Wednesday, August 11th 2010

The Personal Trainer Myth: Sneaky Deception or Mass Confusion?

I’ll introduce this post with brevity and a lack of ‘setting the scene’. Reason being – the story will reveal all we need to know, by it’s very nature…

Here’s an email that came in just a few hours ago – in reply to one of my thought provoking email newsletters:

——– Original Message ——–
Subject: RE: Secrets of a Trainer: Siarra, don’t let this happen to you,
ever…
From: Siarra K -siarra-k@_____.com-
Date: Tue, August 10, 2010 3:47 am
To: -joey @ joey atlas . com-

Hello Joey,

Thank you for drafting and sending these amazing email newsletters. The insight and real life stories are valuable and I really look forward to receiving your emails!

On this topic of personal trainers…

A work colleague and I started our weight loss mission at the same time. I started your lower body program whilst she joined the gym and got herself a personal trainer. I have to admit; at the time I was a bit jealous and was convinced her results would be much better and faster than mine.

Since we started at the same time, we are always discussing and comparing our results. I have visibly lost weight and inches off by waist, butt and thighs. Whereas, my colleague hasn’t lost any weight and is looking bigger, wider and more muscular.

She is totally miserable with her results so far and I am totally ecstatic with my result so I asked her to ditch the gym and her trainer to start your program.

You would think the choice was an easy one to make but she simply refuses to accept that i have gotten better results with paying a fraction of the costs she paying (she’s paying monthly gym membership fees PLUS $40 per hour with the personal trainer).

This has led to a lot of discussion around whether my program is better than going to the gym with a personal trainer. I am unclear and confused by some things she and her trainer have brought up because my knowledge in exercise is really poor so I thought who better to ask than Joey?

Can you give me your feedback on the 5 points she and her personal trainer made, below:

I look forward to your response.
Regards,
**Siarra K

1 – “All the celebrities go to the gym and have personal trainers…”

>> Joey’s Reply:

A – That’s an exaggeration. Not every celebrity goes to the gym – and not every celebrity has a personal trainer. Some celebrities could even show the average trainer a thing or two.

B – Even if that was true – SO WHAT! It doesn’t “prove” anything. Celebrities are “regular people” but many of them have the money to spend on trainers, all year round. This DOES NOT prove the theory which implies simply having a personal trainer is better than not having one. (Results are what counts.)

2 – “Women simply cannot get big and muscular with weights because we don’t have the same hormones as men. Initially she may be bulking up but those muscles will help her lose fat/weight and in the longer term she will lose more weight than me.”

>> Joey’s Reply:

LOL – Oh yes they can! This happens QUITE OFTEN. It has nothing to do with hormones. This is about ‘relativity’. A woman doesn’t have to bulk up like a man would in order to feel “she has bulked up”. All she needs to experience is what your friend is going through to realize IT DOES HAPPEN. The common rhetorical excuse is the hormone thing you mention above. Trainers love to use that one. But they can only get away with it for so long. Eventually the female client has enough of the “waiting” for the right things to happen – and decides to part ways and find another solution for her personal fitness needs.

3 – “By doing the same repetitive exercises, my body will stop responding and I will stop losing weight.”

>> Joey’s Reply:

Ah! Another “gym/trainer myth”. See, this excuse/myth IS PERFECT for the typical ‘weights and machines’ approach to fitness training. It’s used as a ‘smoke & mirrors’ tool to keep clients clinging to hope and thinking they need to keep having a trainer guide them, to change, vary and “mix up the program” – all in efforts of keeping the body guessing, blah, blah, blah… NONSENSE!!

When you do the right exercises as part of the well-designed program – YOUR BODY DOES NOT STOP RESPONDING – even if all, or most, of the exercises/program is “the same”.

4 – “The gym is a good way to exercise the heart and get the blood pumping around the body.”

>> Joey’s Reply:

So is making love for an hour!! COME ON NOW! – there are plenty of ways to get a great cardio workout – “the gym” is only one option on a list of many. (jumping rope, step-up & downs, cardio-fusion, making love, etc…)

5 – “The only way to lose the post-baby protruding tummy is to have a surgical tummy tuck and no amount of exercise will help.”

>> Joey’s Reply:

First of all – That is PURE Bu11$#!T. Sure it’s easier and has a high (short term) success rate for that specific area. BUT, there are women who’ve gotten rid of the post-pregnancy tummy bulge WITHOUT a tummy tuck. And they do it with a PROPER SYNERGY of exercise and simplified nutrition.

My replies are not intended to denounce traditional personal trainers and/or the conventional practice of personal training. But simply to shed light on the dynamics of (mis)communication, interaction, trust, marketing and understanding – as it applies to the profession of personal training and most importantly, it’s consequences on clients and potential clients.

There are MANY great trainers on the open market – BUT this does not make all trainers great – or even competent.

The tale of two approaches above, as outlined by Siarra, is great a example of firsthand experience – one which defies common logic. But does so with no “he said, she said” or “I heard about this through my friends cousin…”.

Better yet – we can consider it an un-official experiment. One that is bucking conventional wisdom, as we speak…

Siarra’s friend is now in the position to make a decision about her investment in the trainer, and more importantly about her needs & goals. Time will tell how her experience pans out.

In the meantime, Siarra will be sticking to my program and fine-tuning her body with each passing week :-)

Have any comments, thoughts or questions about this post? Just type below in the ‘comments’ section. I’d love to hear from you…

Your trainer forever…
Your trainer for life,
Joey Atlas headshot

— Joey Atlas

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Filed under: Fat Loss, Fitness Mindset & Lifestyle, Weight Loss
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  • Good Dirt Diva

    Thanks Joey. I broke my right wrist in April of this year…it was a bad break…casted above elbow 3 months. Now I'm going to PT to regain use of my wrist and hand. As a result, I have detoned in my thighs and upper arms…since I was not doing much exercising I assume. I'm ready to get back into the game but have to still watch my right arm a bit. What exercises can you recommend specifically to tone up my thighs and upper arms? Thanks!

  • Dmiller

    Hi Joey, I just want to say Sierra is a smart lady, cause I have you hip, butt and thigh program, and I also have your upper and lower body workout programs. These programs are not easy to do, but if you stick with them and do them faithfully as directed, then you will get the results you are looking for. As for her friend, I hope she decides to join Sierra and get some real results.
    Your trainee forever, :-)
    Debra

  • karen

    can you come to Australia and live with me for 3 months ? lol

  • Sharon

    Hello Joey
    Just want to say thanks for all the info you send out.You are awesome.Hugs to ya!!

  • JoeyAtlas
  • JoeyAtlas

    Sure, Karen! Where do I send the invoice?? :-)

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks, Sharon! Hugs back to you!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Great stuff, Debra! Keep at it,
    Joey

  • Jodi

    Great post! I've heard all of these myths before myself…especially the one about doing the same exercise/movement, your body will get used to it…i'm so glad you debunked this one, cuz it did worry me a bit in the past as well. But it makes sense that the trainers would tell you that, becuz otherwise you would get one session and know what to do from then on out and not 'need' them anymore..but this is what they tell you to keep you coming back putting money in their pockets. Thanks again Joey! I also want to tell you how much i appreciate your emails…i get other newsletters from other sources on other topics and many times they either go unread or in my trash unread..but i'm always excited to hear what you have to say…becuz i know your program works..i've seen it for myself, so I know you know what you're talking about. Thanks Joey!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for adding to the conversation, Jodi! Excellent stuff!
    Keep at it :-)

  • Leela Jade

    Thank what ever powers that be, for you and your efforts and commitment to help people everywhere :D
    And Thank You for my smoking behind, and straight, strong body!!
    (and this peoples, has been achieved by only doing HALF the workout each time.. imagine what'll happen when i work up to a full one woot woot! I'm looking forward to being able to get up after a full side crouch lol!!)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QMGPIKCE6EPXMCPI5G4BPKGHIM JRAE

    Hey Joey! i have a hip condition which causes a lot of pain when I exercise or even WALK too much – I have a cam pincer impingement. Is there ANYTHING I can do without going to the gym ( i dont believe in spending money to exercise) that can work my thighs and butt? I also need to strengthen my core and lose some love handles. I am 5'3'' and weigh 117lbs. I do NOT want to go up a jean size. . . lol I wanna stay the same size, but tone up- I also have cellulite on my thighs- but can NOT do lunges per the DR's orders due to my hip problem… HELP ME IF U CAN!!!!

  • Davruss

    Joey , i am a personal trainer of 3 years and have been recieving your emails for sometime now and have had quite a few differing results from numeros books web site and other pro's.
    I have found through out all of this that results come down to the person who is looking to achieve the result.
    I have seen people who are in denial and believe if they have a trainer that all there worries are gone ( not so true). As a trainer to motivate people and arm them with the correct information is just part of what we do as yo know , but for the person to act on that information is the biggest part of what we do.
    I will always question my clients or prosective clients on what it is they want to achieve and they need to have a tangable goal and a start point and a finish point to set realistic and achievable goals.

    in finishing we all have the same oppurtunities in life we were all created equal in some way it just comes down to what you make of it .
    Best in health and fitness Dave

    davruss@aapt.net.au

  • Stevendaniels

    Joey, I plan to work towards becoming a CPT in the near future. When I think about being a CPT, I believe that being a great motivator is one of several key attributes. In fact, I think it is the top attribute of a great CPT. Would you agree, and if not what do you think is the best attribute?

  • Deborah

    Owww… to Good Dirt Diva, I feel your pain. Broke my wrist 2 years ago slipping on our pool deck (I'm a Lifeguard) Still not able to do a full plank push up & bicep curls are a challenge. If you're a fitness addict like I am it can be discouraging but be kind to yourself & follow the precious advice from awesome mentors like Joey.

    Joey! lol! Loved the article. You rock!

  • Debhamwood

    Love your work Joey! Thanks for this article. A friend of mine works at a gym and swears by her personal trainer, but I have found personally that if you are self-motivated and dedicated you can get similar if not better results.

    Re: losing the post pregnancy tummy…. my 3rd baby is 10 months old and I can honestly say that good nutrition and the right resistance exercise program (I'm using your Legs Butt Hips Thighs program) plus high intensity interval training is awesome and effective! It worked for me! I put on 15 KGs (about 33lbs) and have lost most of it… but lost more inches than anything else. I weigh more than my pre-pregnancy weight, but appear slimmer since my body composition has changed.

    Thanks Joey, you ROCK! :-)

  • Anarkalimad

    thanks that makes sense

  • Devyanib

    Hi Joel

    I am Devyani from Mumbai India and have been receiving your mails regularly.I have always been a sports person since the time I was young. I have been gyming for the past two years and have resumed again after a gap of 3 months as I had undergone a surgery. I am 46 yrs of age . I know the basics of exercise but what I need to know is how do u divide the workout as in diff body parts on diff days. Also how often a week must one do the abs and lower body. I generally do cardio and abs 3 times a week and the rest of the day the diff body parts. I club chest, shoulders and triceps together and back and biceps… Is this the right combination is what i would like to know. After a certain age is reducing weight an uphill task…If you can also suggest exercises for the lower body as in thighs and hips please…..

    Cheers,

    Devyani
    I am particular about my diet and exercise regularly. At time I do get really frustrated and wonder whether I am following the right routine. Can you advise me on this please. Will really appreciate it.

  • PetrCzech

    Hi Joe, first the main point of my letter: I love your newsletters in a great way!

    If I could I would name you the president of our republic or at least the minister of welfare.
    For two reasons I have not ordered your programme yet: 1. I am a man 2. I am fit and do not need to loose weight.
    But I am becoming sure I'll still buy the program soon, just for the sake of assuring myself that there is still somebody with common sense in this time. Your thinking is so identical to mine. It's not just about the exercise and fitness. I read most of your newsletters and I agree with each of them.
    I wish you the best in your work and if you thought of a way how I could contribute to it from my position just let me know.

    Sincerely,

  • Stefiloowho

    Oh my lord…this is so true!! I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from so-called “trainers” these same myths! I used to tell EVERY trainer…even coaches…that I did NOT want to work my lower body with weights. I WOULD BULK UP!! I have my mother's height, but unfortunately, NOT her supermodel build. Oh don't get me wrong, when I was growing up..and well past college…I was super thin (and I hit my height of a tad shy of 6 foot 1 as a sophomore in college!) My weight was NEVER above 145 at close to 6 foot1. BUT…and I do exclaim a big BUT!!, I always had my father's “thighs” (as my mother so eloquently put it). I had to take ballet just to counteract the effects of what soccer, lacrosse and years of volleyball did to my legs….BUILT THEM UP like a linebacker!! It wasn't until after I had my kids that things “evened out” so to speak. Now, if I am not careful about the heaviness of the weights I use, I most surely will “bulk out”. Thanks dad!! Thanks genetics!!
    It IS total bullshit when I trainer/coach tells you that because you are a woman, you cannot “bulk” out. I am living proof. YES, it was all muscle but it is STILL “bulk”. Add some body fat to that (thanks kids!! ;) - ) and you look like you can take down an entire team! Call me the classic mesomorph I suppose; although, I am sure I started out as an ectomorph since I could never really gain a pound until I had children (and I would stuff my face daily). LOL!
    As far as celebs….um…I work in the film industry. I can tell you that yes, the majority of actors/actresses do hire “help” on occasion, but those people they hire are multi-degreed in nutrition and or kinesiology (?) (such as yourself dear Joey). They aren't some fly-by-night “trainer” or someone who works at 24 hr Fitness with just a certificate.
    Plastic surgery? yes, I can comment on THAT one too. I have an uncle who is an esteemed plastic surgeon in Los Angeles. Tummy tucks can remove fat, but they are predominantly for excess skin. They also suture your abdominal muscles for a “tighter tummy”. Helloooo….can you repeat the phrase “intense pain”? yeaaah. I'm surprised the twit trainer didn't use the “saddlebag” theory I hear often. To that I must say that I have seen a few friends bust their ass with diet and exercise. They get extremely lean everywhere, except those saddlebags stay. What is your take on that Joey? As I have advanced in age, I have noticed fat creep on (before my serious accident and subsequent pt for 2 years). Although I do not have saddlebags, I know my uncle sees women for this primary reason (that and boobs..).
    Ok, I have written a book on my thoughts. You have to be a serious idiot to believe the gym is the ONLY way to increase your heart rate, by the way. Does this woman's friend NOT have sex???

  • Junebug428

    Hi Joey,

    Are you familiar with Dr. Sears PACE exercise training program? I'd like your opinion about it if you have one and also the Slow Burn Fitness method. It's a bit confusing with all the different programs out there.
    I don't know where to start. By the way, I'm 74 and have been told that I look great. But I'm not exercising other than my rebounder.

  • Louannagertrude

    Hey there Joey! Yes these exercise are so great and so helpful, tough (especially those abs ones) but worth it, after I've done that I feel much lighter, each day I do the same exercices (20-30 mins) help a lot Thks

  • Otr2550

    joey,

    I have heard that weight lifting helps keep the bones strong, is this true?
    kathleen

  • JoeyAtlas

    EXCELLENT info Stefiloo!! thanks for sharing all that!

    ok – re: the saddlebags – I would be willing to bet those women you speak of are not doing “specifically targeted” butt, hip, thigh exercises (ala the Joey Atlas method). I'm willing to bet they'd see improvements of the saddlebags by using the ULBHTM dvds. How much? Only time would tell.

    Next time you log into SBM ( http://www.beautifulbuttmakeover.com ) – give me some more info on your film industry background – I'd love to learn more – I'll tell you why in SBM :-)

  • JoeyAtlas
  • JoeyAtlas

    Sometimes true – That statement is often misleading/misunderstood by most. Bodyweight exercises (such as all those taught via my methods) are more effective.

  • JoeyAtlas

    Nice! Keep at it!

  • JoeyAtlas

    I've heard of PACE – never reviewed or evaluated it… Never had the need to :-) as I like to teach people my methods with I know work. I'm not a fan of the slow-burn fitness method. If you want to know where to start – you are in the right place – I have people over 74 who are finding incredible success with my approach to fitness.

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks Petr!! I appreciate your readership and loyalty – glad my perspective strike a chord with you.

    My programs are for both men and women. If you do ever put any of my DVDs to the test – your candid feedback would be greatly appreciated. I welcome all of it!

    All the best to you.

  • JoeyAtlas

    Hi Devyani – Sounds like you need to some one-on-one guidance from someone who understands your needs. See option #3 on this page:
    http://joeyatlas.com/coaching/

    I can help you with all that you mention above.

  • JoeyAtlas

    Deb – great stuff! You rock too! Keep at it and keep me posted!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for reading it Deborah. You rock too! – “spread the word”!!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Hi Steve – Motivation is a good one – But the key is: getting the results….

    If clients don't get results – the motivation will only get them so far – then they quit.

    Results go a long way :-)

  • JoeyAtlas

    Some good points there, Dave.

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks for being a 'kick-ass' Joey Atlas student, Leela!! ok let's get a few 'full-workouts' in for a week or two – WOOT WOOT!! Watch out then!!

  • Silvascript

    What Id say to Sierra is that honey, you DO have a personal trainer, JOEY! He just isnt sitting right beside you feeding you this nonsense. He is at your disposal via email, blog posts, etc. Keep up the good work and remember that your results will speak for themselves!

  • Karen

    Hi Joey, I bought your lower body workout about 6 months ago. I was a member of a gym for over 5 years and just seemed to be getting bigger instead of more toned. I try to do your workout 3 times a week but sometimes only manage it twice. Even so I can see far better results in just 6 months than in all those years. I have only lost 7lb but its the inches I have lost more of. Not only that but my husband (who never really comments much on these things) has actually noticed and said my butt is looking firmer and less dimply (his way of saying the cellulite is dissapearing) I've got to admit that at first I didn't think it would really work but thought I'd give it a go anyway. So a big thank you from me

    Karen, from Liverpool England

  • Ozzie

    Hi, Joey. just a littler note to tell you how much I appreciate your mails, and help you giver me. I'm really amazing how I keep my weight and diet without gaining one ounce. Thank you very much, I'm always looking for your messages and I really enjoy them.

    Ozzie

  • JoeyAtlas

    Karen – this is GREAT! I really appreciate you sharing your experience here. VERY GLAD to hear about your hot results – Keep me posted!! and … THANK YOU!

  • Preeti gupta

    Amazing…………..I have experienced the same……

  • Marius777

    Good day Joey

    I am 2 weeks out of hospital for fusion of lumber L1&2. I am told that I have to wait at least 8 months before starting any exercises.
    I have been suffering with my back for more than 14 years pulling mostly mussels in my upper or lower back, the back problems got worse and finally after falling of A-frame ladder I sustained a slip disk resulting an operation.

    I like to jog and do little bit of gym to stay fit and keep my weight between 70 -75Kg.

    Now I would like to know am I completely buggered not ever to gym and run?

    Since I was told I would not be able to pick up heavy stuff, would not be able to touch my toes, and my present job as Technical officer for Telkom I am told I can’t do my job as carrying ladder and would not be able to work in confined spaces like under fixed desks, counters and in crawl spaces…

    So I think I am finding myself in quite a predicament.

    Would like to hear from you, since I receive e-mails from you what you think or suggest? Swimming is out of the question since I can’t swim at all.

    Sorry for dumping this big questions on you, just looking for some feedback if you would.
    Thanks

    Regards, Marius
    marius777@telkomsa.net

  • Terrier43

    Joey I totally agree with every point you have made – not knocking personal trainers at all but some people use them instead of self motivation – it's often easier to pass responsibility to someone else. We can all become self motivated by following your programmes – the results are amazing and long lasting. Well done to Siarra I hope she shows some of the great posts in response to yours to her friend – we are all regular people with busy lives and your programmes have helped us all to achieve.
    THANKS

  • Cedric49

    high joey, thanks for this news letter, i also was confused with all these myths, so thanks for putting things strait. i look forward to your emails, and the imprortent info you send i copy and put it in a folder just in case i need a reminder, lol. i too would love to get rid of my potruding stomach, but nothing seems to shift it, does it only come back to diet.??? i seem to lose it all on face and upper body but the middle bulge is always there, Can you tell me why there is a gap at the bottom of the screen of a good inch or more when i play your d.v.d,s its a bit off putting when i exercise, i wish you had done your d.v.ds in your office, they would look more apealing, i prefer your exercises on utube, joanne. great to hear from you.

  • acqua19

    Hi Joey,

    I was reading these posts and can't keep back from writing my experience. Last year I was on your ULBTHM program for 6 months, then could not find the time to keep it up and am still hoping to get into the routine again. I must say that it did work, even when I was very cynical about it. The cellulite was immediately reduced and the skin appeared more toned. I lost some 3 inches from my hips, and was really happy with the results. I had to finally agree with you that no cream will make cellulite disappear, but it is the right exercise which works. I always mention you with my friends and family, saying that if I become loyal to Joey Atlas once more, I will get back into shape once more in no time! It feels so good knowing that there is something that really works, and not simply that it might work. Thanks Joey!!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Great stuff T – Thanks!

  • JoeyAtlas

    Hi Marius – First – I feel for you- and wish you a speedy recovery.

    Second – It would be way out of line for me to advise you 'from a distance' – with the severity of what you are dealing with. That is better left to the professionals who you have direct, hands-on access to.

    If I was “there” I could help you for sure. But not from afar in a case such as yours.

    All the best,
    Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    Thanks Ozzie :-) )

  • JoeyAtlas

    Hi Joanne – not sure about that gap at bottom of your screen – first I've heard of it. Could be an adjustment on your system??

  • JoeyAtlas

    Acqua – this is great!

    Thanks for sharing your experience here for others to read about. VERY IMPORTANT for people to hear proof of what's possible.

    Keep at it!
    Joey

  • JoeyAtlas

    :-)

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