So here we go... from you, the client/member's perspective the most popular things that make you crazy in the gym...
1. Trainers who think they own all the equipment and cut in on members.
I mentioned this last week from a trainer's perspective. I agree with this! In fact this was the number one thing that made you the client/member crazy!!!! A seasoned trainer will be able to transition to another exercise if a particular piece of equipment is already being used. In many instances I have been able to either go to another exercise or use another similar exercise to train the client. In my opinion, AND IT'S JUST MY OPINION, this is a form of being a bully! With that being said though, we can all share the toys in the playground. Trainer and members... Please be aware of your time spent on a particular piece of equipment, especially popular pieces such as a squat rack. If you are longer than 15 minutes or are doing multiple sets, invite the person waiting to "work in."
2. "OK, so I count on my trainer to count reps, so I don't have to... If they mess up the count, grrr. Especially if it's an exercise where you need to do even reps for both sides of the body!"
Oh boy... I am not gonna lie, I'm guilty of this! I swear I try to count but something shiny will catch my eye, I'll greet a member walking by, or you the client will ask me something and throw my count off! Plus, I COUNT CANADIAN! YUP WE USE THE METRIC SYSTEM SO THERE IS ROOM FOR ERROR IN THE CONVERSION TO AMERICAN! All kidding aside, This is a legitimate thing to make you crazy! It could create muscle imbalances if done consistently. And, in all honesty, the trainer should be so focused that it is a rarity more than a usual occurrence. I have been guilty of losing count on occasion and will work on correcting this. One client actually brought in one of the clicking counter things several years ago and gave it to me for Christmas!
3. People on their phone - both trainers and members
This is an age old problem. In today's society, we are just a click away. I have witnessed trainers and members both in a conversation and texting or looking at their phone. I agree it is extremely unprofessional and in fact just rude to be working with a paying client and being on the phone. Yes, there are indeed times when an emergency call or text may need to be addressed but again, it should not be the norm. I will hafta admit, again, guilty! I try to address all texts and calls between clients. Many times I have back to back clients and they are waiting as I check and answer texts from other clients between sessions. You are correct, it is not fair to infringe on your time. It also does make me crazy when I see a trainer or member in the middle of a training session on their phone. I don't think we have a problem with that at Healthtrax with the trainers and most members respect the policy which is posted around the gym and on the Healthtrax TV. If we do, please let me know and I will address it..
4. People checking other people out in a creepy way! Also people with inappropriate clothing showing off rather than working out.
This is a human nature issue. The comment wasn't directed solely at trainers but was a general thing that makes people crazy. I tend to try to be modest. I wear XL baggy pants and 3XL T-shirts. I believe that if you dress modest you will not attract as many creepy stares. When members wear clothing that is inappropriate, which is ironically another thing mentioned by clients as making them crazy, you will draw stares. I have addressed this in Part 2 and Part 3 of this series. Now before I have everyone getting uptight and saying it's their right to wear whatever they want and the opposite sex should show restraint... I agree in part. However, as I've mentioned in last week's blog, we are all glad you feel comfortable with your body. And just as some of you may feel offended with people staring, some of us aren't comfortable with our body image and feel uncomfortable looking at someone with revealing clothing.
5. "Touchy, feely trainers"
AGREED!!!! I know trainers have different training styles and methods. I make it a point to ask permission before touching a client or member. I have observed trainers literally feeling up their clients on the fitness floor at various gyms throughout the years. It is awkward for the client and for other members watching! There are times when a corrective touch is needed to enhance muscle contraction and proper form. Anything beyond that is inappropriate and makes others around uncomfortable. Even when consensual, it re-enforces the stereotype about trainers. Trainers giving massages are practicing beyond their scope as they are not licensed massage therapists or licensed physical therapists.
6. Trainers not working toward the same goal as the client.
This is a good one! When I sit with a new perspective client, I find out their goals, health history etc. As a trainer, it's difficult to stay focused on the client's goals. I look at personal training as being an artist. I get to sculpt human bodies. In many situations, a trainer may have a vision of a finished product and may lose focus of what the client actually desires! I have been extremely blessed to work with a wide array of clients with goals from staying healthy and being able to walk up stairs unassisted to fitness competitors, bodybuilders and athletes. Many trainers train people according to their personal like or background. For instance, I recently had a woman who was a little overweight and told me she wanted to look like a fitness competitor. Without blinking I said ok, let's do it! She was shocked that I wasn't doubtful. But that and martial arts is my background. She worked hard, never missed a workout, lost over 40lbs of body fat, built muscle, shaping her body and became one of my favourite clients to train! It is difficult changing gears when training the next client who may need to strengthen their legs to support their body walking down stairs. Most veteran trainers have the experience and maturity to be able to that. Many inexperienced trainers train everyone the way they prefer to workout. In fact one of you said, "I know a trainer that trains every client the same, using the same exercises for a 25 year old male and a 40 year old female." I agree, the client's goals should be priority and should be trained in the most effective way to reach their personal goals.
7. Trainers who don't switch up the workouts.
It would definitely become frustrating driving into the gym knowing you're going to be put through the same workout you've gone through for the last month or so! Again, inexperienced or lazy trainers will find it difficult to adapt the workouts to the clients changing needs and body. It's important to at the very least, periodically change your workout up to avoid plateaus, overuse injuries and physically and mentally challenge the client. As a trainer, I personally would get bored training someone the same way every week. That's a good way to loose count of reps... becoming bored lol. 8. Trainers that look like they need a trainer! OUCH!!!!!! YES, agreed! This is not a business where we can say "Do as I say, not as I do." I don't believe trainers need to look like Greek gods or goddesses. In fact we are human and have the same struggles as everyone else whether it's emotional eating, genetically wide hips, or a busy lifestyle. But, I do agree that a trainer who appears sloppy and too out of shape may not represent themselves well. Unfortunately for trainers, we are walking advertisements for our business. I know personal trainers who are overweight or out of shape that know a lot more than I could ever understand in this lifetime. However, unfortunately we are a physical nation and are judged by appearance. A personal trainer who isn't consistent with their training and nutrition program doesn't take pride in their profession or want to set a good example... just my opinion though! Valid point... makes me crazy as well.
9. "When another trainer or client infringes on my workout."
Ouch... that one stings like when you put aftershave on after shaving! I am guilty of this. I swear lately I feel like I'm doing 4 things at any given time! I mentioned this in last week's blog. It is difficult to balance not being rude to another member or trainer while working with a client. I try to be friendly and literally go out of my way to greet EVERYONE who comes into the fitness center. However, a full conversation which infringes on a member who is paying a premium for a trainer's time and expertise is not acceptable. As a fitness director, I have people complaining about equipment, TVs, wanting to book an appointment, trainers who have a question, being paged over the phone and even my superiors asking questions. I have on the other hand been told by clients and members that they like when trainers include other people and they are having fun. In fact to quote one member, "It makes the torture session fun and go by faster." This is a case of knowing your audience! Communication is key here. Let your trainer know you'd like them to focus on your workout rather than socializing.
10. Trainers who are in a class such as spin when the class is full and won't give their bike or spot for a member.
WOW... That's a tough one! We trainers have needs and are human too. I worked at a gym where it was a policy that a trainer HAD TO GIVE UP THEIR SPOT IN A CLASS if the class was overbooked. This is an easy one for me because I don't take spin or classes so it's easy for me to say I agree. I am a firm believer in customer service and believe we should do WHATEVER IT TAKES WITHIN REASON TO MAKE A MEMBER HAPPY. Most fitness facilities have a sign up sheet for popular classes. This generally should eliminate the problem. I would love to hear more feedback from other members/clients... SHOULD A TRAINER GIVE UP THEIR SPOT IN A CLASS SUCH AS SPIN (if they reserved a bike on the sign up) FOR A MEMBER IF THEY ARE NOT ON THE CLOCK?
11. Monotonous classes - The music and workout are the same week after week.
Many fitness centers have a program such as MOSSA which sends out a DVD and soundtrack every quarter. These classes are choreographed and the music is pre-selected. The instructor follows the class format outlined for them. Classes such as spin etc have more room for creativity and should be switched up. Nothing can be more frustrating than getting your butt out of bed early in the morning and getting to the gym in the cold just to do the same workout you have done the last 3 classes! I feel your pain ha ha
12. Trainers think they are better than everyone else!
WE ARE!!!!!! Just kidding!!!! In some situations confidence can be mistaken for arrogance. I have also seen trainers all puffed up, strutting around and acting like it is "their gym" and the members are an inconvenience. IT IS YOU who the fitness facility belongs to! IT IS YOU who should feel comfortable in any fitness facility! IT IS YOU who we as trainers wouldn't have a job or purpose! Unfortunately some trainers, like any customer service industry, can lose sight of this. We have specific education and backgrounds in the fitness industry. Many trainers can feel superior in the gym environment. However, take us out of the gym and we feel completely useless and vulnerable. It makes me crazy when I see a trainer walking around in a tank top and flexing or talking down to a member! I agree, some trainers may think they are better than everyone else... in the gym.
Have something that makes you crazy in the gym? Text or email me and I will include it in a future blog!