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Monday, 19 October 2009 15:52 |
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There is quite a bit of confusion regarding the topic and subtopics of fitness. Whether it is weight loss (which should be FAT LOSS), functional training, bodybuilding training, reasons not to train like a bodybuilder, machines versus free weights, multiple sets versus single sets or continuous cardio versus HIIT you will find differing opinions. For someone trying to figure out the right thing to do it's enough to make their head spin. The unfortunate thing is that most of this can be blamed on us trainers. For the most part I think they (we) all mean well. We will gladly give our opinion on what we believe is the best method to help someone get fit, or fitter, and to get them to achieve their goals. Some will bash and criticize methods they don't agree with simply because it is not their preferred training style. But others are just plain being dishonest, usually because someone is trying to make a profit. Whether it is an infomercial marketer making outrageous claims about the latest ab exerciser, or a trainer or group pushing the newest fad program our industry is full of exaggeration.
I browse many fitness sites. Some I bookmark and visit regularly because they have great info. Others I find by clicking on ads when web surfing or checking my email, like the Google ads you see over to the left. Some of the sites happen to be for other trainers or training organizations. One thing that miffs me is the exaggerated years of experience that I have seen claimed. I do know the organization I am certified by requires you to be 18 before taking the certification exam. Maybe some organizations don't have that limitation but I have not researched this. Maybe there are some who's requirements are only "If you can read and fill in the answer you can take the test, but your mom needs to wait in another room." I have seen people claiming to have 25 years of experience who appear to be at most in their early 30's. Maybe it's the exercise that just makes them appear years or decades younger than they really are. At least some will make the distinction between years of being a trainer and years of exercise(fitness) experience. That's still not right as far as I'm concerned and trainers should not do this. What's even worse some will add the two figures together and lo and behold they were training before Jack Lalanne. Think of other occupations or professions trying to get away with that. Imagine a pilot that looks like he's fresh out of high school telling you he has 16 years of experience flying, because a radio controlled airplane he flew since he was 6 counts as experience, right? Or what about a doctor counting back from the first time she/he remembers putting a band aid on their own knee. No good. Every educator can tack on at least 16 more years of education experience by following this example. So just because someone has been exercising on their own it should not count as training experience. People have different needs when it comes to training. It is not always a one size fits all, and not everyone has the same goal. I know that what works for me won't necessarily be best for a client. When looking at a trainer's bio, do your homework. Exercise experience is NOT the same as training experience. If it was I could claim at least 42+ years experience, and that's not including just walking.
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