Today's post comes from a 20 year industry professional located in San Diego, CA. Spencer Aiken, C.S.C.S. of www.spenceraiken.com . Spencer Aiken is a mentor, educator, coach, and figure/ bikini contest prep specialist. He is also a great friend and a wealth of knowledge to our training staff, here at Your Fitness-Progress. The information in this post is important for clients, personal trainers, and fitness coaches.
In a recent conversation with Spencer, when asked what is the most important factor in personal training, his comment was that it has to be PERSONAL. Sounds obvious but consider the following.
As a client, if your trainer or coach isn't explaining to you why they are doing a specific exercise, or maybe why they are NOT doing certain exercises, you may want to re-evaluate your source of fitness. If your trainer/coach isn't explaining the importance of including the exercise, be sure to ask why or how they determined this exercise is right for you and your goals. A good trainer/coach will be delighted that you asked, and will be stoked to give you an explanation. Not only will the information grow your knowledge base, it also shows your trainer/ coach that you care about your progress - which will create a more productive working relationship. Upon receiving the answer, consider the following: Does the answer make sense? Was the explanation clear and thorough? Does this satisfy my doubt? The answer to these questions should be "Yes!" as you should be getting PERSONAL training. It becomes PERSONAL when someone asks why and receives a satisfactory explanation. Of course if you don't care why you are doing something and are okay with going through the motions than you are probably okay with not getting the best results you can. If that is the case you can disregard the previous paragraph and continue glossing over your day like a living zombie.
As a trainer/coach, the only way to provide the highest quality service is to thoroughly understand what our clients are looking for or need. In a recent article by Spencer Aiken, he describes the importance of asking "Why?". This is one of the most direct questions a person can pose and is certainly easy enough to ask. One syllable. As trainers and coaches we love this question because we ourselves are constantly asking WHY!? Here at Your Fitness-Progress we ask our knowledgeable trainers why they use certain exercises, sets, reps, and rest, with each client's exercise program to ensure there is always a reason WHY. Anyone can log onto the internet and copy a workout for a client, but is that the best workout for that client?
Just like any other aspect of your life, asking questions will help you better understand the "method to the madness." Confidence will build your working knowledge and strengthen your belief in the achievement of your goals. Continue to ask "why?" and continue to see your fitness progress!
Follow the link for more information on Spencer Aiken, and to read more of his article WHY? A trainer tip by Spencer Aiken.
In a recent conversation with Spencer, when asked what is the most important factor in personal training, his comment was that it has to be PERSONAL. Sounds obvious but consider the following.
As a client, if your trainer or coach isn't explaining to you why they are doing a specific exercise, or maybe why they are NOT doing certain exercises, you may want to re-evaluate your source of fitness. If your trainer/coach isn't explaining the importance of including the exercise, be sure to ask why or how they determined this exercise is right for you and your goals. A good trainer/coach will be delighted that you asked, and will be stoked to give you an explanation. Not only will the information grow your knowledge base, it also shows your trainer/ coach that you care about your progress - which will create a more productive working relationship. Upon receiving the answer, consider the following: Does the answer make sense? Was the explanation clear and thorough? Does this satisfy my doubt? The answer to these questions should be "Yes!" as you should be getting PERSONAL training. It becomes PERSONAL when someone asks why and receives a satisfactory explanation. Of course if you don't care why you are doing something and are okay with going through the motions than you are probably okay with not getting the best results you can. If that is the case you can disregard the previous paragraph and continue glossing over your day like a living zombie.
As a trainer/coach, the only way to provide the highest quality service is to thoroughly understand what our clients are looking for or need. In a recent article by Spencer Aiken, he describes the importance of asking "Why?". This is one of the most direct questions a person can pose and is certainly easy enough to ask. One syllable. As trainers and coaches we love this question because we ourselves are constantly asking WHY!? Here at Your Fitness-Progress we ask our knowledgeable trainers why they use certain exercises, sets, reps, and rest, with each client's exercise program to ensure there is always a reason WHY. Anyone can log onto the internet and copy a workout for a client, but is that the best workout for that client?
Just like any other aspect of your life, asking questions will help you better understand the "method to the madness." Confidence will build your working knowledge and strengthen your belief in the achievement of your goals. Continue to ask "why?" and continue to see your fitness progress!
Follow the link for more information on Spencer Aiken, and to read more of his article WHY? A trainer tip by Spencer Aiken.