This site is the website of motivational speaker Craig Harper. A constantly updated, one-stop information, inspiration, education and motivation station. Unlike many similar sites, it is a totally free resource for anyone who is serious about moving from mediocre to amazing in any area of their personal or professional life. With hundreds of articles covering a wide range of subject matter, great interviews with cool people and inspirational video posts, there's more than enough brain-food to keep you busy for hours. Okay, days!! Enjoy.
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Off the back of yesterday's post, I thought we might keep the fitness ball rolling for another day or so and answer a question that I have been asked many, many time over the years. Although this is not a Personal Development post (as such), the information will be relevant and meaningful for many, and hopefully of some interest to the rest of you. Knowing that many of my readers have trained with PT's, are PT's, or are interested in exploring the notion of working out with a PT at some stage, I think that many of you will find the following thoughts quite valuable. So today's question is...
"How do I find a good PT?"
This is a subject I should know something about - unlike the rest of the stuff that I just make up here at me-dot-com. Before I share my thoughts about the above question, here's a brief snapshot of my PT history:
* I began working as a PT (for myself) in 1987, having worked for five years as a gym instructor before that.
* I have personally completed over 40,000 PT sessions since '87. Between 1987 and 2000 I completed an average of 50-70 PT sessions per week. I began to taper my hands-on PT work after that but still completed fifteen to twenty sessions per week up until 2006. These days I train very few people due to my other commitments, but I'm still in the gym daily to do my own workout.
* In 1990 I established Australia's first commercial PT facility - Harper's Personal Training. * Each week at Harper's, my team completes around 1,200 - 1,500 PT sessions. To the best of my knowledge, Harper's is still the largest facility of it's kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
* Since 1990 I have employed over 300 PT's. These days most of my PT's are sub-contractors.
* I lectured in PT courses for thirteen years and hung up my teachers cardigan a couple of years ago. I was also a University lecturer for two years, teaching Exercise Science students.
What to look for?
1. Referrals. If enough people tell you that a PT is good, they are probably worth considering and having a chat with. Unless of course the person doing the referring is the mother of the PT!
2. Qualifications, registration, insurance. There are a surprising number of people working as PT's who are unqualified, uninsured and unregistered. Crazy but true. And of course there are qualifications and qualifications. If your trainer qualified in two days over the Internet, you may wanna keep looking. In Australia you should look for a minimum of a Certificate 4 in Fitness, or a relevant tertiary qualification (Human Movement, Exercise Science). Ask for proof of qualification, accreditation, registration and insurance. Yep, people tell fibs. The only qualification some PT's have is a PhD. in bullshitting.
3. Experience. It's important to know not only how long your trainer has worked in the industry, but also how many appointments they have done in that time. I spoke with a guy recently who informed me that he has been working as a PT for eight years. I was mildly impressed until he told me that he averages between two and five appointments per week. If someone has been doing lots of PT (day in, day out) for an extended period of time, they must be doing something right. Avoid the guy who qualified last Thursday. He might be nice but you don't wanna put your body in his hands. So to speak. Let him learn on someone else!
4. Knowledge. It's always nice to have a PT who actually knows what they're talking about, especially when you're entrusting them with your health and you're handing over your hard-earned. Ask your would-be PT a few questions and see how she responds. Perhaps something like, "what kind of training would you suggest for me, based on my goals, my body type, my age and my current fitness level and why?" If her eyes glaze over, keep looking.
5. Results. You can't argue with results. Plenty of PT's talk a good game but fail to deliver. Find yourself a PT who consistently produces quality outcomes and you could be on a winner. In the very early days of my PT career I helped one of my clients lose fifty five kilos. That result grew my business much faster than any marketing strategy ever could. This guy was a walking, talking advertisement for my business and within a short period of time I had to put wanna-be clients on to a waiting list. Good problem to have. I always say to up and coming PT's "get a fat bloke in shape, and you'll have ten of his fat mates at your door in no time". And to all you people who are about to get offended by that last sentence, don't bother. I'm not interested in your hyper-sensitivity.
6. Big picture mentality. Remember that this whole changing your body thing is about the rest of your life, not the wedding or reunion you've got coming up in three weeks. Find a PT who understands that getting in shape (and staying that way) is a multi-dimensional process. You don't need someone to teach you how to do Dumbbell Curls, you need someone to help you change your body, your mindset, your habits, your behaviours and your life... forever!
7. Someone who treats you like a person, not a body. Your body is not who you are; it's where you live. For now. Some PT's talk to people as though they are dealing with nothing more than a bunch of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The PT who understands that the physical, the emotional and the psychological are inseparable, has a distinct advantage over his less enlightened colleagues.
8. A role model. It's hard to respect a PT who is out of shape. Yes, the fat PT does exist. If they can't get themselves in shape, they ain't gonna be much value to you. If they haven't made the theory a reality in their own life, then they don't deserve your respect. Or money. And no, I'm not suggesting that all PT's need to be ripped and rock hard but rather that they should have an ability to manage and maximise their own genetic potential before they take you by the hand.
9. A busy PT. Busy PT's are busy for a reason. If they have trouble finding a training time for you, that's a good sign.
10. Talk to them. As simple as this sounds, this is one of the most effective strategies for finding a good PT. And don't chat for two minutes, try ten or fifteen. Your body is worth it. Are they interesting and interested? Do they communicate well? Do they ask meaningful questions? Do they seem genuine or money-focused? Do you feel comfortable with them (it's important)? Do they seem competent and confident? Do you think you will enjoy spending regular one on one time with them? Are they likable? Irrespective of their skills, knowledge or experience, if there's absolutely no connection between the two of you, the relationship is doomed.
11. Try before you buy. I always suggest that people 'take a PT for a spin' (or two or three) before they commit to some longer-term relationship or business arrangement. I know many people who have done one-off workouts with seven or eight PT's before they finally found the right person for them. If the business or the individual PT insists that you sign up for multiple sessions from the start, tell them you're not interested. One session is usually enough to tell you what you need to know.
12. Policies, Fees, Payment Options, Conditions. Know exactly what you're getting yourself in for. What's their cancellation policy? How much notice are you required to give? What (exactly) do you get for your investment? Ask questions and don't assume.
13. Assessments. Make sure that your training involves regular and on-going assessments. This will help keep your PT honest. In order to determine the efficacy of your PT program, you should be tested every four to six weeks. Results don't lie. Depending on your goals, your PT can evaluate things such as girth measurements, body composition, biological age, strength, muscular endurance, power, aerobic endurance, flexibility, speed, reaction time and balance.
14. Professionalism. This is where many PT's fall down. It's also my pet hate. An unprofessional PT is a bad PT. Do they present themselves professionally? Do they look, sound and behave like a quality fitness professional? Or like a dumb, disorganised jock? What is your first impression of them - positive or negative? Does everything about them wreak of organisation, competence and excellence. Or the opposite? You'll know.
15. Resources, facilities and venue. While it's not necessary to work out in the multi-million dollar mega-gym, it is desirable for your PT to have access to ample quality resources to get you where you want to go. Training in the park with two dumbbells and a skipping rope for eighty bucks an hour will wear thin after a while. Working with limited resources also doesn't give you the best chance of creating your best possible results.
Okay Groovers, I'm sure that many of you will have thoughts, ideas and possibly a story or two on this topic. Feel free to share or even offer some advice, but make sure you don't slander anyone in the process.If you're a PT, we'd love to hear from you too.If you're not sure how to leave a comment, clickhere.
Craig the Exercise Bloke has been a little scarce lately, so Craig the Philosopher and Craig the Motivator Dude have been given the day off to hit the beach, bag a few UV's and feel the sand between their very white toes. They both need it. They can get a little intense and serious. Some sun and surf will do them good. They really don't get out much.They need to get out of their heads for a while and take their bodies for a spin.Enjoy the fresh air you geeks.
Simulated Training
Well, I know that some of you won't be disappointed to see Buff Boy (left) making a re-appearance back here at me-dot-com, so enjoy, girls. And boys, of course. Call it my Monday gift to you.
For the best part of thirty years (geeze I'm old), I have been watching people go through the motions in (and outside of) gyms. Simulated training; looks just like a workout but isn't. Almost doing something but not really doing anything much; nothing which will result in significant physical change anyway. Sure they turn up to the gym (some of them) and sure they follow the (often generic and uninspired) routine they've been set, but the majority of them don't stimulate their bodies the way they could and should and therefore don't see the results they would like. They are simply treading water in a sea of dumbbells and it's a very big club. If all they're after is a trip to the gym, a little social interaction and some minor physical stimulation, then they're on track. If however, they're after an optimal workout, amazing results and a different body, then they're wasting their time and potential.
Same equals Same
Some people have an amazing and curious ability to consistently do the same thing (exercise the same way) while expecting a different outcome (a leaner, lighter, stronger body). Ain't gonna happen Tiger. Same type of activity, same workout, same exercises, same sets and reps, same intensity, same weights, same equipment, same running route, same group exercise class, same duration, same recovery time... equals the same body. Most people in most gyms look pretty much the same month in month out, year in year out. Don't believe me? Go and sit in a gym for a year. Is it their goal to look the same? No. Do they give their body a reason to change? Not often. Don't assume that time spent in the gym necessarily equates to an effective workout or quality results. Many regular exercisers (irrespective of the training environment) typically stimulate their body the same way day after day and then wonder why there's no transformation. There's no change because they don't give their body a reason to change. If we want to see real physiological adaptation (fitter, leaner, lighter, stronger, faster, more powerful, more flexible, more functional, sexier!) then we need to stimulate (train) our body in a way which will necessitate adaptation (change). And most of us don't do that! Yes, there is a productive and enlightened minority who will do amazing things with their bodies, but they are the exception not the rule, and they are not who I'm talking about today. Neither am I talking about people who are brand new to the exercise thing.
A Few Home Truths
The vast majority of people who exercise (in any environment, not just in gyms) under-achieve based on their potential for improvement and their capacity for change. Bodies can do incredible things in a relatively short period of time when the thing that drives them (the mind) doesn't get in the way. Many of us exercise (and eat!) emotionally, not logically. We gravitate towards what is comfortable, what is fun and what we enjoy, rather than what works. That's not to say that we can't produce results and enjoy the process (that's largely about mindset anyway), but understand that what we need to do (to produce our best body), won't always be what we want to do. Do you want easy or effective? Do you want to go through the motions or get results? Do you want to tread water for another year or transform your body in twelve weeks? I've worked with people who have achieved better results in eight weeks of doing 'what works' than they did in the previous eight years of doing what doesn't. Not because I'm a miracle worker but because they finally gave their body what is so desperately needed; the right food, the right training and the right recovery. When they stopped getting in their own way, their body did what it was built for; adaptation. It transformed.
Intensity
The bottom line is this:
"Most people simply don't train hard enough to produce optimal results."
Why? Because it hurts and most of us avoid pain at all costs. Pity about that. We want the results without the hurt so we continue doing what doesn't work. As long as we look like we're doing it right?
* Note - before anyone starts jumping up and down and suggesting that I'm all about hardcore, mindless, senseless, punishment-type workouts, I'm absolutely not. Don't misinterpret what I am saying:
1. If your goal is progression (improvement, change) and not maintenance, then your exercise program must be progressive in design and execution, irrespective of your age, goals, background or current level of condition. Progression might be something as simple as walking for ten minutes instead of five.
2. Intensity is relative to the individual. One person's hard will be another person's easy.
3. If eighty year-olds can improve their functional strength by three to four hundred percent via progressive resistance training (and they can), then you and I have no excuses.
4. Ensure that you have appropriate medical clearance from your Doctor to undertake a graduated exercise program. And if you are a relative newbie to the exercise thing then naturally you will need to spend time building a fitness base before you begin to explore anything remotely intense.
5. Having said all of those politically correct things, the truth is that many people are simply big, precious, excuse-making babies who have been "about to do it" forever and who abandon their workout at the first hint of physical discomfort. Just when they are about to take their body to the place it needs to be (Transformation Central), they pull the pin, throw in the towel, wave the white flag. They give up. They have been wasting their genetic potential for years. They talk a lot but do very little. I am honestly tired of talking with people who are perpetually starting next week, who train like they are a frail ninety year-old, who are constantly looking for an escape clause and who have a pain threshold of minus five. They are mentally weak and their results reflect that fact. There, I said it. I feel better. If you want to look amazing (for you) and produce amazing results, then stop doing mediocre, stop doing the same things, milk every ounce out of your genetics, toughen the f*** up and do what needs to be done. Stop looking for easy and don't look for (or expect) universal support, approval or accolades. Just quietly, humbly and strategically go about the business of creating your best body.
Give your body what it needs (some intensity) and it will give you what you want; results.
As always, let me know your thoughts, say hi or send a little cyber-love.If you're not sure how to leave a comment, clickhere.
Be aware of those foods which are loaded with nutritional goodies..and calories. You might just end up healthy...and fat. Although, being fat is unhealthy, so you probably won't be healthy at all. Mmm, glad I cleared that up. Many people think that because certain foods are loaded with good stuff they can shovel in as much as they want. Wrong. Plenty of healthy foods are calorie dense and need to be used sparingly. Avocado, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, yoghurt, muesli bars, fruit juices and protein bars and drinks (some protein bars have more fat and calories than an equivalent sized chocolate bar) are all foods which may do you more harm than good if you don't use them wisely. Yes, almonds are good for you...but not when you eat them by the kilo!
At nearly 600 calories for a measly one hundred grams of them, they'll get ya fat in about eight minutes. Put a hundred grams of almonds on the palm of your hand and you'll be surprised how insignificant it looks...sneaky little buggers. Then you can compare a hundred grams of fresh apricot (35 calories) with the same weight of dried apricots (270 calories) and you begin to realise that it ain't hard to chub up eating healthy foods. I probably shouldn't tell you this but one hundred grams of caramel slice has the same amount of calories as one hundred grams of dried apricots (270). No, they don't have the same nutritional value, and no, I'm not suggesting you go the caramel slice option but I am suggesting that you control your intake of calorie-dense 'healthy foods'.
Us Aussies are champion procrastinators and excuse makers.... there's always seems to be a very legitimate reason why we can't start today. Some of us spend the majority of our life waiting for the magical 'right time' to do whatever it is we should have done five years ago.
"I'll start next Monday (apparently we can only change behaviours on Mondays), next week, next month, when the kids are at school, when it's not so dark in the morning, when all the planets align, when my back's not so sore, when Tasmania reconnects with the mainland."
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Well I had the pleasure of training with a very lovely trainer yesterday, Rona! She was delightful and gave me a fabulous program for where I am now and that can be built on. I also got to meet Cherie and Johnny and Mikey again. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly... I am even planning another session there when I can manage it given I live 45 minutes away.
I think all the points you have made are excellent and indeed it would be great if everyone in the industry worked to those standards.
However, as a newly qualified PT you've just told people to avoid me. Please advise who the "someone else" is I should learn on and why they should put their body in my hands.
Does the fact that I've been training for 5 years (compared with the majority of my Cert 4 classmates who'd never set foot in a gym before they started the course)count for something?
"I know many people who have done one-off workouts with seven or eight PT's before they finally found the right person for them."
What if I can't decide on one? Can I have three trainers? Rona on Monday's, Cherie on Tuesday's... Mikey on Wednesday's? (Can you Mikey? Train Jules on Wednesday? I'm serious. Lets talk soon about that)
"...this whole changing your body thing is about the rest of your life, not the wedding or reunion you've got coming up in three weeks."
You kinda just crushed my mentality with that. I really thought this was about me getting to 58kg for RYL... and 4 weeks later looking crap. (I'm kidding).
Top work Harps. That is one impressive CV you have there, champ. You have created a PT Haven. A one-stop 'shop' for personal growth, physical change and great times. I had so much 'fun' (yes, physical work CAN be fun if that is what you choose to make it) in your PT Studio Royale yesterday (Monday). I approve. 10/10. Actually, no. You lose a mark for the declining functionality of your fleet of spin bikes.
On another note, I can certainly relate to the perpetual frustrations of finding a 'good trainer.' I am both ashamed and embarrassed (are they the same thing?) to be able to list at least half a dozen trainers I've worked with in the last 10 or so years. Why so ashamed? Coz I'm clearly not 'ripped and rock hard' yet. People must remember therefore, if you don't get the 'results' you desire, it may not be 'the trainer', but YOU. Unless you are a Holywood superstar or a rockstar, you aint gonna be able to have a trainer at your side 24/7. Whether you train once a day, once a week or once a month with your trainer, YOU still need to take the ultimate responsibility over what goes in that facial orifice (your mouth), over your beliefs about exercise, food and lifestyle stuff etc.
All the best to all in their quest to finding a trainer who can help them reach their potential. One other thing. Having a trainer is not the only way to reaching your potential. Hundreds do it on their own too. So don't use "I can't afford a trainer" or "I have octuplets" as an excuse for not creating YOUR best body and YOUR best life.
* Oops, sorry. Really didn't mean to be that 'verbose'. It's something close to my heart too. 'Jules has not just started another phase of working with a trainer.' This is it. The Real McCoy. This is for life.
Anonymous
Hi Craig, hi everyone,
I have my wonderful trainer at the gym but I also have a very unqualified and very effective trainer.
He is always happy to see me, always enthusiastic and never wants to stop exercising. He will make sure that I go for a walk whether it's hot, raining, late or early - he won't accept any excuses.
His fees are very reasonable - just a pat and a bowl of water after the session.
I think my furry, four-legged pt is one of the most effective in Australia.
Have a great Tuesday.
EG xxx
ps If anyone would like Marley to take them for a walk, he's always available.
Anonymous
Some people may consider their bodies a temple ... mine is more like an amusement park! As such, it will require consistent maintenance and (to keep up with the times) improvement. This, in turn, will provide both me and my loved ones with hours, weeks, months, years .. actually decades of endless fun and good times. And yes, you can take that any way you like!
I commenced with a PT late last year in a bid to simply get me going to achieve my first goal of losing weight. But now, as I near my goal weight and other goals such as fitness, strength and flexibility are coming to the fore, I can see myself continuing with my PT indefinitely to keep that amusement park all tuned up and in tip-top shape! To me, it's an investment in MY LIFE.
Craig ... love your checklist! I've been very lucky to have found great trainers, I must admit. I also agree with Jules - even great trainers can't guarantee results without your hard work and commitment. People with the right attitude and dedication will probably get decent results even with a bad trainer .. but it's a case of maximising the resources available to enable you to get the best results possible.
Hi Chelle - glad you enjoyed your session and had some fun at the Harperdome. Sorry I didn't get to see you... ( )
Anonymous
Hey Craig ! "Avoid the guy who qualified last Thursday. He might be nice but you don't wanna put your body in his hands. So to speak. Let him learn on someone else!"... My thought on this one was... but he has to start somewhere ! If no-one wants to train with him because he's new, how will he ever learn ? Sort of like when employers advertise for a "junior, experience essential". Popped in to make my comment and saw that PTPrincess had beaten me to it.
I was speaking from the client's perspective of course. Given the opportunity of training with someone with zero experience or someone else with ten years of experience... most people will go for otpion B. However, we (PT's) all do a first session at some stage. I did. You will. And it's okay. Just ensure that you take the info in the post on board and do something positive with it.
You also don't need to highlight your inexperience to your prospective clients. If you are serious about developing some skills and improving confidence (etc.), sometimes it's an idea to take a friend through a six to ten week program just for the experience.
Great post on PT's! One thing I wanted to mention, is that PT's who happen to know a little about injuries/rehabilitation and understand the value of using (clients') physio in conjunction with their sessions, are worth their weight in gold.
I found this a problem from experience...PT's not understanding the implications of injuries, and actually exacerbating the injury/s.
I started with the intention of it being the former (a comment), but I guess it turned into the latter (an article). Weren't you taught at uni that you minus direct quotes from your word count? ;)
This morning, while I was running around a park for nearly 2 hrs, I was thinking that my strategy of having multiple trainers could be quite advantageous (for me). So, when Rona is at uni (college/grad school) learning about biomechanics, VO2 max, lactate threshold, metabolism and exercise prescription... and when Cherie is climbing Everest sucking on her tank of O2, maybe I could find a mutually exclusive time to train with Mikey around my rotating roster as a paramedic. Contingency plans I think they're called.
Would training a first time age group ironman triathlete be good PR for your business too, Craig and for Rona, Cherie and Mikey? Note to self (and Craig): we need to launch Team Amazing by end of November 2009 ;) That enough time? I want to race in Team Amazing attire with Harper's on my back and/or my boobs!
(Another t-shirt idea: I train at Harper's. Now there is some free advertising for you! Maybe stop the 150kg fattie gurattie from buying one until he drops a bit though? Otherwise it could be negative advertising?)
I've had very mixed experiences with PT's and found that one of the worst crimes was them being completely uninterested in me and too busy in conversation with other people! I think another thing to look for is - do they focus 100% on you? Remember that you are paying for their time, and all of it. I trained with some very inexperienced PTs and the fault I found with most of them is that they weren't motivators. Two girls in particular aren't training any more. I also trained with one boy (young enough to be my son) who wasn't even qualified yet, and he was a great trainer. He had a knack - a combination of teacher, motivator, pusher, and also good technique. What do you know - he now works at your kids gym Craig.
When I stopped PT suddenly last year I kept up my training, and have lost 6kg since. I found PT good while I went (about 18 months worth once a week), and I learned a lot about correct technique and how far I can push myself.
For me, in the end, it turned out that group style PT (bootcamp) worked best because I could affordably go three times a week, and what motivates me is not coming last! So competing against someone else pushes me further! have a great day Miss Jojo xx
Anonymous
Aaah,so good to get some real, professional(and hugely qualified) advice. I think I may write down the question about 'what kind of training would you suggest for me,based on my goals, my age...etc' and use it! The gym I go to recently sent out some flyers that promoted it and it's services/facilities to the max!! 'Get your own personal trainer!!' it said. I go there and no, you do not 'get your own personal trainer'. At all. He got the sack ! However, if I approach them with this new information and questions, maybe I'll get some guidance. Thanks again Craig, for a great post. cheers to all, Monica PS Jules, how did you know I have 'octuplets'? Okay, I only have 2 - but there's another thing I looked for when selecting a gym..did it have a good creche?? Fortunately, mine does.
Back in my previous life I "dabbled" in PT. I say dabbled as I was managing the gym and had a young family so I chose not to allocate a lot of time time it. (see I'm learning - it wasn't that I DIDN'T have time, just that I CHOSE to spend it doing other things).
Anyway, I had a real gripe with PTs who would string along their clients by encouraging their dependance on the PT for their training. I used to tell all my clients at the first interview - "If you still need me in 3 months to work out effectively, then I haven't done my job. After 3 months, if you chose to continue our sessions that is great, but by then you should have enough knowledge to be able to train by yourself as well."
I've seen a lot of PTs who keep all their knowledge to themselves. Making clients feel like they can't do it without you is a great way to keep regular clients, but in my opinion it is completely unprofessional. If your PT is not prepared to share their knowledge with you, it is worth looking around for someone who will.
Marty
Anonymous
Here we're not exactly spoilt for choice. We have 1 and I know she gets rather frustrated with the lack of facilities at our tiny "tin shed" gym. But, we're very lucky to even have 1 out here in the sticks (or any kind of gym for that matter). And she's fully booked with a waiting list. Lucky she's good eh? :)
One thing I had no idea about when I started working with her was how much the PT sessions are about so much more than simply the physical fitness. I've nicknamed them "counselling sessions at the gym".
I'm surprised by how highly personal the sessions get and how much trust comes into the equation. She gets more out of me than my counsellor does!!! Interesting... I'm sure she catches me off guard when I'm trying to focus on an exercise and all kinds of stuff comes out of my mouth.
I also find myself rather "possessive" and don't like it when I have to share her with others like at Aqua or netball training. LOL. Me, self focused? :)
Anonymous
Hi Craig
A timely article for me. I am currently in the early stages of studying the Cert 3&4 Personal Trainers course, and at present we are up to our eye balls in stuff like learning about muscles, joint movements and other cool things. One of the great things is that I have been taken out my comfort zone heaps of times already and I am loving it!
A good PT should be able to motivate their clients and get them out of their comfort zone regularly. I think it helps if the PT is the sort of person who regularly pushes themselves out of their own comfort zone. I wonder how many PT’s do this once they have been in the business for some time? Maybe an interesting twist for a client “shopping” for a PT is ask the prospective PT - What have you done lately to push yourself out of your comfort zone?
Oh and on the subject of professionalism, some time ago I observed a PT eating a huge mega greasy bacon and egg roll whilst training a client. The PT seemed more interested in scoffing down their breakfast than training the client. This display was beyond unbelievable. Needless to say this PT did not last long at the gym and I am assuming (hoping) they are no longer working in the industry.
Cheers Leanne Magraith
Anonymous
Hi Craig,
Great post today, thanks for the handy hints. It's funny you said that to Jules because i do sometimes wonder if this is craigharper.com or Jules&Chelleshow.com, haha. It is good to get other's perspectives on your great posts.
I agree with most of what you've written but ... the bit about PTs that are 'new'. I know and see as I work as a group fitness instructor in the industry that many inexperienced people do their Cert IV etc (many that have never consistently trained, can even run a little or lifted a weight or pulled a cable in their life etc) however there are some 'new' PTs that have achieved much and would have a lot to offer. I have been in the industry for twenty years and am only now doing my Cert IV. I don't want to PT full-time as I also enjoy teaching classes and being a published freelance writer in health and nutrition.
There in one bit that I am totally in agreeance with you ... the condition of some PTs or GFLs.
Anyway, enough said and I do love your newsletters and they get printed off and handed around at school pickup (yes I am a mum!)regularly :)
This is a very timely post for me as, as you know I have my very first PT session at your gym today!!! I am very keen to do different as I very much want to change how I look and to help along the weight loss that I am doing. I also want to get fitter. I am already doing heaps with the walking and the other stuff I am doing and I hope to take away even more workout stuff I can do at home. I am already toning up so I know I am doing what needs to be done...can I do more...more than likely. Will I?? Yes I will!
When you have a specific goal like I do (Ironman Western Australia Triathlon - Dec 5, 2009) you have to be dreaming if you think you're going to achieve it without putting in the kilometres in the pool, on the bike and on the pavement. Is riding for 4+ hrs fun? Is training twice a day, 6 days a week fun? That is up to you (me). All I know is that I'm committed and, since I am not an exercise scientist or a triathlon coach, I have found someone who is. I'm a far cry from joining the elite, but I can still learn from the elite. And I am. My triathlon coach is amongst Australia's top professional Ironman Triathlon athletes. That's not to say it is a given I'll achieve my goal. I have to do the work, be proactive and ask the right questions. But what I don't need to 'worry' about is all that progression stuff. He'll build up my kilometres and tell me what intensity and heart rates I need to be working at.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." What is going to be your first step?
Makes the world of sense to me Craig! I can totally relate.
... big, precious, excuse-making babies who has been "about to do it" forever - check. ... been wasting their genetic potential for years - check ... mentally weak and their results reflect that fact - check.
You've managed to depress and motivate me at the same time! That's amazing!
But, you're right, mindset is everything. I've hated every minute of a half-assed, uninspired workout because I "didn't feel like it" and another day I've thrived on the challenge of HIIT - loving every minute of it!
Mindset is just so crucial and it's the hardest thing for me (or everyone?) to correct. Work in progress ...
Em
BTW: great to see Buff Boy make a return ... mmm, yummo!
Anonymous
Hi Craig,
Buff boy gripes me because he doesn't have any body hair - it's a far cry from a Bust Reynolds who wore his body hair with pride in the '70's. I'm quite hairy - excepting the helicopter landing pad on the top of my noggin (LOL) - and proud of it.
Otherwise I'm in agreement with the points you're making - that's why schlepping to the gym and lugging iron doesn't appeal.
Cheers
Anonymous
Transformation Central - that's where I'm living! You know, I thought I knew how to get my body to change the way I wanted .. and in terms of muscle definition, have been going great guns (pun TOTALLY intended!). But in terms of dropping those last few kgs of fat, it's been a bit of a Pantene process - happening, but not overnight.
But I got a new trainer two weeks ago. She really works me hard. Only twice a week, and only for 30 mins a session. And because I've been a bit weary, I've dropped off a few of my other cardio sessions. So for 2 weeks I've done less, but have become noticeably leaner - both on the scales and according to my clothes!
So my advice to anyone thinking that making change is too difficult, it may not be as difficult as you think. And it's not necessarily about doing MORE, as such. If you're in any doubt - or you don't think you'll really push yourself - a trainer is worth every cent. If you're gonna make the effort, make sure you're milking it for all it's worth. Like the posters on the gym wall say - "Go hard or go home".
Buff boy...mmmmm...(body) sculpture and appreciation is one of my hobbies.
Ditto about training in the gym. Just finished a 2nd 12-week transformation program. I'm more lean than I was at 20 (and I'm about to turn 40). It's amazing how many women ask me how long I've been training to look muscular and athletic. When I tell them '6 months' of hard work, they don't believe me!
My program changes every 6-8 weeks, and the new challenges are always something to look forward to, and motivate me.
Hi Kerry - I took a peak at some photos of you... AWESOME.
Nice work. Keep it up.
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Anonymous
Mmmm, I think I'm working out in the wrong gym or maybe not asking the right questions. I would love a new, more challenging workout..I have managed to increase the intensity by myself (just by increasing weight stakes) but could do with a change of routine.
Unfortunately, the personal trainer at my gym got the sack for(get this) having a punch-up with a client! He also wasn't very interested in anyone who wasn't a body builder, like him...
Anyhow, when there's someone there who might be able to start me on a different program, I'll ask...thank you for the information and education.... cheers, Monica
What a great way to start the week - thanks for the eye candy! :-)
Now, on to the more serious stuff ... I'm one of those people that NEVER seem to change! I've done personal training, boot camp, aerobic classes, treadmill, pilates etc, etc, and been sore as hell doing it, but NOTHING seems to work for me ... I'm going to the gym 4, sometimes 5 times a week, writing down what I eat ... all the stuff I'm supposed to do. I'm setting myself monthly challenges - January was no chocolate (made it!) February is no alcohol (so far, so good ;)), not sure what March will be yet.
I did the "woe is me thing" at the weekend and almost gave up, but after a serious chat to myself I dusted myself off and decided to keep going, but seriously, seeing no results is very demoralising. Any tips to someone who (believes) they are doing all they can?
Nell xxx
Anonymous
Dear Mr Harper
I like to be reminded of this. Just when Ive gmst I get some kind of set back...injury whatever....gotta start all over again.
I agree with every thing you said, just ... good trainers aren't always around every corner. When I did my Sport Sc degree one of the first years were apparently the lecturer for AIF and you couldn't help to think, this child knew less than me and are supposedly lecturing others how to train clients. I personally only go for people with sport degrees now if I want to hire a trainer, this quick courses to be a PT is not thorough enough, so people choose smart!!!
Anonymous
Hi Craig,
Jeez, not holding back on the tough love in that post are we?
I am very fortunate to have a wonderful trainer Wendy (aka the smiling assassin) who very gently increases my weights/cardio almost every time I visit the gym. We’re working on getting my core strength back after the delightful abdominal separation operation and it’s working very well so far.
Now, don’t call me a big girl’s blouse but one of my barriers to exercise is that I hate getting hot and sweaty (except in more fun and less public circumstances). I loathe being breathless and feeling sweaty and grotty – urgh! I love doing weights but I’d rather do my tax return than do cardio. I know, I know, SIUP. Any suggestions?
Jules – thanks for the amazing offer of a lift down to RYL! I’ll email Sue J and see if I can co-ordinate my flights. Thank you!
Your thinking is your reality and you're in charge of your thinking.
Things only have the meaning you give them.
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Anonymous
Hey Craig !
Just saying hi tonight since I have nothing of any great consequence to add. So... "Hi" !!!
{{HUG}} Tina
Anonymous
Gday Craig,
I was checking out the archives and came across this one...my computer wont read it after I re-installed Adobe...is there any way you could post it as a word document? If not I'll find a way to get it eventually :)
