Written by Inspired by Ryan’s post earlier today over at SAPTstrength.com, I decided to piggyback on his points with a few of my own… StrongGirlsWin style, of course:
You Might Need to Reconsider Your Strength Coach or Trainer IF…
1. “Guarantees” are given. This is tricky, tricky territory! The most common promise: Guaranteed Fat-Loss! Oh, boy… if only it were that easy. Guarantees like this one make me think about the legendary snake-oil salesmen of yesteryear. Be very wary, ask lots of questions, and get to the root of the guarantee. In my experience, something unrealistic is involved in getting the guarantee.
Don't let yourself be the upside-down guy.
2. Only one primary training system is emphasized: TRX certification, anyone? It’s all about tools in the toolbox! A highly qualified coach or trainer will pull from a multitude of methods to help you achieve extraordinary goals.
Don't you want to train with me?
3. The main sales pitch involves a heavy emphasis on “lady” specific training. There’s no such thing! Considerations especially for women, sure, but I’d limit those to pregnancy and not much else. Simply being a woman is not justification for a whole new training method. Being human is really the main thing that needs to be considered.
"Go US! We're SOOOO targeting our trouble spots right now!"
4. Exercises are labeled as “functional” and “non-functional” – I’ve been doing this for a long time & I still don’t really know how an exercise is functional or not. I mean, if you’re training to be the best at Concentration Curls by doing concentration curls then doesn’t that mean even they are “functional”? Feel free to post your best guess or answer in the comments!
This image was labeled as "Magic Functional Exercise" - I think it's a joke... I HOPE it's a joke!
5. Repetition ranges are limited to 10 reps & up! And if this is coupled with #1, put your blinders on and immediately leave the building!
WHAT is happening here?
So, that’s just another 5 added to Ryan’s… Who has some more good ones to contribute? This is a short list, so please post to comments & share with friends on Twitter & Facebook!
If they tell you calf raises will improve your vertical yet don’t teach you how to hip hinge!
I wish I could get you guys at SAPT as strength coaches! I cant find a good one around my area. Its seems impossible! It is funny how just because someone is a “trainer” doesn’t mean they are good at their job, yet thats what most people assume. I watch the trainers at my gym and can’t beleive they are getting paid for what they are doing (not much).
I interviewed a trainer for “in home training”. He told me that if I wanted to compete in figure competitions that he strongly recommended getting breast implants – he never asked me about my fitness goals!