Breaking Up with Your Personal Trainer

SparkPeople.com

By Leanne Beattie, for SparkPeople

When to Break Up with Your Trainer
How many times have you had to find a new hair stylist because your usual one just wasn't meeting your expectations any longer? The same problem can happen at the gym. Your relationship with your personal trainer can break down over time, just like any other type of relationship. Here are some possible signs that it might be time to part ways:

  • You're not seeing results. Your muscles get used to doing the same exercises all the time, so changing your program every few weeks is essential. If your trainer seems to be in a rut and you're not making progress, even with some program adjustments, it may be time to find a more challenging trainer.

  • Your trainer pushes you too hard. Being pushed past your physical limits all the time is dangerous. If your workout leaves you injured, perpetually sore, or overly exhausted, ask your trainer to modify the routine. If he or she won't or insists that your comfort isn't important, find a new trainer who will respect your limits but still challenge you in a safe way.

  • Your workout isn't customized for you. Have you noticed that all (or most) of your trainer's clients are doing the same cookie-cutter routines? Your exercise program should be tailored to fit your unique fitness levels and goals, whether you're looking to gain muscle, increase flexibility or lose fat. These all require specific exercises and what is right for you isn't right for the person on the next treadmill. If your trainer doesn't tweak a program to fit your goals, it's time to find a new trainer.

  • You're ready to move on. If you hired your trainer when you first started out, but feel comfortable working out on your own now, that's okay too. The honorable thing to do is finish your package that you paid for and then branch out on your own.

  • Your trainer tries to sell you things. Does your trainer encourage you to buy specific products? While some nutritional supplements may enhance performance, your trainer should never encourage you to buy supplements since none are regulated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Many gyms carry a particular line of products, but your trainer should not pressure you to buy them-you should be able to shop around for comparable items and make your own decision. If you trainer is adamant about you using a particular item and pressures you to buy (a sign that he or she is making a commission off the sale), find a trainer who is unbiased.

  • Your trainer is unprofessional. If your trainer puts you down, shows up late, holds conversations on his phone (or with other people) during your session, cancels your workouts with little notice, or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, then it's time to make a break. In some of these cases, you may be able to back out of a contract or receive a refund from sessions you've already paid for.

How to End Your Fitness Relationship


Related links:

How to Choose a Personal Trainer

6 Things Your Personal Trainer Wishes You Didn't Do

What You Forgot to Ask Your Personal Trainer


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