6. “I have to train hard or long to get results – no pain, no gain.”
response: I want to debunk this myth right now, unless you are an elite athlete and you need to do so safely and wisely with the aid of a coach or an athletic trainer! In fact, overtraining is unhealthy and pain is a signal that something serious may be wrong. I did not ignore the pain in my knee upon completing that fall hike! I certainly didn’t continue my running program, once I was diagnosed with a knee injury. Yet, so many people train through injuries, often compromising their health and safety. Giving up my running was hard, but I discovered swimming as an alternative.
7. “I don’t need a trainer. I do my own thing and I’m fine.”
response: While it’s great that people “do their own thing,” everyone can use the expertise of a good trainer. A trainer can identify your strengths and weaknesses and create a custom program that evolves over time with your fitness, health, goals and interests. A trainer may also bring some well needed creativity, freshness and fun to your program.
8. “I have a program that I got from a friend, my brother, magazine, book, DVD etc.”
While it’s great that there are a plethora of resources available, they are not customized to your specific ability, goals, health, physical condition and needs. Certainly one can get ideas from other resources, but often the form is wrong in the exercise, or the exercise may be contraindicated for you. One size fits all training can do more harm than good.
9. “The trainer is going to make me do exercises that I won’t like or be able to do.”
response: The best trainers are creative, flexible, knowledgeable and have a sense of humor. They make exercising enjoyable even though there may be challenges during training. When my physical therapist gave me side planks in my program, I thought I was going to keel over after 15 seconds. Thanks to her sense of humor, encouragement, and my determination and patience, I can now do a minute side plank.
10. “The trainer is going to judge me.”
response: We are all vulnerable, with strengths and weaknesses, regardless of our condition or abilities. Trainers must be empathic, sincere, warm and compassionate. They must understand that their clients trust them to provide the best service and program for their needs, as well as maintain confidentiality. Training is personal. There is no place for judgement or bias.
