Do you want me to stir up the pot? Well sure, why not! For 15 years, I have studied and mentally assessed and re-assessed the fitness industry. Over and over have I seen the same crappy abdominal commercials and narrow minded points of view in articles and magazines! They all seem to have one goal in mind! Make you feel utterly and totally helpless without their pill, potion, tonic, ab machine, or convincing sell of their 'expertise'.
Personal Trainers: Purported "trainers" trying to make up your mind for you. Another one of my favorite pastimes; watching muscleheads convince the public that they are qualified or have any scientific sense of what they're talking about. Those single-minded points of view that have mislead the people that I work hard to help. Those arrogant points of view that highlight only a one-way train of thought. That dogmatic approach that continues to force consumers into a full cirlce and about face when it comes to achieving results or improving wellness.
I have seen trainers become trainers through the weekend and believe that one certification and a bodybuilding title qualifies them to teach others. "TEACH", I say loosely. These individuals aren't really TEACHING anything! They merely take their clients through the gym, pick the equipment or exercise they enjoy, and 'go to it'! RIDICULOUS! And don't even mention 'continuing education' because for some, these two words don't even belong in the same sentence.
The next best scenario is the bodybuilder teaching you to be 'healthy' when they themselves are doped up on various types of ILLEGAL anabolic substances while in pursuit of their illustrious $35 trophy. Isn't this not unlike a priest that goes out drinking all weekend and sleeping with married women?? Ask yourself: If my trainer takes the fast, easy road to attain that which they covet, will they make that same decision for me? How could you possibly follow the instructions, guidance, advice, or take someone seriously that is using drugs behind closed doors? Life is about choice, I understand that. But, your 'trainer' is making a very conscious decision to use UNHEALTHY agents to pursue their own narcissitic goal. How can that person convince you to go the tough, long road when they themselves choose the quick easy path?? I guess I leave that one to you! (Did I mention that steriods were ILLEGAL??)
Moving on: Curves, Cuts, Workout Express, the many 30 minute centers or even your local gyms are just INNUNDATED with these people. They'll take you round and round, not really TEACHING you the how's or why's to exercise. They'll just hold your hand (if you even get that much attention to detail) to increase your dependency on them, not unlike a crutch! But don't you worry, they'll still stroke their own egos and convince you that they are worth $75, $100, or even $200 per hour because they won or placed high in a national bodybuilding show!!
Now don't get me wrong, not every trainer is this way and not every commercial or 'fitness personality' is trying to screw you over. Moreover, I train my share of people that only want the 'guided tour'. That is fine. Some only want to receive your guidance and/or your company. Par for the course. BUT...that is only my select few. The masses receive the true path to performance; one paved with knowledge, application, wisdom, determination, and the tools of understanding what to do and how to do it! Yes, I'll admit, we do laugh our ASSES off along the way; LAUGHTER is a cure-all remedy.
BEWARE your ally; The Fitness Industry and those trainers with a single certification, no certification, or the presentation of their many bodybuilding titles or 'modeling shots' as their 'credentials'. A bodybuilding title or 'sexy' body never came with TRUE knowledge or know how. Their single minded knowledge and lack of educational diversity may be the beginning of your path to the dark side. Their desire to sell you the quick and easy path to aesthetic beauty and immortality may be your first step down the dark path. A dark side plagued with injury, demotivation, and eventually attrition from your new fitness lifestyle. Embrace those of whom view a much larger picture of you, your lifestyle, and where you aim to go! Ergo, your path to enlightenment shall be realized!
Phil Sottile, Fitness Specialist ACSM HFI-Certified, NSCA-CPT, FT, CFT, CPT, PRCS
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW:
Phil Sottile, the director and owner of Intelligent Fitness/Athlete