1. Talking bad about others (trainers included).
1. Talking bad about others (trainers included).This is a personal irritation of mine when I speak with other professionals and I hear them bashing others. I’ve heard these trainers bash other professionals, clients, and even the big meathead across the room.
It’s understandable to VENT – a big difference from talking bad – about someone, we are all guilty of it, but when they are just going on and on about how “That other trainer is wrong because they don’t teach paleo” or “My last client is so dumb…,” “That big guy across the room is obviously taking steroids.” I’m serious, I’ve heard so many trainers say these things and MORE!
If your trainer is leading a hate parade then don’t follow, step away and find someone else.
2. Recommending supplements they don’t take
I’ll be the first to admit that we as trainers get affiliates from certain supplement companies; I personally get approached by supplement distributor on a frequent basis.
There are supplements that I do get an affiliate commission off of, no lies, BUT these are the ones that I’m willing to stake MY name and reputation on because I DO believe in them and have seen the RESULTS. I will NOT recommend the ones that are shady supplements who entice me with a large commission check.
If your trainer is trying to sell you supplements that they personally don’t consume or if the supplement just seems “weird” and “shady,” then find someone else. It’s a sign that they are more concerned about the dollar than your health.
3. Saying that there is only ONE way
I’m here to tell you that there are hundreds and thousands of ways to diet and get in shape. That is why there are so many diets and workout routines out there that have delivered some impressive results, we can’t argue with the result.
If your trainer is telling you that there is ONLY one way to workout, that there is ONLY one way to eat, then let them go.
Whether that is Intermittent Fasting, frequent feeding, powerlifting or Crossfit, they all have a purpose and all have had an impressive track record of results. As trainers, our jobs are to find the methods that work best for you and your 
lifestyle. Too many professionals end up doing what works best for THEIR lifestyle, or worst yet, what works for THEM.
4. They don’t educate YOU
This is another peeve of mine. When a trainer does NOT educate you (the client) on why they are having you do what you are doing, I get very suspicious of it.
If you don’t want to know and have full faith in the trainer’s ability, then I understand, but if it doesn’t make sense to you ask them WHY. If they can’t give you a clear cut answer OR they brush your question off with remarks like, “Because I’m the trainer and I said so.” then find someone else.
A great trainer’s job is to not ONLY get you in the shape you want to be in, BUT to teach you the how’s and why’s. The more you understand the “why” behind the “what” the more likely you will have compliance with the program… thus better results. I’ve personally found that when I learn something new I love teaching it to my clients, I hold nothing back.
5. Don’t look the part
There can be some argument to this but I do NOT want to take fat loss advice from a trainer which they themselves obviously need.
Some trainers out there will argue they are “bulking” or in “off-season” so they don’t have to be lean, ummm that is crap.
You STILL need to be in shape; there shouldn’t be ANY offseason where your body fat is creeping over 15% for men and 25% for women and if getting down below those numbers are too difficult for your trainer to manage while striving to achieve an “off-season” goal then they have some issues they need to work on. If that’s the case I’m a bit skeptical in their ability to teach you how to do so.
6. They complain about their personal lives
This is YOUR time, not theirs. If you find your trainer is coming in complaining all the time, then find a new one.
For one, we are paid to pay attention to YOU, not you pay attention to us while we whine about the problems our relationships are giving us. PLUS… it’s no fun to be around someone who always complains!
Side Note: To all trainers reading this there is a BIG difference in complaining and venting.
7. They are always late
As hard as this may be to hear, for some when they are late is a general indication they have no respect for you or your time.
Subconsciously, whether they realize it or not, it means they are not looking forward to seeing you and doing work.
When trainers – or people in most cases – are late for appointments, they’re avoiding and procrastinating the workout because they don’t want to be there; this also includes taking cell phone calls and texting during the workout.
Hey, I get it, there are times these things are unavoidable; trainers are humans with lives as well and sometimes life happens. BUT… if you find this happening on a frequent basis and that you’re beginning to get annoyed, then it’s time to find a new trainer.
Before you let your trainer go…
I feel that I need to piggyback on the previous comment about trainers have lives and life happens sometimes to where they/we stray off the beaten path.
If you find your trainer is doing any of the above just simply talk to them about it, most of the time they will realize their mistake and will correct it instantly; heck I’ve been guilty of the above a few times and occasional poke back always reminds me to stay on course.
So first talk to them, then if you don’t get the results you are wanting, then it’s time to find someone else that will.
In Health and Awesomeness,
Travis Merritt, BS, CPT, (and other letters behind the name) is the Owner of Rowlett Transformation Center in Rowlett, TX.
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