I walked into a local gym recently and was blown away by the amount of kids on staff who do nothing but stand behind the desk doing homework and reading books. I asked one person “will you please tell me where the bench press is?” This person looked up at me like I just insulted a family member.
“Umm, I’m not really sure. What are you using it for?”
What am I using it for? I entertained the idea of educating this person on the definition of sarcasm but instead decided that I was satisfied with the answer I got and just said “never mind, I’ll find it.”
Maybe I asked about the bench press because I wanted confirmation that these people really don’t care about you. They show up to work, stand behind a desk and count down the hours until they can go spend their not-so-hard-earned money in some of the local watering holes downtown.
Starting a fitness program on your own is difficult enough without the task of having to ask the right questions in the right way to get a moderately intelligent answer. People starting or improving their fitness levels, who have the courage to work out in front of others, should be recognized and assisted beyond their wildest expectations. Those who think that their job consists of “dealing with people at the gym” need to find new work.
Fitness should be taken seriously at every level. People who are uncomfortable about working out and have no idea how to get back to the shape they want to be in should never have to feel embarrassed or intimidated when they work out or ask a question about fitness. Most people hesitate to ask questions because they don’t want to feel stupid. But one rule at the gym should be: Don’t hesitate. Ask.
Ask a trainer, that’s what they do, that’s why they’re there. Ask how long they’ve been a trainer. Ask what their specific strengths are.
I’ve heard of trainers who tell people they can train anyone at any level, but chances are they themselves don’t even know what their own strengths are. My advice is to find the trainer whose strengths are what your needs require. If you don’t like the trainers at your gym, find another trainer. Just because you belong to one gym doesn’t necessarily mean you need to train there. Trainers are not always a perfect match for every client. Shop around and ask about their education and certifications. Establish a trust with your trainer so that you can ask those difficult questions and know that they will listen to your questions and find an appropriate answer.
Greg Popp is co-owner and president of Core Solutions Fitness Training Center in Westbrook and is a NASM certified personal trainer. Contact him at www.csifit.com.