trainers, do your fat clients seem mentally f**ked>?

[NVR2BIG1]

just a question for any trainers in here, I got out of it for the most part but I still have a couple weekly cash people on the side. But God damn, fat loss clients seem the worst, its almost like they need a psychologist and not a trainer!!!

[Bryan2]

I only did PT for a very short time like 4 months, because there is no real money in it

but I'd have to say that I agree, like 60% of there issues all stemed from mental battles they had to deal with.

[Twist]

yes.

[lovbyts]

It's probably a mixture of mental illness or in most cases people who just like to blame everyone else and everything for their problems and people who are just to lazy to get off their butt and expect you to do everything for them including the exercise as if THEY are someone special.

If people would stop thinking that they are more important than anyone else and the only one who can make a difference is them-self and stop expecting everyone else to fix their problems there would be a lot less fat lazy people.

[boz]

Wow well said ^

[dec11]

yep, ive trained some very highly strung clients. crying and temper tantrums were common place, some were unbelievably difficult. i got to the point were i just wanted to train clients who were from some sort of athletic pursuit or ppl who were stuck at plateaus. the overweight and bucket cases just werent worth the stress. not all overweight ppl were like this though. alot of the general public who take up memberships can be doing so to try to escape bad lifestyles etc, ive come across alot of reforming alcoholics and drug addicts, as well as relationship break ups etc. this may go towards explaining the instability of some gym members.

[Knockout_Power]

It's probably a mixture of mental illness or in most cases people who just like to blame everyone else and everything for their problems and people who are just to lazy to get off their butt and expect you to do everything for them including the exercise as if THEY are someone special.

If people would stop thinking that they are more important than anyone else and the only one who can make a difference is them-self and stop expecting everyone else to fix their problems there would be a lot less fat lazy people.

yah, this is exactly it. Society now adays is so use to getting what they want and not having to be responsible for their actions. They feel so self entitled to whatever the easiest route would be without having to work for it. Its so much easier to say.. some one hurt me and this is my way of expressing it, or doctor says I have thyroid problems, or some kind of condition they self fabricate cause its easier to blame a condition rather than their own laziness. Give me a pill that will make me all better cause its some unknown factor holding me back... blah blah blah

[LGM]

Does anyone else find it ironic that we are blasting fat people for feeling entitled and lazy, when most of us use or want to use gear? I'd venture a guess that at one time, most of us were in a similar position.

Part of the PT's job is to instill motivation and desire. They came to you because they know they need help; they just might not know how much. And when they start seeing results, or getting positive feedback, that is usually more motivational for them.

I think the travesty is that those of us who aren't as bad off physically as they are either have never known how they feel; or have quite simply forgot.

[dec11]

Does anyone else find it ironic that we are blasting fat people for feeling entitled and lazy, when most of us use or want to use gear? I'd venture a guess that at one time, most of us were in a similar position.

Part of the PT's job is to instill motivation and desire. They came to you because they know they need help; they just might not know how much. And when they start seeing results, or getting positive feedback, that is usually more motivational for them.

I think the travesty is that those of us who aren't as bad off physically as they are either have never known how they feel; or have quite simply forgot.

yep, correct, but some people do not understand its a total lifestyle change they require and no matter how much you explain and advise that, they will still think they can do 3-6hrs a week exercise and still eat take away every night or piss it up down the boozer every w'end. there is no helping ppl who cant help themselves

[NVR2BIG1]

Does anyone else find it ironic that we are blasting fat people for feeling entitled and lazy, when most of us use or want to use gear? I'd venture a guess that at one time, most of us were in a similar position.

Part of the PT's job is to instill motivation and desire. They came to you because they know they need help; they just might not know how much. And when they start seeing results, or getting positive feedback, that is usually more motivational for them.

I think the travesty is that those of us who aren't as bad off physically as they are either have never known how they feel; or have quite simply forgot.

I def hear what your saying but seems to me 90% of them just never make the change long enough to see any results. its like you cant even get them to do it for 1 week. And at that point my stance on it is simple, if you want to change bad enough you make it happen, and if you dont fine. But I'm not stressing over them, I'm doing my job.

[MaNiCC]

NVR2BIG1 have you ever tried "laying the law down" when you take on a new client? perhaps you should tell them what to expect and if they are not willing to play ball that your wasting each others time. Like the fella's said ^^ society is becoming lazy and want everyone else to do it for them, hell even some guys come here and THINK that steroids will do everything for them. There is a very overweight guy in my gym who is there everyday doing as much cardio as he can to try and make a difference to his body. He has my respect for that, but most overweight people would sit and watch a program they didn't like because they couldn't be assed to get up and change the channel

[Nooomoto]

To the OP: Yes! I was only a trainer for a short time. I just couldn't deal with these people any longer. It seems as if they have absolutely 0 motivation do anything good for themselves. The way they'd talk you'd think you are forcing them on a death march to train cars so they can be shipped off to the oven, rather than just working out in a gym and eating properly. The constant whining, some of the women even breaking down into tears. Ridiculous. WTF is wrong with these people??? I'd leave work with that thought every single day.

Does anyone else find it ironic that we are blasting fat people for feeling entitled and lazy, when most of us use or want to use gear? I'd venture a guess that at one time, most of us were in a similar position.

No, it's not even close to being the same thing. We are not entitled nor lazy. We work our asses off to get what we want, gear or no gear. Most of these people just want you to some how magically make them hot and fit with little to no effort on their part.

[MaNiCC]

100% agree Moto, we want to take our bodies past its natural potential and we work very hard for it

[spywizard]

here's one for ya

"Yes there is something that can be done for the loose skin under your arms, it's called surgery, there are several good surgeons that i can refer you to.."

"you are 68 yrs old, you will not lose the weight and then "tone" up your arms so yes we can tighten those arms up, surgery is your friend"

She still always wanted to train with me but sorry, she got the PIA charge (Pain in the ass = $100 hour)

[lovbyts]

Does anyone else find it ironic that we are blasting fat people for feeling entitled and lazy, when most of us use or want to use gear? I'd venture a guess that at one time, most of us were in a similar position.

Part of the PT's job is to instill motivation and desire. They came to you because they know they need help; they just might not know how much. And when they start seeing results, or getting positive feedback, that is usually more motivational for them.

I think the travesty is that those of us who aren't as bad off physically as they are either have never known how they feel; or have quite simply forgot.

Yes and NO. Was I fat, yes, did I come here to take gear to loose weight, NO. I came to be educated about diet and when it was acceptable to use gear (besides HRT) and quickly learned it was to get past plateaus not to be confused with turning fat into muscle.

I learned (accepted) that my fat was due to inactivity and more to the point what I was putting into my body. Most people dont want to accept that. Most people want to blame an accident, medical reasons, thyroid, age, genes or xxxxx you name it. Most people are only temporarily motivated (weeks) by others, break-ups or mid life crisis.

Yes there is once in a while that one individual who as crazy as it sounds just never learned that what you eat is what you are and activity burns fat. LOL They only needed some direction but they are far and few in-between. It's like when you (I) went to the doctor and he said my cholesterol was HIGH.... Of course he said loose weight and exercise. He also gave me a prescription to bring my levels down and it worked. He then never said anything about the weight/exercise again. Most people this is a good enough reason to STOP the exercise. Cholesterol levels are now OK. It's only a band-aid fix. Luckily I realized that also and said NO more pills, lets fix the problem, not mask it.

Im not perfect. I still have a LONG ways to go and should have started LONG time ago. I had plenty of other medical excuses also but that's all they where, excuses.

I agree with the Tough love approach. Tell them yes, you are fat, this is what you will be expected to do so dont waste my/your time with excuses. That being said I also realize that if you dont have clients you don't make $$$$ so you cant run them all away.

[NVR2BIG1]

this fat chick I'm training, I draw her up a diet and email it to her, what does she do? Kicks it right back to me and tells me to change it, "this diet looks REALLY, REALLY, SCARY" Didn't even ****ing try. See, she goes to some metabolic weight loss clinic, this MD feels that a 5-700 calorie/day diet and loads of phentermine is what she needs. I told her I dont care if he has an MD behind his name or not, the diet is downright idiotic and unhealthy. I just dont get it, if I was to go to a computer guy and have him train me on computers, I dont question him on everything or give him a hard time. I trust in him that what he says works. Why so different for trainers? But out of all of the bullshit, here is the biggest thing that gets on my nerves. When they sit their fat asses on a machine and expect you to adjust the machine for them. Its like God Damn, how many times have we done this now? You can't even attempt to adjust the ****ing thing yourself yet? You cannot grab your own weight plates and help me put them on your machine? Yea, why the **** would you lose any weight right? But you can;t tell them this shit because then your being mean, and you need the frikken money

[Flagg]

this fat chick I'm training, I draw her up a diet and email it to her, what does she do? Kicks it right back to me and tells me to change it, "this diet looks REALLY, REALLY, SCARY" Didn't even ****ing try. See, she goes to some metabolic weight loss clinic, this MD feels that a 5-700 calorie/day diet and loads of phentermine is what she needs. I told her I dont care if he has an MD behind his name or not, the diet is downright idiotic and unhealthy. I just dont get it, if I was to go to a computer guy and have him train me on computers, I dont question him on everything or give him a hard time. I trust in him that what he says works. Why so different for trainers? But out of all of the bullshit, here is the biggest thing that gets on my nerves. When they sit their fat asses on a machine and expect you to adjust the machine for them. Its like God Damn, how many times have we done this now? You can't even attempt to adjust the ****ing thing yourself yet? You cannot grab your own weight plates and help me put them on your machine? Yea, why the **** would you lose any weight right? But you can;t tell them this shit because then your being mean, and you need the frikken money

I dispair at people like that. What she wanted you to do was tell her she can stil eatl all the cream cakes she wants as long as she goes running on a treadmill!

Im no expert, but so many times in the past ive had friends who want to come work out with me. And then start complaining halfway through and start "correcting me". It's at this stage you want to say "Yeah, and this is why i look like this and you look like that"

[calgarian]

this fat chick I'm training, I draw her up a diet and email it to her, what does she do? Kicks it right back to me and tells me to change it, "this diet looks REALLY, REALLY, SCARY" Didn't even ****ing try. See, she goes to some metabolic weight loss clinic, this MD feels that a 5-700 calorie/day diet and loads of phentermine is what she needs. I told her I dont care if he has an MD behind his name or not, the diet is downright idiotic and unhealthy. I just dont get it, if I was to go to a computer guy and have him train me on computers, I dont question him on everything or give him a hard time. I trust in him that what he says works. Why so different for trainers? But out of all of the bullshit, here is the biggest thing that gets on my nerves. When they sit their fat asses on a machine and expect you to adjust the machine for them. Its like God Damn, how many times have we done this now? You can't even attempt to adjust the ****ing thing yourself yet? You cannot grab your own weight plates and help me put them on your machine? Yea, why the **** would you lose any weight right? But you can;t tell them this shit because then your being mean, and you need the frikken money

can i have her email??pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee

[LGM]

this fat chick I'm training, I draw her up a diet and email it to her, what does she do? Kicks it right back to me and tells me to change it, "this diet looks REALLY, REALLY, SCARY" Didn't even ****ing try. See, she goes to some metabolic weight loss clinic, this MD feels that a 5-700 calorie/day diet and loads of phentermine is what she needs. I told her I dont care if he has an MD behind his name or not, the diet is downright idiotic and unhealthy. I just dont get it, if I was to go to a computer guy and have him train me on computers, I dont question him on everything or give him a hard time. I trust in him that what he says works. Why so different for trainers? But out of all of the bullshit, here is the biggest thing that gets on my nerves. When they sit their fat asses on a machine and expect you to adjust the machine for them. Its like God Damn, how many times have we done this now? You can't even attempt to adjust the ****ing thing yourself yet? You cannot grab your own weight plates and help me put them on your machine? Yea, why the **** would you lose any weight right? But you can;t tell them this shit because then your being mean, and you need the frikken money

These people are the ones that create all the stereotypes. Unfortunately, they are also the majority. They'd rather take a pill than put in any effort. I guess I just got a little defensive, because I had major knee reconstruction, got obese (like 360), and then lost it and got in better shape. We all arent the type to get up after we get knocked down every time; hell, I even needed a hand every once in a while. But I guess since I came from that point, and made it through (for the most part; still working!), I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

Granted I would never try to train them, but I've got a soft spot for em.

[Nooomoto]

These people are the ones that create all the stereotypes. Unfortunately, they are also the majority. They'd rather take a pill than put in any effort. I guess I just got a little defensive, because I had major knee reconstruction, got obese (like 360), and then lost it and got in better shape. We all arent the type to get up after we get knocked down every time; hell, I even needed a hand every once in a while. But I guess since I came from that point, and made it through (for the most part; still working!), I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

Granted I would never try to train them, but I've got a soft spot for em.

I was once a fat slob, too. (300+, PURE FAT) But I got myself together and got back into shape. I made a conscious decision to change what I didn't like and nothing would stop me from doing so. It took me a couple years of busting my ass but I did it, luckily this happened when I was young so it wasn't as difficult as it probably would be were I in that position now.

Going through this experience, opposite of you, makes me loathe these people. I never cried to anyone, complained to anyone or made excuses for my sad physical appearance and mental state at the time. I sucked it up and hammered through it. That was 10 years ago and I've come a long way. There is absolutely NO reason other than themselves that these people can't succeed, but they continually handicap themselves and constantly seek pity and things other than themselves to place the blame on.

Like Tony Soprano is always asking...What happened to Gary Cooper? The strong silent type... everyone has to ****ing whine and cry and bitch and moan. It frustrates me to no end, which is why I only lasted a few months as a trainer. I couldn't hold my lip any more.

I find that women are the most frequent perpetrators of this, but an increasing amount of men are becoming this way, as well.

[LGM]

I was once a fat slob, too. (300+, PURE FAT) But I got myself together and got back into shape. I made a conscious decision to change what I didn't like and nothing would stop me from doing so. It took me a couple years of busting my ass but I did it, luckily this happened when I was young so it wasn't as difficult as it probably would be were I in that position now.

Going through this experience, opposite of you, makes me loathe these people. I never cried to anyone, complained to anyone or made excuses for my sad physical appearance and mental state at the time. I sucked it up and hammered through it. That was 10 years ago and I've come a long way. There is absolutely NO reason other than themselves that these people can't succeed, but they continually handicap themselves and constantly seek pity and things other than themselves to place the blame on.

Like Tony Soprano is always asking...What happened to Gary Cooper? The strong silent type... everyone has to ****ing whine and cry and bitch and moan. It frustrates me to no end, which is why I only lasted a few months as a trainer. I couldn't hold my lip any more.

I find that women are the most frequent perpetrators of this, but an increasing amount of men are becoming this way, as well.

Don't get me wrong; I see these people on that show getting pushed to the limit and crying and whining, and I just can't take it. It pisses me off to see all the whining and crying. But when I see a fatty in the gym suffering for months, especially a kid getting his shit together, every once in a while I walk up to them, pull out a fat pic of myself, and tell them they've taken the hardest step; just keep going. I love seeing the reaction on their face.

Congrats on the progress bro; shit ain't easy.

[Nooomoto]

Don't get me wrong; I see these people on that show getting pushed to the limit and crying and whining, and I just can't take it. It pisses me off to see all the whining and crying. But when I see a fatty in the gym suffering for months, especially a kid getting his shit together, every once in a while I walk up to them, pull out a fat pic of myself, and tell them they've taken the hardest step; just keep going. I love seeing the reaction on their face.

Congrats on the progress bro; shit ain't easy.

Oh yeah...I get approached by kids all the time in the gym. I don't mind helping someone out with some friendly advice and a little motivation in passing. I also tell them how hard it is, but if it wasn't hard it wouldn't be worth having. Kids are different than these people I'm talking about...the fully grown adults who ACT like kids.

[DeepBreath]

Jumping in on this because I to was once a obese. Weighed in at 280 and dropped all the way to 167 through diet and cardio. I agree that most overweight people have more mental issues than anything. I loathe the biggest loser and the stupid surgery to fix their stomach. Quit whining and get up and do something, if you want it, get it!! 1. Most biggest loser people gain the weight back, most not all. 2. Many of the surgery people gain the weight back. Both are because they aren't fixing the real issue which is their head.

Not busting on PT's but I saw 2 during weight loss hoping for tips/advice/etc and I got nowhere with them. They wanted to workout and not even discuss diet. I never got that, they obviously new about diet because they were in good shape but didn't help me at all with mine. It wasn't till checking boards like this till I really got a grasp on diet.

[NVR2BIG1]

what I have found to be the best explanation for their attitudes is the lack of chemicals in the brain due to low activity level/ high fat. They aren't producing the same levels of dopamine and saratonin, which is why its a constant ****ing battle to get through to them

[DeepBreath]

I have no idea how trainers do it. Much respect for dealing with the BS.