Is your personal trainer a muppet?

Both Krystie and myself have been doing health related courses as of late. Krystie is studying to be a GAPS practitioner. 

GAPS which stands for Gut And Psychology Syndrome is the study of how our Gut affects our psychology and essentially how to repair and replenish the gut in order to have better outcomes.

 In a nutshell it’s nutrition for learning disabilities and mental disorders, such as autism, ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, addictions, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, eating disorders and many other conditions, which affect the function of the brain.

You can learn more about GAPS here 

I (Paul) have been studying SFMA level 2 which stands for Selective Functional Movement Assessment. Essentially it’s a course that deep dives into the diagnosis and treatment of injury. For most part it’s a course for physio’s, chiro’s and osteo’s  but as I have a keen interest in injuries and rehab they let me do the course.

And I am happy to report I passed with a score of 98%

Anyhoo, it reminded me of the importance of upskilling. The world of fitness and health is constantly evolving. And I believe that it’s our job as Personal Trainers and Functional Nutrition Practitioners to stay on top of the game. 

But it’s not just up-skilling that we need to be on top of. I recently took a trip to a commercial gym and I was shocked (jaw on floor) at what I saw some of the Personal Trainers doing.

If you have a personal trainer or you’re considering investing in a PT, then make sure… 

1 – they’re not using their mobile phone while training clients. 

2 – they’re not frantically writing out programs 5 minutes before the session 

3 – wearing jeans 

4 – smoking during breaks 

5 – stealing clients from other trainers 

6 – promoting unneeded supplements 

7 – recommending equipment to clients that’s overpriced just so they get their commission

8 – thinking they know everything 

9 – not keep abreast with the current research 

10 – forgetting to smile 

11 – giving a magazine workout to a client 

12 – not loving what they do 

13 – thinking personal training is only about fitness 

14 – teaching exercises that they don’t even know themselves 

15 – not being armed  with progressions or regressions 

16 – getting over absorbed in the latest fads or trends 

17 – getting clients to warm up by sticking them on a treadmill for 5 mins 

18 – ignoring nutrition 

19 – ignoring rehab 

20 – verbally bashing other trainers