Personal Trainers Get a Bad Rap: Are We That Unpopular?

On the surface, personal trainers are usually thought of as being inspirational, healthy examples of folks who are paid to help people get into shape. On a deeper level, though, it seems personal trainers bring out insecurities in many people that result in some less-than-favorable thoughts.

Today I was reading an online article and was taken aback when its author referred to personal trainers as being vulture-like. Wait a minute! Isn’t that how used-car salesmen used to be described? Okay, let’s look up the definition of a vulture. According to the Encarta Dictionary, a vulture is a predator, “somebody who waits for the chance to exploit somebody else when that person is vulnerable.” Is that really how some people think of personal trainers? What’s worse is the article was written by a gym owner who makes money off of trainers and pushes them to sell training packages. Who is the real vulture?

I went into the personal training profession to genuinely help people get in shape and I suspect most trainers will tell you the same thing. So why would people think we are vulture-like? I suppose there are trainers who come across a little desperate, or aggressive when trying to sell their services. It’s a tough economy we’re living in and some trainers use the hard-sell approach. In their defense, they know that you will probably get better results with their help than you will get without them, so their passion is understandable.

So because of a few overly zealous trainers, we all get categorized as vulture-like? I think there’s something else going on. As I look back over the years, I’ve noticed that being a personal trainer causes interesting reactions in people. On occasion I have felt like my very presence at events or parties was making people uncomfortable. Rather than inspiring people to make healthy choices, I feel people shying away from me, particularly if they are drinking and I’m not. Even at health-related trade shows, many people seem to steer clear of the booth promoting personal training.

I’ve had people start telling me all about their workout program or about their latest diet, which is fine. Many people want to tell me all about how they used to be in shape until…fill in the blank. Sometimes I get asked for advice, which I don’t mind, unless it’s conditional. For instance, “How can I lose this gut without giving up my beer?” There’s no good answer to that question.

I’ve noticed that people definitely watch what I’m eating and drinking when I’m out and about. Most of the time you’re going to see me drinking water and eating healthy, but every now and then, you will see me with a beer in my hand. Big deal! Do I care what you’re eating or drinking? Unless you’re a paying client of mine, I’m probably not paying much attention to what you are eating or drinking, so don’t worry!

But to be called vulture-like in the gym setting, Wow! That surprises me. Going out and selling myself to potential new clients has always been the hardest part of my job. I’m passionate about what I do and I have helped many people get in shape over the years. I know that many people are vulnerable when it comes to their weight or fitness level, but I don’t wait for the chance to exploit them and I seriously doubt that other trainers do either.