I've not given up the possibility of getting certified.. however who'd go to a middle aged trainer ? there in lie the problem...

I've not seen too many older trainers...

Middle age clients would go to a middle age trainer.

It's not all about how 'fit' the trainer is.

It's primarily about establishing a trusting relationship and competence is proven along the way.

I really do know that...

which is why I haven't completely blown it off... It's just needing some focus again to follow thru with it.. and deciding where i want to really begin...

I thought you were going to go the whole nutrition route?

Can you really see yourself being a trainer? I mean, IME, it really takes 'being a people person' to a whole new level. Not trying to talk you out of it.... just want you to be informed.

Especially in the gym setting!

You got fat people bitching about being fat, yet they bitch about having to exercise too. It can get quite irritating at times. That, and the total lack of commitment to a plan outside of the very small amount of time they spend in the gym each week. I mean, the reality of the situation is if you don't 'really' reach someone in so that they commit themselves whole heartily on their own, your couples of hours spent with the client are going to mean very little in the grand scheme.

Just random thoughts.

I mean, if you reach your clients, the reachable ones anyhow.... it's definitely a rewarding job.

But patience is a must!

your perception of me is fascinating...

and the nutrition route is more interesting to me because I do love to cook - eh -i'm like i'm15 again and have no idea what i want to do when igrow up.

I really wasn't showing any perceptions I have of you in that post. I certainly wasn't suggesting you aren't a people person. For all I know you're the life of the party.

My 'warnings were more of the general-nature and would apply to anyone thinking about it.

I know the feeling. I mean, for me, personally, this second time around I'm making sure I only do what I truly love. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If something doesn't feel right, I'm not pursuing it.

I think besides being a people person you have to be able to tell it like it is, Somewhat like Jillian does on biggest loser. Shes nice but shes hard.
Some people just need to be given the smack down and then a hug

I think Mal could give personal training a go, i know im seriously contemplating it, though not nessarily as a job, but so i can learn more and have that option open to me if i ever need it.

In all seriousness, the only reason why I have contemplated it -is I know the issues I've had iwth personal trainers.... I also know while i"m not the brighest bulb i teh batch, I'm not an idiot and I have trouble understanding basic concepts sometimes - I surely can't be alone in that -a remedial class for people who are like me - would be what I'd like to do - then again - I probably am the only person who's struggled wiht basic concepts and well- eh - we'll see...

Yea, tough love is definitely part of the responsibility.

Once trust is earned between trainer and client... handing over the tough stuff generally goes over pretty well.

Again, I wasn't suggesting Mal wasn't cut out to be a trainer. Shit, she'd probably be better than the majority of what's seen out there. My statements were of the general type. I find most don't realize what PT involves until they get their hands dirty with it. It can be surprising. I'm sure it's the same with every industry though.

I wouldn't mind if you did -I'd prefer to know the truth - in all honestly before i invested time, energy and money in an endeavor that I'm not right for... cripes, after all this time, you've earned the right to be honest with me

The training business -from what I've seen -is a lot about image... and well...

Don't even go there... or I will get serious on your ass.

I think part of what makes a good trainer good is understanding the conceptual side of things and knowing when and how to apply it to each individual client. Most trainers don't understand the conceptual side and it leaves their applicable side in the toilet.

To be honest, most clients in the real world (not on the net) don't want anything to do with the conceptual side of things. You start talking the basics of why you have them doing something and their eyes glaze over in about 2 seconds. But that's in general. There are those select few who want to know the nuts and bolts... and it's always awesome to train them, as it mixes training (which has an element of education to begin with) with pure education.

The 'clients' on the internet are generally a bit different. They are information-based. I tend to like them better b/c my passion isn't just about training people and getting them to their goals. It's also about educating.... I love that aspect. And it's not something that gets to be done as often in in-person training as it does in e-training.

That's my take so far, anyhow.

With what you said above Mal, something like adult night school would be cool. I've thought about that.... doing like a month long, once a week course on basic fitness concepts. I've also wanted to be affiliated with a gym so I could give seminars to the client base, which might soon be a possibility.

I'm rambling.

that wasn't meant as a poor pitiful me - it's reality...

I've not seen too many personal trainers that look like me - not to say that they dont... but - I can break that mold

Depends where you are.

The gyms in cities I've been to, especially NYC, it's all about the looks when it comes to trainers.

In the suburbs though, not so much. Looking fit goes a long way, obviously, in helping build a positive vibe with your clients.... but I've found that if you talk the talk are able to immediately find a way to relate to potential clients, nothing else really matters.

And I'd be honest with you... trust me.

Truthfully, I'm not sure if it would be right for you or not. I have no doubt that you could do it... as in learn what needed to be learned. Could you handle the associated frustrations with being a PT working with extremely stubborn people? I'm not sure. I don't think anyone knows for sure about that until they get their hands dirty with it. I just like to give the warning shot to those who are interested.

Actually, usually my first warning shot is don't be stupid.

But I know you're not so I skipped right to stage 2.

I didn't explain that right - by basic concepts I'm going to go back to my typical whine about all the trouble i had learning to do a squat - and all the reading and videos and getting screamed at by personal trainers that i wasn't doing it right and what was wrong iwth me... I wouldn't ever want someone subjected to that...

I finally got it on my own.. and I'm pretty sure I'm doing 'em right... but it was a long road getting there... I would love to be able to help someone else to get there - to get fairly simple concepts without getting overly stressed out...