4 Things Your Personal Trainer Wants You To Know

Have you ever wished you could take a peek into your trainer's brain and find out what they're really thinking?  Hopefully you two have a good working relationship and open lines of communication, but here's the thing; your trainer may keep some comments to themselves, because they don't want to inadvertently discourage or upset you.  So whether you're brand new in the weight room or long time gym rat, here are four things your trainer would like to tell you, but can't.

1.  I can't undo a week of bad habits in one session!

People who have been working with a trainer and not seeing results can be tempted to blame their lack of progress on the trainer.  But if you're spending the week leading up to your training session slacking off on your diet and exercise, whose fault is it, really?

If you're not seeing progress, your trainer will ask questions and try to and determine what's going on.  Be honest!  You're trainer isn't there to judge you, and they can't help you get the results you want if you're not truthful.  Most of all, stick to the diet and exercise plan you and your trainer have developed; one good training session doesn't undo a week of bad habits.

2.  Don't make me feel guilty about money you owe me.

Chances are, this is your trainer's full-time gig.  That means that they count on their clients holding up their end of the contract in order to get their bills paid and feed their families.  But because trainers and clients are often friendly and somewhat informal, money discussions can be awkward, and they may be reluctant to press you if you owe them.  Most trainers have a 24-hour cancellation policy, for example.  So if you cancel an hour before your scheduled session, pony up the money you owe without grumbling or avoidance.

3.  What you wear does matter.

When you first signed up, your trainer likely gave you some clothing guidelines, and for good reason.  One concern is safety; baggy clothing can get caught in machines and cause an injury.

But the bigger issue that inappropriate clothing makes it difficult for your trainer to do their job.  Form is crucial for virtually every exercise or routine you'll be doing, so it's important to wear clothing that allows your trainer to observe and correct your form.  Baggy sweatpants and over-sized hooded jackets might be comfortable, but they make it nearly impossible for your trainer to see the angles of your body.  Poor form can cause injury and impede your progress, so do yourself and your trainer a favor and dress appropriately.

4.  Don't withhold health information.

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people fail to give their trainer their full health history.  They assume (wrongly) that if their doctor has cleared them to exercise, that's all the trainer needs to know.  But it's critical that your trainer know about that knee or back surgery you had 7 years ago, or that you're a diabetic, or what medications you're on.  Certain medications can affect your heart rate, for example.  That's probably something a trainer should know, right?

And if you had too much to drink a couple nights ago and are still feeling it, or you had a bad cold the week before, let your trainer know.  Even if you're feeling well enough to do your session, recent illnesses may mean your trainer needs to alter your routine for that day to accommodate and keep you safe.

Keep these four things your trainer, from places such as 180 Fitness, wants you to know in mind, and get on their good side- and the path to a healthier, leaner you!