Again: about trainers

So my first rant (yes, months ago) was about "bad personal trainers, & people who think they are trainers but are not" or something like that. This is not too far off from that same subject - been thinking….of some "trainers" or "instructors" better yet, "coaches" who may want to re-think their titles.

So here it is, Anorexic personl trainers, Health Coaches, Aerobic Instructors, etc …and yes, Jillian Michales. We'll get to her in a minute, but for now I'm gonna sink my teeth into the first part of that sentence.

A person seeking some help or direction in the world of fitness, usually is wanting to make some improvements in their personal lives. Be it, lose fat, gain muscle, become more flexible, or get rid of back pain….the list goes on, but it very often has the "make me look better naked" component. I'd say however that MANY people seeking guidance are also looking for more than just the "apperance" of health. Lots of people truly want to feel better, be happier; so they come & seek it through the avenue of fitness. I LOVE this part about my job, since I don't just "think" certain things about being fit; I read, put into practice the SCIENCE of how it all works…& then share with my clients: Helping them along their own paths to a fuller, happier life. (or at least closer to their goal!)

This being said, I have issue with people in the fitness world who A) Do not live by an "eat clean" or "train hard" motto. (how can you teach something you do not personally do?) And B) have major eating disorders & yet give false or harmful diet plans - or unrealistic expectations to their clients!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so if you are calling yourself a Health Coach, yet your own health- i.e. body fat % & eating habits rival those of anorexic girls in hospitals….how helpful are you really? This is actually a sad situation, but what is scary, I see women using their own (undernourished, unhealthy body weight, & unhealthy eating habits) as marketing ploys! WHAT? Are you kidding me? I just do not have any respect for that. Maybe they are finding out about health on their own path along the way……I shouldn't be too hard on them. However if they are "selling" some exercise or diet plan that is pretty much a starvation diet - that needs to be called out. You know who you are. (Tracy Anderson - Jillian Michaels) Tracy Anderson gives the spot on advice (this is bleeding with sarcasm if you're not sure) that women "should never ever lift more than 3 lbs to shape their arms, otherwise they will get bulky". Oh- My - God. I'm not even sure I can respond to that without a cuss word….but how about I target that one in another post? Gladly!

Oh about Jillian, (I knew you are all dying to know) I went to Jillian Michaels website and was looking VERY HARD to find her credentials….not her TV shows or endorsements - under her Bio. Couldn't find a thing….where did she go to school? What are her certifications? Don't know, couldn't find them on her BIO! And now she's selling all sorts of "detox in a box" crap in Rite Aid. Sell out Liar? She tells people to "pour hot candle Wax on their food when they are at a restaurant" or "open the top of a salt shaker and pour it all over the other half of your un-eaten dinner"….so you won't be tempted. What the ? Yes, that sounds very reasonable and a good way to make peace with your eating disorder. Good god, if my trainer said to do that I'd kick them to the curb so fast….. How about a doggie bag? For heavens sake, you could give the food to a homeless person if you don't want to be tempted- but really?

I like how Jillian also likes to JUMP onto Peoples backs and scream and berate them - humiliate them into subjection. (I had the displeasure of watching this horror on TV once) What a schmuck. You do that to any of my clients, you'll have one upset trainer to deal with- me! She is nothing more than an actress who likes $$ a lot, but doesn't really care too much about people. Go Biggest Loser lady! I totally think you are a loser.

So the bottom line (if there ever can be one) is practice what you preach….but preach some science & then some Practice. If you are naturally "thin" or can eat whatever you want - that is great - but at least put forth the effort to learn more about diet & exercise so you can actually help your clients achieve their own goals. Be honest up front, get to know what works for your CLIENT - not what works for you. They are not you, they need your help. And if you do have an eating disorder….seek some therapy, but please don't falsly lead your clients down that scary & dangerous road. You can always refer them to me~

peace.