With Halloween around the corner, I started to think about what scares me. The topic that came to my mind first is that some of your “instructors” and/or “trainers” are not educated, let alone, certified. Do your body (and wallet) a favor and research the credentials of any facility or person that wants to get you fit.
Here are some mistakes that these “professionals” may be making without you even knowing it!
In no particular order….
Since they are not educated in exercise physiology or exercise science, they have you performing contraindicated movements that are unsafe and/or not effective. For example, you have a knee injury from years of pounding the pavement. They put together a high impact workout that has you jumping and putting undue strain on your knee. Solution, choose a lower impact workout that will not injure you further – like Spinning.
They give you nutritional advice. Unless they are a registered dietitian, be very wary of their “professional” assessment of what you should or should not be eating.
In a group setting, they offer NO modifications. Just like snowflakes, we are all incredibly unique in every way. All workouts and exercises can and should be modified for YOU!
Push through the pain! Pain is not the feeling you should have when training or workout out. Your workout can be uncomfortable and push you to work harder than you think you can, but you cannot be in pain, no exceptions!
Since they workout a lot, that qualifies them to train YOU! I will put it this way, would you go to a dentist that watched a video on tooth extraction but did not receive his degree? ‘Nuff said.
They never got to know you. Fitness assessments can be easily found online, but they should take it step further. Our health and well being cannot be singularly assessed according to how many pushups we can do, or what our weight on the scale says. Stress, emotions, and the mind/body connection also play a role. If they aren’t asking you questions, maybe you should find someone who will.
Progression? What is that? Depending on your goals, the fitness professional you are training with should continue to evaluate your progress and measure if you are getting closer to your goals. Regular assessments are a great way to track progress.
They are outdated. Fitness certifications expire without continuing education and a thirst for knowledge. Like many industries, fitness is constantly evolving and we are learning more and more about the human body. Have they mentioned any courses they are taking? Have you asked about their education?
You’re Not Listening to Me!!!! If you feel like you are not being heard, this will stop your progression and you will not reach your goals. Feeling some lower back pain and you want to skip squats today? No problem, lets find some other exercise to strengthen your legs and glutes. Do NOT push through the pain because you were not heard.
EWWWWW!!! Going through a gallon of hand sanitizer at the gym? Your trainer or instructor is responsible for keeping the equipment and facility clean. Do not settle for anything less. Your immune system will thank you!