I know that some personal trainers are excellent at what they do and from my own experience I know that Anthony is excellent for example. It's thanks to the knowledge that I've learned from Anthony and from mansized generally that I have some idea of what I am suppose to be doing to keep/get in shape. And thank goodness that's the case because my own experience of personal trainers that work for gyms is that they know less than I do (I don't know much).
I had a session with a trainer today. I was assured that these guys know what they're doing and that they have to achieve 'level 4' whatever that means. So I explained my past, what I wanted to acheive ie. maintain muscle but become more defined etc etc
"right... let's get going with the cardio then"
I said that I'm not that keen on cardio and that I tend to use weights in a more circuit training way in order to incorporate some cardio work for good health. But they were adamant that treadmill, rowing machine, cross trainer 30 mins twice a week was the way to go.
Then we did some weights and they suggested full body workout 3 times a week and hey presto. That's it. All done. See you in 12 weeks.
We didn't even discuss diet which seems ridiculous to me - and what about overtraining?
I wanted someone to explain to me the push and pull technique and which muscles to work and in which order - to make sure i don't over train some muscles with varient exercises.
My conclusion is that no wonder so many people become dis-heartened with the gym when there guidance is not necesscarily correct - perhaps they rely on the 'dis-heartened' to ensure gyms don't become overcrowded... hmmmm, now there's a conspiracy..
... and I don't understand the obsession with cardio exercises - of course it's for some people, but it's not for everyone and that needn't be a problem.
I understand what you mean and agreed with you until the nutrition part. They gym PT's not nutritionists.
If you want an all-in-one PT, you will have to spend some serious money. Someone who will help design a complete plan for 12 weeks - exercise, rep-set range, nutrition, rest, monitoring progress etc.
To be honest, you would be off using Mansized for nutrition advice and exercise structure. Maybe have one session with a highly qualified PT and also a nutritionist - in the session with the PT maybe just have discussions about exercise and the types of movements, checking your range-of-movement on the main exercises rather then having a proper session doing weights, etc.
My friend has a degree in Sports Science and works in a gym as a PT. Despite being unfit person at present, I know more about training and nutrition then he probably ever will.
Even he gets annoyed in the way he has to train people - their plans are not primarily based on goals, but on the equipment they have. The second focus is the individual's goal.
I think as with most things the best way is to learn and research yourself, and on those occasions when you find a knowledgeable source, get as much out of them as possible. Until I am aware of someones expertise I like to take it with a pinch of salt until proven otherwise. I apply this to everything. Gym, gadget shopping, holiday resort choosing etc and generally I do well with it.
Good luck at the gym! Sounds like you need it, next they'll be telling you need to do 200 situps a day for a sixpack!
am sure there is another thread about this somewhere...
A big difference is that the guys who do inductions etc in the gym are more likely to be instructors, employed by the gym and paid peanuts. Proper PTs are more likely to be self employed and this have more knowledge, experience and passion to get to knowbtheir customers andbtheir desire as it is in their interest (to promote themselves as a business and get money in their pockets)
