Aside from running my own Personal Training business, I also work part-time for a small community fitness center. Working for myself, I can choose the type of clients I want to work with based on personality compatibility and their desire to succeed. At my job, I unfortunately do not get to make that choice.

Yesterday, a new member approached me and asked for my professional advice. That person wanted to lose weight, stated that they had never exercised before, and that they (among other things) had severe knee problems. Their first question was how to decrease their waist line.

Before I could even go into detail on how important nutrition is to lose weight and to therefore reduce the waist line, I was already interrupted by “but I eat healthy”. The simple fact that I was not even given the chance to finish my sentence, already made me realize what I am up against. There were plenty of things I wanted to say in response that would have been valid. But in order to minimize immediate confrontation and build up a sense of trust, I changed the subject and asked what type of exercise they were trying to work on that day. Cardiovascular exercise was the focus and they were wondering what type of equipment to use (treadmill, elliptical or bike). I explained the advantages of using an elliptical or bike vs. the potential harm of using a treadmill in regard to the severe knee injury. Not surprisingly, that explanation was interrupted again by an immediate “You’re wrong. I’ll use the treadmill”. At this point I’m thinking, why did that person even ask for my advice when they have obviously made up their mind before they even walked in the door. I gave it one last effort to try to reason with them, without success, and then I had to be straight out honest and tell them, “I’m sorry but I cannot help you!”

This may seem harsh to some of you but let me explain why I refused to help.

I cannot help people who aren’t willing to help themselves. I cannot do the work for them. I do not like wasting my time on people who are not ready to change. I would rather focus on the ones who are ready and willing and give them my undivided attention. The statement “but I eat healthy” is an excuse. No if’s or but’s about it. If it were true, that person wouldn’t be struggling with their weight in the first place. Nobody’s nutrition is absolutely perfect and there is always room for improvement, especially if you’re struggling with your weight. But you have to be willing to hear other opinions and suggestions. The same goes for the issue with the treadmill. I understand the fear of trying something new, a different piece of equipment that you’re not comfortable with. But that person is pain for a reason and continuing on the same path is not going to make it better. There is a saying that goes something like this: “insanity is trying to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. If doing the same thing over again isn’t getting you anywhere, why continue? No Personal Trainer in the world is going to be able to help you if you’re not willing to listen to the advice. You have to reach a point of acceptance first that the lifestyle you have been living is not working for what you are trying to accomplish. Only then are you open to suggestions and are ready to make changes. If you’re not ready, it doesn’t matter what I (or any other trainer) says. Don’t let your pride stand in the way of your success and let a Trainer help you. You have to make the decision to change and accept that it is a lifestyle change. No more excuses.

 

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