|
Wednesday, 14 October 2009 22:19 |
The first thing I want to do is clarify that the exercise Jillian described during the first Trainer Tip was a "Stiff Leg Deadlift", not to be confused with the exercise called only a "deadlift." She was correct in the execution and benefits of stiff leg deadlifts, just not accurate with the name. Bob's tip about push up progression was right on the money. Now only if he would use that kind of progression with the show's morbidly obese contestants. More on Jillian later.
The theme for last night's show was control, or lack or loss of it.
The contestants were presented with a chance to spin a wheel for an opportunity to choose the members and trainers of the newly formed black and blue teams. It was little surprise that Tracy won. She should buy some Powerball Lottery tickets when she leaves the ranch. I'm not sure of her tactics for choosing the teams as she did (splitting up all but two of the original pairs, one being hers') but it was her choice and ultimately she hurt quite a few feelings on both teams. Former brown team's Danny declared it was "Game On". It has been Game On since they partnered up and put on different color shirts. Let's never forgot there is a quarter of a million USD on the line. The only change is that now people are pissed off.
And speaking of pissed off I'll come back to discussing Jillian. She was quick to claim that Tracy did not form a bond with Bob, Tracy only picked Bob to avoid the butt kicking Jillian was going to give her in the gym. Well, maybe if Jillian looked at the first word in her profession's title she might have a clue. Personal Trainer. Add "ity." Maybe that was the basis for Tracy's decision. It does matter that the trainer is experienced and qualified, but a huge factor in choosing a trainer is compatible personalities. Not everyone is motivated by screaming, cussing, threats and belittling. For some it can be a distraction from the training and add negative stress to an already stressful situation.
As usual there were plenty of tears shed. Mostly because of the way the original pairs were split up. Rather than letting it get the best of them all the contestants should have used it as a positive learning experience- support is great, dependence is bad. When they leave the ranch they will be relying on others for support so they should get used to not having the same teammates and trainers quick. It will help them succeed and stay successful long term. The trainers should have taken advantage of the switch to explain this.
There were two prominent situations that I felt both trainers were not following standards of true professionalism. A big part of our responsibility is client safety. Liz passing out on the treadmill is ultimately Bob's responsibility. He may not have been personally training her at the moment but he should have made her well aware of exercising at an appropriate level of intensity. Bob did do a good job educating his team on their shopping trip. Hmm... did you read my post last week?
Once again, if there was a non-exerciser watching and considering starting an exercise program there is the possibility they may have been scared away after seeing Jillian push Amanda to the point of losing her cookies, or Granny Smith apples I believe she said. Strike 2! Another instance of disservice to the fitness training profession courtesy of the National Broadcasting Company.
My last rant is about Dina's failed attempts at doing box jumps. First I'll say that plyometrics are not only a highly productive form of exercise, they can be extremely fun- for some. For others they can be terrifying as in Dina's case. I have experienced it with a client myself. But since it was not a requirement to do them we simply switched to an equally sufficient exercise the client was more comfortable with and moved on with the workout. No cameras, no drama, no message of overcoming one's fears, no wasted time. Just a safe, effective and productive workout without making someone feel inadequate or resistant to exercise.
|
Hi Aaron! I really enjoyed your blog this week! You are absolutely correct when you said that some people don't respond well to "drill instructor" tactics from their trainers. I have experienced something like this and in my opinion, if I am paying you to train me, you will NOT berate and belittle me or I'll find a new trainer. Period. End of story. The other comment I have to add is that when Tracey leaves the ranch, I'm sure her whole coven will be there to support her continuing efforts to lose weight!
