Personal
trainers know the importance of a healthy lifestyle and desire to share their
knowledge with others. The client puts trust in the trainer to help them
achieve their fitness goals. Hutson did a study of twenty-six clients and
twenty-five personal trainers finding that “clients were explicit about not
wanting a trainer who looked out-of-shape, as this indicated someone who could
not apply their own knowledge, or who perhaps did not have any in the first
place”.1 Some people hire a personal trainer based on appearance
alone. If an individual is looking to gain mass, they may gravitate to a
trainer that is a body builder. If they want to become a runner, then they may
choose a trainer who looks like a runner. According to the American Council on Exercise,
“personal trainers should practice what they preach and exemplify what it means
to live an active and healthy life”.2 Trainers are always being judged
based on their appearance, so they are basically a “walking business card”.1 Hutson
explains this concept as “bodily capital” calling it one of the “most important
features” that trainers have.1
If a personal
trainer is expecting their client to eat healthy, make time for proper
recovery, and adhere to a workout routine, then they should do the same. ACE
explains the importance of personal trainers living a healthy lifestyle stating
it “will help build client trust and help clients justify the time and
financial commitment they are making”.2 Trainers should not view
this as pressure to uphold a certain expectation, but rather as an opportunity
to be a positive role model. As a result, the trainer can motivate clients to
be strong and make good decisions regarding health. Hutson explains that trainers
who fail to meet the expectations of society are “structurally disadvantaged in
the fitness industry, and in low demand”.1
1Hutson, D. (n.d). “Your body is your business card”: Bodily
capital and health authority in the fitness
industry. Social Science & Medicine,
90, 63-71. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.zeus.tarleton.edu:81/science/article/pii/S027795361300270 0?#
2American council on exercise. (2010). Ace
personal trainer manuel. (4th ed., p. 32). San Diego: American Council on Exercise.
I love the fact that you mention that personal trainers are walking business cards. I definitely agree with this because a personal trainer's own health status should be the most accurate advertisement. I would definitely not put my trust into a trainer who can not even take care of themselves. People gravitate towards others who are experienced so it makes sense as to why a person might gravitate towards a very muscular man when wanting to body build. You wouldn't go to a yoga instructor to body build if you had a choice otherwise.
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ReplyDeleteMy number one pet peeve is someone who "talks the talk" but does not "walk the walk". Think about how many corporate gyms you walk into and see trainers that do not look the part. My husband struggles with this issue at his place of employment. He takes his (in your words) "walking business card very seriously", because it is true. I even feel sometimes, that as a trainers wife, I am a direct reflection of him.
ReplyDeletePeople tend to gravitate towards the trainers that look the part, as I assume I would if I were to pick a trainer out from a gym.
Very well said. I look at a personal trainer just like I would a coach. If they are not practicing what they preach how can people ever take them seriously or better yet who would want to learn from somebody who cant even take care of themselves. It makes perfect sense that clients will choose a personal trainer depending on what they are trying to accomplish. If they just choose anyone, they may not get the results they are looking for.
ReplyDeleteWell-balanced athletes have their priorities in line, which ultimately helps their success. So should well- balance trainers. It's important to design a training program that fits your lifestyle and can be followed consistently without upsetting other areas of your life. it's also important to schedule time for your workouts as you would any other appointment.
ReplyDeleteBeing a professional in this industry, I have worked with many different types of trainers. Some in great physical condition and some others not in great physical condition. There trainers that didn't live up to their own teachings were otrn considered hypocrites.
ReplyDeleteI agree! And, for most of us in this industry we do not view working out as pressure, it is simply what we do and what we love to do. As terrible as this may seem, I have personally walked into a gym, recognized an out of shape trainer, and thought to myself, "not a single person is going to want to work with you if you look like that." Joseph summed it up pretty well with one word: hypocrites.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I asked for a personal trainer. I want to lose some weight before my wedding day. It is coming up quickly.
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