Myths about Personal Trainers

Like with any profession, there are stereotypes, some of which err on the truth and some which are massively far from it (certainly with me anyway!). So, here’s a list of what you might perceive us to be like, but I want to debunk those myths and show you that finding a personal trainer (PT) can bring about such a great change in your life, that you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!

1. We’re all scary, shouty people. Yes, there are people who work like that and there are clients that respond really well to that format, but you won’t find that with everyone. Yes, you should expect to be pushed and encouraged out of your comfort zone (which is when we get the good stuff!), but not everyone will go all boot camp major on you. The right trainer will aim to get to know you and what you react well to – that way every interaction is tailored to trying to get the best out of you, in a way that you enjoy and feel good about.
2. All we do is bosh out a workout for you and that’s it. There’s so much more to it. If all you want is a workout to do then that’s easy for us, but if you want to make positive long term lifestyle changes, we need to look at things holistically (and at your specific circumstances). So often the trainer will work with you on not only the exercise element, but the nutrition and the mindset. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure you get the whole package and that you feel well supported and guided through the process.
3. Seeing a PT is only for those who have a bit of extra cash lying around. I think traditionally it probably was a service that was very much seen as a luxury and therefore afforded by only the wealthier person, but times have changed and with Covid shedding a light on our health, it’s maybe not so much of a luxury anymore. Granted you can do YouTube videos for free and classes for a few quid, but you don’t get the personalisation you get with a PT and you don’t necessarily need to see someone in-person, as there are so many PT’s offering online training as a lower price point. Or, if you have a friend, you could always team up for a session, again lowering the price per person (and you get the motivation/support to boot!).
4. PT’s are all buff and beautiful looking. A lot of people you see on social media do tend to be the ones that spend their life taking selfies on gorgeous beaches (if only I lived near one!!), but most of us are like the girl/boy-next-door. We’re like you. We have the same issues as you. We can therefore relate to what you’re going through. Now I’m not saying someone of a different age or gender can’t help you but do look for a PT that has the knowledge of your stage of life and the empathy to go with it.
5. We’re super obsessed with working out ourselves. Yes, we look after ourselves and do what works for our own body, but we don’t all spend every free moment in the gym. I tend to mix up my workouts (bit of Pilates, strength, HIIT, jogging) and I don’t do it every day. I’m always striving to be fitter and stronger, but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t fancy it one day or I simply don’t have the time.
6. We never eat cake or drink wine. Hell no, this is so not true. You will find that although we’re conscious of what we put in our mouths, we do allow ourselves some pleasures in life. But at the same time, we don’t go crazy with that stuff. I personally don’t recommend diets and restricting whole food groups. I like people to eat a balanced nutritious diet most of the time, and to not get concerned if a birthday comes up and cake is around. Sugar and alcohol ultimately aren’t our friends (they have zero nutritional value), but often the situation in which you find yourself surrounded by these things is one of enjoyment, so in moderation I don’t say no.
7. We’re magicians. We’re really not. Sorry to say it but we can’t magic away that waistline in a month. We can put together the formula for it, but it requires hard work AND over a long period of time. Often if people lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, it tends not to be sustainable. So, don’t go to a PT asking them to work miracles and to get a quick fix. 6 sessions ain’t gonna cut it guys! What we need is commitment to work hard and to take on board our advice.
8. We’re super good at everything. We’re strong, flexible and great runners. It’s difficult to be all-rounders. You don’t see great cyclists who are also great power lifters do you? Same with us non-athletes – we may excel in one thing but not be great in others. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have it in your programme though – we should all work on those areas where we’re not great. So, you will find that most programmes have an element of cardio, strength and flexibility.

So, there you have it. We’re not ripped, super athletic, lettuce-eating, shouty, expensive, magical boot camp majors! Push those pre-conceptions aside and think about whether it could actually be a good route for you to take.

I’m available for consultation chats so please feel free to drop me a line to arrange and we can discuss what might work for you. Or I can point you in the right direction should working with me not be your thing.