What would you do? Sorry, long.

[Derf]

I'm a personal trainer running my own business and hearing these type of stories always piss me off since it tends to make the business of personal training flakey. Trust me, a professional would never conduct business like that and even those that work in a gym environment should be held to higher standards than that.

First things first. Terminate your contract with this trainer. You're paying good money for professionalism, and although clients can be hurt while training, the lack of professionalism during your sessions may have been a red flag. A good trainer never does a program "on the fly". If you raise doubts about a movement or training methodology and the trainer doesn't explain or modify the movement for your ability then you have a reasonable right to question (legally) their ability to train you.

I have had many clients that have turned into good friends, but that has never allieviated the responsibility I have to provide them the professionalism they deserve, and expected when they hired me.

Great to hear from someone who does this for a living. Thank you. We start a new program every other Monday and sometimes she'll say, "oh, have we done this exercise before for shoulders?" that kind of thing. I always thought the eating during training was bad, but when she asked if I cared would say no cause I didn't want her dragging during the session. Also, part of me is surprised that she didn't call today to see if I am okay.

[Melstar]

I'm with the other girls on this one... you need a new fitness trainer! Spraining your leg is a good enough reason.

[Bikingmomof3]

You have received good advice all of which I agree with. Itg is time to find a different trainer. I hope your sprain heals quickly.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I am appalled at the behavior of your trainer, and I also agree with all of the gals who have already answered. Ditch her!

Also - if she is certified, or if she has a relationship with the gym you are using, I would write to those organizations and report this poor behavior and poor training habits / ethics. You are paying her good money, and you are trusting her with your health. It sounds like she doesn't deserve your trust.

--- Denise

[Geonz]

.... and if you're feeling a little guilty about it... this lady's in over her head. Who else is she hurting? If losing customers means she goes to talk to one of her friends or a counselor or somebody about putting a few things together in her life... that would be a good thing. Eventually something worse could happen.

[JamamaSpoke]

It is absolutely time to trade her in it is also time to register a complaint with the gym you are at. Did you say you pay $50 an hour ? For that kind of money she should be waiting for you at the gym with a killer workout she stayed up all night working on!

[cherinyc]

Hey Melstar - haven't seen you before - Is the picture in your avator of you? If you have another pic of your hair cut - I would reall like to see it.
Sorry, this is kind of...off-track, but....something about that haircut....

BTW - Derf - I have had a personal trainer before, one was an old teacher in college, Tallahassee, FL (he was getting his PhD in Phys Ed, so it was super cheap) and the other was a trainer from a Bally's gym - back when I was living in New York City.
Neither of them acted like this woman - and were always on-time, had a plan, a chart, knew my capabilities, etc. In New York I would go before work too - which meant I was at the gym at 6am - and he was always there waiting for me.
It's too expensive of a service to have someone doing a halfa$$ job.
Just my opinion.

[mimitabby]

The gym also has a liability issue here. If they knew what she did to you
"get on the ball" they would fire her because it opens them up to serious lawsuits.

[Melstar]

Hi cheryinc.

"get on the ball" they would fire her because it opens them up to serious lawsuits.

hahah nicely put. Getting the ball rolling.