Half way through my
year at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) studying the fine art of Personal Training, my instructor
asked us to write a mission statement and define what a Personal
Trainer should be. I was already in the business before enrolling in
this class so I thought I knew everything…wrong! It was really
hard to define myself; so I had to think outside the box and then it
became clearer. Let me share with you what I would define as an
exceptional Trainer.
There are about 10
main elements that make a Coach outstanding. I will list them and
then try to elaborate on each.
The most important
factor a Trainer should possess is knowledge.
Knowledge of the correct and safe exercises a client should be
executing as well as sound nutritional advice. A knowledgeable
Trainer should work with the population that she has expertise. A
Trainer should be able to know the difference between “fads” and
what really works. The Trainer should read and learn from credible
sources. She should know how to determine if an article is written by
an educated individual or someone who is just trying to make a fast
buck. A Trainer needs to be certified in her area of specialization.
The second element
that I feel a Trainer needs to have is reliability.
Reliable to me not only means that the Trainer will be where she’s
suppose to be on time and ready for work, but also that what she says
can be “taken to the bank”. Reliability and dependability
are synonymous and should be equally important. The two words are
interchangeable in the dictionary and another synonym is trustworthy.
These are all qualities that I would look for if I were choosing a
Personal Trainer.
When we mention trust
we also bring up the issue of confidentiality.
The relationship between a client and a Trainer should be along the
same lines of Doctor/Patient relationship. More goes on between a
Trainer and a client than just counting reps and changing weights.
The Trainer is a helper and educator to the client. A helper is one
who enables another to change. The Trainer’s role is very complex
because she acts as a teacher, a coach, a counselor, and a supporter.
Trainers need to be very aware of their limitations and must never
exceed the confines of their own expertise.
A good Trainer
needs to be a people person. A trainer is asked to work with
a lot of different types of people and she has to know how to relate
to a number of distinct types of personalities. If a Trainer is personable
she will be considered pleasant and friendly and I
believe those are valuable tools for a Trainer to possess. A trainer
needs to be a good listener. It’s very important to listen to the
client; don’t just assume that you know what she wants. It’s
important for the trainer not just to listen…. but hear what the
client is telling her.
A Trainer should be
a role model. A Trainer should “practice what she
preaches”. A Trainer should exercise and eat well. The Trainer
should promote healthy eating habits. A Trainer should not just
“talk the talk” but “walk the walk”.
A Trainer should
consider safety above all else when setting up a program for a
client. A Trainer needs to get medical history from his client and
perform some basic fitness tests in order to set up a safe and
effective training program.
A Trainer needs to
be prompt and well organized. The Trainer needs to show the
client how to keep accurate exercise logs to track fitness goals and
strength gains.
A great Trainer
will educate a client to become self-reliant. The Trainer has
done a great job when she can empower a client to go on alone. You
need to ask a potential Trainer how long she thinks you will need to
work with her. If she is unsure or says indefinitely, I would
interview a few more Coaches and find one that wants to teach you how
to workout on your own using your built in motivation.
A professional appearance is an important factor to me. While a Trainer is
working with a client she should be in casual clothes that exercises
could be easily demonstrated. My pet peeve is to see a scantily
dressed Trainer working with a client. Some Trainers I’ve watched
look at themselves in the mirror more than they ever look at
their client.
Positive
attitude and enthusiasm should be closer to the top of this list.
All ten of these elements are important so don’t think that they
are in any order of significance. A Trainer works very closely with
her clients and attitude and enthusiasm really count on
the motivational meter. When you are searching for a Coach, talk to
several and then pick the one that works best with your personality.
Sense of humor
and availability. These two elements don’t have anything in
common or do they? If a Trainer has no sense of humor she is not
going far. A Trainer should be able to laugh at herself and be able
to joke with the client. One on one exercise is serious, but we must
be able to have fun at the same time. I list sense of humor with
availability because most people want a Trainer to be available at
ANY time! I’ve been asked several times to be in two places at
once!! Yeah, right!
Communication
is a very important factor in the training world. If you and the
trainer work together three times a week then a phone call in between
sessions probably isn’t necessary. If you are together less than 3
times a week it’s a good idea to correspond with your trainer
either by phone or email just to keep in touch and keep yourself
motivated.
I am offering this
article for people who are thinking about hiring a Personal Trainer/
Fitness Coach. I fully believe that you the client have the right to
expect certain things from a Trainer/Coach. The elements and
comments I have written about in the paragraphs above are all
situations that I have worked through in my career as a Fitness
Coach. I hope that you find the things that I value and treasure
important, too.
Continuing
education and constant reading are just part of being a great Coach.
I have spent countless hours on research and study to give you the
best product out there. Along with other certifications, I am a
Master Fitness by Phone® Coach.
I have found
through my research and studies a simple and easy way to lose weight
and gain wellness. I’ve never seen anything work better or faster
to get you to your ideal body weight.
I always encourage
your comments and your questions. Please call or email and I will
gladly return your message.
In Health,
Bonnie Murphy, DLC
(Dynamic Living Coach)
