Your Personal Trainer Says This, He’s a Dick
- You look really good squatting.
- No more carbs for you!
- Let me stretch your inner thighs.
- No, that doesn’t hurt.
- My program is the only way to reach your goals.
- Let’s get drunk together.
You look really good while doing that squat
If you’ve got lady parts, you’ve been blessed with the gift of being able to tell the difference between a well-intentioned compliment and a sleazy remark. As a Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional, it’s my job to watch your form and make corrections to keep you moving safely. That means I have to watch the way your body moves. That does not mean I have to stare at your body. There’s a difference.
If your trainer’s eye is lingering too long, call him on it. If confrontation isn’t your thing, approach the Manager and quietly tell them you’re uncomfortable and would prefer another trainer.
No more carbs for you!
If you have certain intolerances, this is appropriate. If your trainer is claiming carbs are evil and you can’t eat pasta ever again, he’s fallen prey to the very popular but very silly belief that the only way to health is down the Sad Road of No Carbs.
Don’t go down this road. I did, it’s not a pretty place. Thankfully, I now see sense. You can eat carbs and reach your fitness and aesthetic goals.
Let me stretch your inner thighs
No. Just No.
Your trainer should always ask permission before touching you. Especially when dealing with delicate areas. I’ve been in the fitness industry for 15 years and have yet to find a reason to stretch a client’s inner thighs. If you’re tight in this area, a foam roller or self-stretching will do the trick.
Note: *If you’re seeing a physical therapist or physiotherapist it might be a different story. Same rules about asking permission to touch you apply*
That doesn’t hurt!
Pushing through mental barriers to achieve a goal is one thing. Ignoring physical pain is another. If you’re in pain, tell your trainer. If he tells you to ‘get over it’ or ‘push through it’ without asking questions, you need a new trainer.
If a client looks uncomfortable, I stop the exercise and ask ‘Are you in pain or are you feeling your muscles working?’ Often, it’s the latter, but without the question I can’t possibly tell what you’re feeling. You are the best judge of your body.
‘My program is the only way to reach your goals.’
This is my biggest pet peeve within the industry. Many fitness professionals claim the only way to become healthier / improve your fitness / insert your goal here is by following their program. A real professional recognizes their skill set can’t suit everyone.
Regular physical activity, eating wholesome foods, drinking adequate water, getting quality sleep and minimizing stress will improve the health and life quality for most people. Your trainer should help you include these habits into your life, not push their ‘clean eating plan’ down your throat.
Let’s get drunk and party!
One of the best parts about my job is the relationships I build with my clients. I love being a part of their lives, sharing their wins and helping them through rough patches. I’ve been invited to clients’ engagement parties, birthdays and weddings. Some trainers socialize with their clients, and as long as everyone is happy, there’s nothing to worry about.
But if your trainer persistently asks to party or go to the movies after you’ve turned him down, it’s time to move on. This is unprofessional and creepy.
There are many fitness professionals out there who truly strive to help improve the life quality of their clients. These trainers should be celebrated. I’m proud to say I am one of those fitness professionals.
Want to connect with a fitness professional who thinks burpees suck, and won’t tell you to eat kale or get on the scales? I’d love to chat with you, too!
Connect with me – sally@fitwithsally.com
Sally McWilliam
Body Positive Fitness Professional and Self-Care coach!
Your local Personal Trainer if you live in Brisbane bayside or Redlands
