There’s been alot of talk on dailymuscle.com on what the expectations are from a personal trainer. Many of them, I’ve always considered as my own personal opinions. In fact, one of my all time favourite writeups is >> Choosing A Personal Trainer. (I can even still remember that night I sat down at my dining table and typed that out.)
Over time, I’ve received plenty of feedback from my readers - both positive and negative, and one feedback that I’d always get is that the majority of Personal Trainers in the gym aren’t bothered about correcting/helping those who aren’t their clients. I guess it’s okay if you do not approach them to seek help when you’re unsure of operating a machine/lifting the weights, but it’s just plain wrong when they see you do it wrongly, risk injuring yourself - and yet ignore you. Almost to a point where we wonder what it is that they’re supposed to do at the gym anyway? Even strangers help strangers!
Also, by now, most of my readers also think that I despise Personal Trainers - so I need to set the record straight - dailymuscle.com DOES NOT DESPISE Personal Trainers - I think that they’ve got one of the most life changing and rewarding jobs.
Anyway, I recently came across an online recruitment ad placed by one of Malaysia’s fitness giants, and here’s what it says:
As a result of our rapid expansion, we are looking for dynamic, high motivated, passionate self starters to fill the following key positions:-
Gym / Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
Responsibilities:
* Strive to motivate members on the exercise programmes
* Assist members on the use of the exercise equipment and design personal fitness programmes to meet member�s needs
* Strive to attain excellence in fitness management, innovation, creativity and professional serviceRequirements:
* Diploma in Sport Science or relevant qualification
* Responsible for executing standardized fitness systems, maintenance of gym equipment and gym area, must be able to develop fitness programmes for different type of members
* Knowledge of personal training and group fitness instruction is a must
As you can see, they’re supposed to be there for us when we need them (client, or not), and also be there for us when we don’t REALISE that we need them. If only every Personal Trainer here in Malaysia would take the above responsibilities to heart - the scene at your gym would be different.
The reason I’ve written many writeups about the state of Personal Training here, is because at that time, the Personal Training scene here in Malaysia was at a sorry state. It really was. However, today, I’d say that it has shown much improvement. I guess it takes awhile to sink into them that being a Personal Trainer is not JUST A JOB. Additionally, the set up of the country’s first international standard training and certification centre for Fitness Professionals (more on this to follow) also shows that slowly, but surely - the standard of being a Fitness Professional is being raised - right here in Malaysia.
Here’s to the future.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I also believe that Personal Trainers should look fit. They should be the motivation for the rest of us. What is the point of taking lessons from someone that looks frail or overweight. After all, its the “body” they are selling, isn’t it?
DM,
I’ve been a member of a gym in Mutiara Damansara for a year now (after getting myself motivated from your blog). I signed up for a few PT sessions, which I can say is most helpful in getting me started with weight training. The exercise, together with some diet control has helped me lose some weight and look fitter. I am training on my own now after the sessions have completed.
My PT was quite professional during our sessions - she was never on the phone and doesn’t gossip about others or try best not to engage in small talks during our sessions. I appreciated this a lot as she is giving full attention to me. She is a rare-breed, I’d say.
I do notice other PTs who chit-chat/gossip (some even flirt!) with other gym users when they have a session with their clients. Some talk continuosly on their cell phones or were very busy replying text messages. I pity their clients, as I felt their time is ’stolen’. I don’t mind if the PTs correct someone who is not their client during their PT session, but gossiping? It’s a no-no.
I’ve encountered a PT, who noticed my incorrect posture while I was doing my abs exercises in the stretching area. However, instead of correcting me, he mentioned to his client (who he was helping to stretch), “See that? She is doing that the wrong way…”. That certainly didn’t help me, as my confidence level went down and I was very conscious with my moves the next time this same PT is around!
Anyway, like you said, not all PTs are bad….there are some gems around. I’ve seen one who actually stopped his own exercise on the threadmill to advice another threadmill user who was doing it the wrong way :p .
Thanks again for sharing your personal experiences on this blog. Honestly, if it wasn’t for this blog, I wouldn’t even have started exercising!
Hi DM!
DM: In True Fitness gyms, there are “floating” PTs/FIs who wear white caps. They wear these caps when they are not engaged in an appointment with a client. Members can approach these white-capped PTs/FIs should they want any assistance with their workout/advice, etc. I’ve been approached by some who corrected me on my technique - politely. There are signs informing members on this “service” throughout the gym.
Works both ways too, I guess. PTs/FIs can concentrate on the training session for their clients without being “kacau”-ed by other members as these white-capped heroes are around to handle the other members.
Just Sharlene: LOL. Agree with u. Fit-looking FIs/PTS will gain the trust and confidence of gym-goers better. Have seen some very skinny and some pudgy PTs/FIs too. But then again, it’s their KNOWLEDGE that we want, right?
Just Sharlene: Yeah, I too think that they gotta AT LEAST look like they’re capable of achieving by themselves what they teach/sell.
miki: Yes, indeed, there are some gems around. In fact, I know that the new club general manager @ Fitness First Wisma Consplant (Subang Jaya) himself would walk up to a total stranger and correct their mistakes - at times, he’ll even help ’spot’ and encourage you to lift heavy, etc. If the club manager himself can do it.. why not the PT? Anyway.. lucky you. And thank you for the kind words. I’m glad that I had a part to play in your life. God bless.
amirfuadh: Hey! How’s thing’s with you? It’s great to see you being a faithful reader. Thanks for sharing that about True Fitness - I had no idea they provided such a service. I think it’s excellent that they do that. Perhaps they stumbled upon my site? Hmmm. Take care Doc. Do write to me… on your progress. :)
The thing about personal training is that this is an entirely unregulated field where anyone with any background (or no background at all) can walk in and say they’re a personal trainer. Its about sales, not about results.
I’m a kinesiologist and specialist in biomechanics. I recently applied for a position at Fitness First. The interview lasted about 10 seconds. Thats how long it took for the head “trainer” to come in, sit down, and say “sorry, we dont hire foreigners”. She didn’t even ask to see my CV of 7+ years of education and experience.
I asked a few questions and found out they actually discourage most other forms of fitness besides aerobic and endurance training. I’m a powerlifter, and was told I’d have to stop doing that and start being a marathon runner.
Its so far beyond pathetic, that the LIGHT from pathetic will take 10 million years to reach it.
saya bekerja di suatu perusahaan fitnes yg terkemuka di indonesia n dunia..apakah ada lowongan for personsl trainer bagi saya ?
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