Idiot personal trainer

So I am asking to be switched personal trainers. Yesterday mine told me I was fat (which not a big deal, because I know I am) and told me that I should be eating no more than 1,000 calories a day and working out for at least an hour and a half, daily... he also told me if I want to lose weight quickly he advises eating no more than 300 calories a day and working out for at least 2 hours, because he does and it doesn't hurt him. Oh and he told my gym partner her dr didn't know crap because her dr told her for a healthy diet she shouldn't go below 1,500 calories a day.

Wed. Apr 9, 11:56am

Yeah, you need to speak to the gym owner/manager. It's actually against the law for a personal trainer to give diet advice without having a qualification. Think of all the insecure overweight people who will come across this Icon of Stupidity and not know any better - do them a favor.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 12:02 PM

I am just shocked he would try to "over rule" drs orders. There are idiots in every field, switching is a good idea.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 12:19 PM

what a moron! he actually said your fat? Aren't you paying him to motivate you in a positive way? What a asshole! I think you should tell the manager that about it and then tell them they owe you some personal trainer time for free with another personal trainer because you're not comfortable with the advice he gave you as being accurate.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 12:28 PM

You couldnt survive on 300 cals a day. Get a new trainer.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 12:53 PM

I would not only ask for a new trainer I would demand to have him fired. If he said that to you imagine what he is saying to other people. That is not just rude, that is unprofessional. If your gym is not willing to fire him, I would demand my money back and find a new gym, a new trainer, and then go to the local newspaper and complain loudly. Sounds a bit harsh, but what he did to you is rude, tactless, and dangerous for your health.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 3:04 PM

I would have punched him in the mouth. Seriously. Im glad you have self control. Bc I would have SOOO punched the guy. Let another member of the "gym team" know...thats un called for.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 3:49 PM

Now thats a shame. Personally, the next time you go to the gym you find that trainer and let him know that the comments he made are simply unacceptable!!! Who does he think he is??? Then I would address the gym owner and let him know... and if that doesnt work go the your local news station and tell them your story... if that doesnt work...

Do you see where Im going with this? Never let someone degrade you to your face without you INSTANTLY taking action!!

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 12:11 AM

OP here

the fat comment honestly didn't hurt, this is one of those deals where if you are poked long enough you either bust and become angry and mean or except it and tune it out... I obviously do the latter when it comes to being called fat.

I was just really shocked at the strict tone he told me this information, so matter-a-factly. And yes I was shocked he would disregard drs orders as well... His other comments included that I shouldn't be drinking water during workouts, I should be working OFF water, and that maybe 2 cups a day is fin but if I were eating a proper diet rich in whole foods (ex. fruits and veggies) they provide enough water, I won't get dehydrated.

I was just going to switch trainers, my gym partner was suggesting as soon as we left but I honestly never thought to ask for credit for the shitty session.

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 2:18 AM

You have a very positive attitude and seem to have done your research about what is good for your body. Many others unfortunately do not do things are responsibly. You may not technically "have" to do anything but I think the responsible thing would be to report him to the management. Thing about the next poor girl/guy who gets his services who might actually believe his bunch of poppycock.

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 10:03 AM

It sounds like this personal trainer has no certifications or education at all and needs to be fired. How can reputable, good gyms who want their clients to succeed hire uneducated people like this, who in the end may injure their clients? Liability, anyone??

Fortunately the personal training industry is changing and the best certifying agencies, like the American College of Sports Medicine are changing their policy. Within the next couple years they will only allow people with bachelor's degrees in a related field (exercise physiology, kinesiology, etc) to sit for their exams. Thankfully the industry is starting to weed out gorgeous bodies with empty heads who have their shingles hung out stating they're "personal trainers".

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 9:02 PM

Following up with the previous poster, I would ask the gym where this trainer received his accredidation, certification. IF he has one I would lodge a complaint with that organization. It doesn't sound like he has any certification, how could he say things like that if he is actually trained? Either way he should be fired. That is totally unacceptable and needs to be taken to managment of the gym. If you don't get anywhere you should find another gym. And keep working out. Don't let this idiot discourage you.

Friday, April 11, 2008, 8:20 AM

Yes, I agree with the previous posters. It sounds like he has no accredidation. I have a personal trainer (friend) that owns his own business. He would NEVER give any advise like this. He says losing weight at more than 1-2 lbs a week will cause you to gain it back and you should never drop calories significantly below that 1500 mark. This advise is insane! It sounds like he suffers from an undiagnosed psychotic disorder and the gym management has not caught on yet, lol. DEFINATELY let someone at the gym's upper management level know what was told to you and how you were treated. This man has no business handing out advise on nutrition or exercise. Good luck!

Friday, April 11, 2008, 8:56 AM

OP Here

My gym partner and I went back to the gym today, and told management (well... semi-management.... most were off or "on lunch") about the encounter. We were told that once the management came back we would be called over the announcements... we were never called.

I also asked about the PT's certs and was told that "I can't give personal information, but once the manager gets back he can let you know."

Friday, April 11, 2008, 3:48 PM

Oh, have some more fun with management if they ever appear. Make sure you verify the qualification(s) of any other trainer they recommend - you can usually do it on the association's website. If they don't have anyone qualified and available, get a refund at minimum. Want to push the "irate customer" envelope? Talk them into free gym admission for a personal trainer that you bring in from the outside.

However...I don't think personal trainers are required by law to be certified, so the gym isn't necessarily doing anything wrong unless they're selling their staff as certified when they're not.

Friday, April 11, 2008, 10:06 PM

Uhm, I beg your pardon...

I'm frankly shocked to read the above posts. Come on, people. Don't we know better than to trust someone other than your instincts? YES the organization employing this trainer is responsible for having a RECORD of his/her qualifications. YES, in most states he//she needs to be certified to train (what does this person know about CPR?).. As far as being a NUTRITIONIST, that is a whole other ball of wax. For all you know, this person got the bad advice they passed on from a glossy magazine! Guess you either take your lumps or have proof of breach in paperwork.
At least you were getting some kind of quality workout from this trainer, right? One that instructs you on calorie-burning efficiency, mixing up your routine, etc., you know, things you're PAYING FOR?
Sorry. Old fogie here. Just used to getting what I pay for or else...

Friday, April 11, 2008, 11:26 PM

OP what kind of friggin gym is this??? A mom and pop gym? If so, you might be out of luck. Not sure what to tell you, but there has to be somewhere to report it. But if it is a chain, there is always someone higher up and now you have even more complaints. That is NOT personal information. That is acceptable customer information and should be available to any and all that ask for it. Let us know what you find out.

Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12:27 AM

Wow, as a personal trainer myself I'm shocked. Did this really happen? He should be fired and never be allowed to train again. He obviously doesn't know what he's doing. He shouldn't be giving you diet advice, he isn't qualified to do so nor is it safe or even close to the truth. There's no way this guy has any credible background or training - I'm sorry it happenned to you and I'm sorry he spoke to you that way! Report him!

Saturday, April 12, 2008, 3:35 PM

Hoo boy...

I have been working with a personal trainer for over a year now, and I see how bad one of the other trainers is in this small gym. She actually came in to the gym one day when she was brand new and saw me on the bike and said, "Do YOU have an appointment with a trainer?" Two days later, same interaction. Some kind of incredulous attitude that I didn't belong there. My husband, who has a big heart and wouldn't hurt a flea, told me that I should have responded with, "Look, honey, I've spent more money here than you've made, so take a hike." Ah, self control. I did not speak with the offending trainer, but I sure made it clearly known to the gym owner who is working with her to improve her pitifully poor skills. On the bright side, the trainer I work with is a gem, although I haven't lost weight. -sigh- Lots of new muscle, but the other stuff is staying put.

Sunday, April 13, 2008, 3:00 AM

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