1. One bad day can affect the rest of the week (this is not Planet Fitness, and I do not endorse pizza Fridays)
Before you even think about paying a personal trainer, you need to ask yourself: “Am I willing to make my health and fitness a priority in every facet of my daily life?" People sometimes blame their trainer for a lack of results, but unless you're following my meals plans and instructions outside of our sessions to a T, don't expect the results I promise you. Don't worry, you'll get a cheat meal here and there, but a few days of poor nutrition can erase what we have worked towards for the previous two.
2. I want your success just as much as you do, seriously.
It's close to impossible to appreciate during your workout, but a good trainer spends hours of their time outside of your sessions doing things such as preparing your meal plans, customizing your workouts, and reviewing your nutrition to get you results (by the way I hope you're filling out your MyFitnessPal log). Don't assume trainers have a hidden agenda while working with you; our success as a trainer depends on your success as a client. I genuinely want you to have success just as much as you do, and I'll do my best to let you know it.
3. Most people want to work out, but few people want to work hard.
If you're doing the same thing over and over, you're not going to see changes. Chances are that's why you're working with me. My job is to push you past what you think you can do, to get you "comfortable being uncomfortable". The most important factor in achieving results from exercise, especially as it pertains to muscular strength and endurance, is the intensity of effort. However when given a choice, people tend to choose "more" exercise over "harder" exercise, even with it being less effective and more time consuming. Come in, get your boot camp on, and get out and on with your lives people.
4. I know you might not be working with me forever *sigh*
A good trainer is one that pushes you towards your goals while educating you in proper exercise selection, proper form, workout intensity, and goal setting. They shouldn't dictate exactly how you live your life, but rather help you find a balance between a healthy lifestyle and your day-to-day regimen. The time we spend together training is a small part of influencing you towards a healthier lifestyle, which can and often does take several months! That being said, if you're looking to stay on your game after your initial training period is over, consider having your trainer year round to help keep you accountable and measure your progress.
5. You must be open and honest with me throughout your training (I put all my clients through a lie detector test at the beginning of every session)
OK, there's no lie detector test, but when you sign up with me, we become a team, and your goals become my goals. If you're hiding things from me, or "accidentally forgetting" to put things into your food journal, expect your weight to "forget" to come off. Similarly, keeping an open line of communication open with me ensures we are executing exercises properly, minimizing risk of injury. Plus, talking with me MIGHT get you a few extra seconds of rest before our next set...
6. Woman, your fear of heavy weights is asinine.
This is the bane of many a trainer's existence. Women tend to have a crippling fear of heavy weights in fear of either getting "too bulky" or afraid of tearing muscle fibers. Firstly, unless your hubby is spiking your protein shakes with D-bol, you can't and won't look like a body builder unless you want to. Secondly, if you're not tearing muscle fibers during your workout, you’re not building any muscle. Heard enough? Here's another article on why women should lift heavy weights: http://wellandgood.com/2012/12/03/7-reasons-women-should-lift-heavy-weights/
7. The more you can come see me, the better
I'm not your spouse’s in-laws, and you need to come see me more than once a week (or once a year for that matter) if you want results. More contact allows me to hold you more accountable and helps us stay connected and focused. And hey, my boot camps cost as low as $10 per class, so there's not much of an excuse not to make it to one or two classes a week.
8. I've seen it all before.
There's nothing you can do that I haven't seen before. I know when you're lying, I know when you're not giving your all, and I know when you’re having a good or bad day. All I ask is that wherever your head might be, come to your session prepared to give 100% and I promise you'll feel 150% better when you leave.
9. You don't get to reward yourself with ice cream for going dancing on Saturday night.
This isn't middle school, and you don't get an extra credit for being active for a few extra minutes out of the week (especially if you have a glass of wine in your hand), and just because I might have worked you to your maximum does not mean you "earned" an extra piece of anything. Not if you want to continue making progress that is. Unless you've just ran a half marathon or did the Tough Mudder, skip the "I earned this" mentality.
10. All jokes aside, as your trainer I am here for you, day and night.
I am a trainer because it's my passion. I have an enthusiasm for training that extends beyond an occupation, and I will do my best to make your fitness goals a reality.