Trainer? I hardly know her
Happy weekend friends! Megan here. About once a week at the moment, people are sliding into my DMs asking for advice about finding a personal trainer.
I’d love to say I have a great answer, but honestly? I mostly lucked into two spectacular trainers, both of whom have become friends.
The one thing I do know is that you need someone who passes your personal vibe check. If you’re not someone who thrives on being told to “drop and give me 20, maggot,” then a trainer who thinks they’re a drill sergeant isn’t going to work for you. It’s kind of like finding a therapist—you might have to try three or four before you land on someone who just gets you.
I'd super encourage you to meet with someone and have a consult. You’ll talk through your goals and get a bit of a vibe. I told Nellie, my first trainer, that I never wanted to talk about weight loss ever. I wanted to focus on movement and feeling good in my body. When she moved overseas and I had to choose a new trainer Carl seemed like someone who would:
- Meet my nerdery head-on
- Yap with me through every workout
- Push me to get stronger every week
Since I get asked about this so often—and I’m not actually qualified to answer—I thought I’d ask Carl, who is. (Also, I’ve always wanted to ask this first question.)
OK, this one might be indulgent…I remember when Nell was leaving, she said you wanted to work with me. How come? I guess what I’m really asking is: what do you look for in a client?
Carl: Firstly, vibe check, I genuinely enjoy being in your presence! Early on we had some great fun and passionate ‘geek outs’ in the gym, which I enjoyed immensely. Secondly I love that you seemed so passionate about movement in general and you celebrated your wins in style! Thirdly, your goals seemed wholesome and sustainable, they weren't superficial. Finally, I could see your potential strength, so I kinda wanted to see how far we could take that.
You really quickly clocked that the way to get me to do anything is to imply I can’t. When you’re working with someone, how much are you thinking about their personality? To put it bluntly: how manipulative are you?
Carl: haha, this is interesting, quite manipulative it seems, but with good intentions. I think I am reasonably good at reading and connecting with people, as I genuinely like most people and are interested in them! In the first session I ask questions that will reveal key motivators, try to really listen to what they are saying and ask questions around it. I studied a technique called Motivational Interviewing which has been quite useful here. I try my best to practice active listening also, although that may depend on how much caffeine is in my system (I reeeeaaalllly like to talk then - sorry Megan). These two techniques seem to come naturally to good communicators but I think are also great techniques to understand as they are client focused and more in line with the idea of coaching as opposed to dictating! I also spend time thinking about my clients, how I can best facilitate and guide the results they want, and I question whether I am adding as much value and guidance as I can within my abilities.
How aware are you of a client’s individual physiology? I feel like you know my body really well?
Carl: I think this is super important to understand as a trainer. Yes, we are all human, much of our physiology remains the same, however there are many individual differences! This comes with education, but also through experience. I've seen things that should work, not work, and things that shouldn't work, work! There are people that are naturally geared towards strength training, others towards endurance training, some that are in between! Body shapes and sizes vary greatly (although we strangely seem to glorify one body type). And of course this often marries up with what a client's joyful movement experience is! Again, part of understanding this as a trainer is just asking questions like ‘how does that feel?’.
Can you tell pretty quickly if it’s not going to work with someone? And are you offended if people decide you’re not the right trainer for them?
Carl: I think so, although it's probably more that I think this person would be suited better with someone else, that can be a skill thing or a personality thing. I know our staff very well (awesome team), their personalities and passionate/skilled areas therefore I can tell pretty quickly if they would be a good match. So no, I'm not offended, I'm happy if they find their happy wellness path.
We talk a lot about how rife misinformation is in the fitness world. That applies to trainers too, presumably. What red flags should people watch out for?
Carl: Unfortunately, yes, there's a lot of misinformation. I think it's a red flag if someone talks in absolutes or speaks as an authority on something. Unless you are a current academic researcher (in the area of conversation), you're probably not qualified to be conclusive on the subject matter. However, there are obviously some basic physiology principles and some areas where there is a large body of research that supports certain claims.
Another red flag will be if a trainer tells you what your goal is or even assumes, this means they probably don't have good coaching or communication skills (at least). I would also recommend that you watch your potential new trainer (if you are already a member of the gym), to see how engaged they are, to see the interaction and also see how they may be prescribing exercises (this may be hard to judge however without experience).
It may also be worth doing a social media stalk, see what the messages are that are being put out there, does it align with your values and map of the world?
And a follow up: what did you used to believe that you don’t anymore?
Carl:
I used to believe that ‘natural’ is always best. It's just not the case when you look at the body of research, especially when it comes to food. In fact this can promote conditions such as orthorexia where it creates a super unhealthy relationship with food and yourself.
What certifications or experience really matter? What’s less important than people think? And should your trainer be completely jacked (like you are!)?
Carl: A REPS NZ accredited qualification is a good starting point. I think what matters more is that they are continuously up-skilling beyond their initial qualification. It’s worthy of asking but also observing whether they have some internal education systems within their facility also. To me this comes down to whether the trainer is passionate and curious about what they do.
Because I lift, it’s easy to measure progress - except for bench, dammit! What are some other ways people can track meaningful progress in the gym?
Carl: Within the gym you can attain data and measure progress in strength, power, speed, fitness (in different energy systems), body measurements & composition but its also worth noting your experience, is this exercise feeling easier or is it with less pain? Am I enjoying it more? And there is the outside of the gym progress measures. Are the stairs feeling easier? Am I feeling more capable in carrying the potting mix or groceries? Am I more confident in myself? Am I feeling more mentally stable and happier? There are many things worth noting and many standardised measures (feel free to message me if you want some!).
Sometimes I come in low-energy and we do 30 minutes of mobility and an informal counselling session. Do you change your coaching style based on someone’s mood or energy?
Carl: Definitely! Probably the most important question that I ask at the beginning of the session is, ‘How are you feeling today?’, followed up by ‘why’s that do you think?’ and that opens up discussion around many other lifestyle factors that will impact on what may be best for that individual within this session. Sometimes it's a green light to push hard, other times its some breath work, mobility and an informal counseling session, other times it’s something in between.
Assuming I’m not the only one getting impromptu therapy…Does that take an emotional toll? Should I shut up? 😛
Carl: haha yes it can do. However it does require a certain personality type (leaning towards extrovert possibly) that thrives in this environment. For myself I don't often need to but I am comfortable to set boundaries if necessary and have some rituals to downregulate after a particularly emotionally taxing period of time. For me I have a shower, phone a friend (sounds like a gameshow!), go for a walk in nature or I have a shower as soon as I get home. But generally if I manage my diary and workload well (haha!) I don't need to.
Let’s talk goal setting. Right now, mine are: prep for comp, have Arnie-in-Terminator biceps, and walk through Europe for six weeks without my calves screaming. How do you help people figure out what they want to achieve in the gym?
Carl: Asking the right questions! Especially after a goal has been achieved or a barrier has presented itself. Then it's worth probing and asking why (multiple times often), to ensure it's actually what they want and that it is meaningful to them.
Oooooo. Controversial: does everyone need a trainer?
Carl: No, however having a good coach can fast track results, make it interesting and also fun. Generally a coach will have experience and tools as well as provide you with accountability and adaptability. I am a coach, and I have coaches in various modes - I have a run coach and a jujitsu coach that I learn a lot from, despite me understanding the anatomy and physiology of these sports! If you aren't interested in a trainer or coach or its not an option, it may be worth considering a training buddy as this can help with accountability and fun. Both are important!
Last one: what’s your gym pet peeve? (And why is it people not putting their dumbbells back in the right place? Or is that just me?)
Carl: I think mine is just a lack of consideration for others in general. Whether that's not putting your weights away, spilling your drink bottle and not cleaning it up or dragging your dirty shoes through the gym! But I do get over it pretty quick haha.
Cool stuff we saw this week
“The logic behind Greysteel is straightforward: Stronger muscles and bones are associated with longer life and better health. And heavy barbell lifting programs are proven to build strength. If you combine those two ideas, the inevitable decline that comes with aging is perhaps not quite so inevitable.” (NYT gift link)
[Nerding out] This study (with some limitations, notably that it was only done on fit young people) suggests that even within a single workout, the body adapts to become more efficient in heart rate and movement efficiency.
"Women who avoid strength training are robbed of its benefits, many of which are especially helpful for ageing bodies. In addition to building muscle – which one can do at any age, Manolis notes – strength training has a significant impact on bone health and cognitive function." (Guardian)
Apparently all the girlies are using weighted vests. To which I (Megan) say: just pick up a dumbbell, fam. (WaPo gift link)