Exercise Tips (The Big No-No’s For Your Personal Trainer)

Even if you have the closest relationship with your trainer where you tell each other “everything,” we’re sure there are a few things that would have crossed your Personal Trainer’s mind at some stage. Now, we know no one is perfect, and we are guilty of a few of these too, but in case you are new to the PT game, here’s a heads up to what NOT to do to your Personal Trainer!

#1 Make Excuses

Personal Trainers work with a number of different clients, from all different backgrounds, and fitness abilities, but one thing that remains constant (to some extent) is the EXCUSES, the main excuse being, ‘I have no time!’

Of course, time is a challenge we all face, no matter what we do for a living, BUT, if you dare say you don’t have time to workout three times a week to your trainer, you can bet that they are disagreeing with you, even if they don’t say it out loud.

So how can you overcome this? Just be honest, if you’re tired, run down, or have lost your training mojo, tell your trainer! Your PT is there to understand and support you, and they would rather you are straight up with them, then make up excuses!

#2 Withhold Information

Are you on any medications? Did you injure your knee or have back surgery five years ago? Even if your health care provider has cleared you to exercise, your trainer needs to know these important health facts to keep you safe. Some medications can affect your heart rate; and prior injuries or surgeries can also affect your workout prescription. Even if your trainer hasn’t asked, it’s up to you to fess up and tell-all when it comes to your health. Don’t worry: Like health care providers, trainers must abide by codes of conduct and keep your health status confidential.

#3 Complain

PT’s love it when they see their clients smashing out their sessions in the gym, and when they hit their last set, and are feeling fatigued, your trainer can really empathise with how they are feeling, and can even cop a little complaint. BUT, do yourself a favour and don’t walk into your session winging about your training ahead. While your PT may put on a brave face, there is only one of two outcomes; 1. Your PT will work your EXTRA, and I mean extra hard to the point you have no energy to complain, or 2. They will do the complete opposite, and do the session, however your lack of motivation will most probably affect the effort you put in, and you won’t get the most out of it! Moral of the story, before you go into your next PT session, get your game face on, and SMASH IT!

#4 Lie

When your trainer asks you to write a food and exercise diary over a week so they can tailor a program around your current lifestyle, and you “accidently” leave out the takeaways and large portion sizes you have been consuming, your results from the program may not align. And guys, Personal Trainers weren’t born yesterday!

If you are serious about reaching your fitness and health goals, you need to be upfront and honest with your PT, even if you are a little uncomfortable or embarrassed about telling them you had donut time on the weekend. No one is perfect, but you trainer needs to know all of the facts so they can help you.

A good trainer is constantly modifying your workout plan to fit with your progress. If you’re not telling the truth about your workout or eating plan, then a trainer isn’t going to be able to adapt your fitness plan accordingly. And at the end of the day, you’re paying a trainer to help you reach your goals, so by lying, you’re the one you have to face at the end of the day.

#5 Not Follow The Plan

When you train with a Personal Trainer, you are investing time and money in order to reach your health and fitness goals. Now, while this is a GREAT investment, they only way you can really get the most out of your trainer, is by listening to their advice. We all have our off days, or cheat days, but do your best to stick to your training plan that your PT gives you, and if you don’t like it, TELL THEM! They create these plans for YOU after all! 

• Bio

AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.