This post today is more a rant than actual studied facts.
Since this is my blog, I guess it gives me permission to say it like it is from time to time.
First, let me state that I am in no way trying to offend anyone in anyway, I am writing out loud based on my opinions.
I have felt pretty strongly about this topic across the board but more specifically in the fitness industry. This industry is saturated with many things from trainers, to diets, to supplements and of course opinions. But what really gets me is how brainwashed we can be with things.
Since fitness is near and dear to me as most of you know let me share a few things that really push my buttons.
First has to do with trainers. I know a lot of extremely good personal/sport specific trainers around the country that I admire, but the ease of getting certified has allowed more bad then good.
I try and put myself in the shoes of people I see at the gym or online who are set to make a change, have a plan in place but need that help to understand the fundamentals of lifting weights, understanding diet, fueling the body efficiently and most importantly someone who will support and keep you accountable. I think I can say that is pretty fair, but you can correct me if I am wrong.
I am fortunate enough to live in an area that has plenty of gyms, fitness activities and most importantly choices, I know this is not like this everywhere and there are slim pickings in some locations if anything at all. This is solely based on what I see in my area.
Personally if I was going to pick a trainer I would want my trainer to first and foremost to be knowledgeable, meaning they have walked the walk, understand exactly what they are doing and why, not a walking text book that read something before their exam. Second, I would want that person to have a track record, not someone who is bouncing from gym to gym to gym, usually there is a reason for that. And third, I would want that person to actually look like they work out and take their own body seriously. This may be superficial to most but realistically if you are dealing with someone that doesn't look the part in the fitness industry there better be a damn good reason because that is their job and they are trying to help you transform, how can you trust someone that doesn't want to fit the role?
Which brings me to the online programs out there. Since I am familiar with Beachbody and being a coach let me share a few of my thoughts. Beachbody has great products, products that will get you results with superb trainers known around the world and the ease of use in the comfort of your own home is a huge bonus for those that do not have a lot of time.
However, what really gets me is some of the people that distribute these products. Most people who distribute and part of the Beachbody team have a personal success story in some way on how they lost weight, gained lean muscle or just overall feel healthier which is awesome! Family, friends and whomever else sees this and gets motivated and want to try it for themselves, awesome! But what happens when that person who is trying the program you did, is having a problem with the diet, not eating correctly and not seeing a change? What makes the person who was successful knowledgeable about anything other then their success?
Diet!!! It amazes me that people say they go to the gym 5 times a week and don't see any changes. How many times, hours a day you spend at the gym means NOTHING if you are not eating correctly. If your trainer or whomever is helping you does not mention diet to you when you first speak with them, that is a huge red flag. If all they talk about is you need to eat more protein, you need to ask them why and what type. If they tell you to drink shakes all day or not eat carbs then you really need to run.
I have heard some ridiculous stories from friends. Mainly friends who decided to hire a trainer because this trainer was going to give them the full package (program, diet and supplements) at a great deal. They shared with me the plan, asked me my opinion, told them my thoughts but stuck with what they were doing until they finally realized that person was just taking their money. It happens all the time!
I stick by this rule. If you are committed and have been following the plan but do not feel or see any change within 3-4 weeks then something is not right.
Now lets hit the supplement world. There has always been this stigma that you are not natural if you take supplements, really? I agree if those supplements come in a glass bottle and the only way to take them is with a syringe!
If you eat food in the US you are 100% consuming more unnatural products then you would believe, most of us just ignore this. How else can we feed our population?
People who are working out need to be taking a minimal amount of supplements, why because we can not get what we need simply by eating food. Let alone most of us don't eat correctly which means you absolutely need certain vitamins and minerals to assist your body.
The number one question I get asked is what do you take for supplements because my trainer, the supplement shop guy, my buddy or something I read in a magazine told me I should be taking this. Before I tell them what I take, I ask them these two simple questions, why did they say you need this and when are you supposed to take? The most common answers are I am not sure, or because that's what they said would help me.
This is extremely frustrating because before you take anything you should know why you are taking it, when you should take it, and what you should be feeling over the course of taking it. I once was told that a trainer told their client to drink casein protein after there workout, just mind blowing. If whomever you are working with does not have an explanation or has no idea themselves about the supplement, don't take, find someone with knowledge before you do harm to yourself.
I am going to end this here as I could go on for days, which is unfortunate.
What my point is?
Verify who you are talking to, ask them questions and make sure they are there for your best interest!
Questions: Email me!
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