Does anyone here use a trainer?

[metalman]

I am just wondering if anyone on the board has used a trainer, and if you would recommend it?

[LD4HW]

Most of them weighs a buck o 5, and/or are Imbeciles trying to suck up your $. Dude who has Can-fit pro thinks they are king shit lmao...

[SARGE]

Im sure there a lot of people on this board that use or are trainers.I think they can be usefull after the fact you use your own ability to get as big as you can naturally.Eat big,but clean,train heavy,with good form,dont over train.There lots of info on this board to get you where you want to be.If you are serios about this sport there are trainers who can bring you to the next level.There are pro bodybuilders,power lifters that use trainers.Sometimes you just need someone to push you,(for a few bucks)just my apinion

[LD4HW]

Granted...I agree with what you said, Sarge. Perhaps my statement was way off base lol...My apologies if I offended anyone out there. Just some of the losers at my Gym leaves me with a bitter taste of what a pers. trainer should be...You need the right trainer/coach to suit your needs.

[warlock]

The average Can fit pro guy is a begginer in a field that requires a lot of knowledge and experience.

I have been working in the field for the past 7 years and admit that am scratching the surface even though I am well above the average.

If you are looking for a trainer make sure that you get a guy specialized n what you do.

Diet and lifting biomechanics are just the beginning, your nervous and endocrine system will determine your degree of success at the higher levels of your sport and not a lot of people know how to deal with it properly. Basically I'd tell you to stay away from anyone that tells you that eating shitty food is fine.

[Ritch]

Alot of old school bodybuilders kinda snicker about the whole trainer phenemenon these days. And I agree. I don`t see what a trainer is going to do what you can`t. Success in bodybuilding depends on finding out what works for you. There`s high volume, low volume and something in the middle. There`s high carb diets, low carb, and something in the middle. Why pay someone to find out what you will eventually? It may take a little longer, but at $40 a session it`s gonna cost you about $160 a week. Ouch!

If you`re able to ask yourself the proper questions like "what am I eating, when , and why you will be able to find the answers. I really think it`s a bit of a guessing game to find out what works for you, and a trainer, in general, is doing just that. Most people don`t need them.

To have someone show you how exercises are done is a whole different thing. Anybody who starts off should be shown the proper way to lift. But if you need somebody to be by your side and count your reps and encourage you to get through a workout, I just can`t see that type of person being successfull in the long run. The desire should come from within.

Plus with forums like this, who needs a trainer to make you a program? Plus you learn how to think for yourself. The whole teach a man how to fish saying comes to mind.

And yes I`ve hired a trainer before when a long time ago. Poliquin certified and he sucked donkey balls. This cocksucker had me doing the advanced back workout in the poliquin principles book for gymnasts. Needless to say I could not feel my forearms anymore. Never asked me what my goals were, never gave me a programm on paper, just trained my like I was a work horse. It was good for him because he was seen yelling at a guy who was more advanced than most so onlookers must have been thinking what a good workout I was having.

As my sig used to say, It`s easy to train hard, but it`s hard to train smart... If I were to hire a trainer, it would be to sit in his office and pick his brain to show me new exercises or stuff like that.

[Ritch]

And... If you`re a beginner, almost anything is going to make you progress. Then you have the trainer saying " See he gained 10 lbs..." Big deal, the first ten pounds are a freeby. Put the guy on protein and creatine, he`s good for another easy 10...

[devo09]

Most trainers are really just taught how to teach exercise technique and basic fundamentals.
You need to look at a trainers credentials, if they have a Bsc Kinesiology or something like that then they are obviously much more qualified

[Talo]

I've hired a trainer for competition diet. . I would never hire one for training .

[Ritch]

Most trainers are really just taught how to teach exercise technique and basic fundamentals.
You need to look at a trainers credentials, if they have a Bsc Kinesiology or something like that then they are obviously much more qualified

I`m not saying that`s not true, but most of those guys I`ve seen who have the whole Bsc in kin, don`t even train. And sometimes in real life it`s different than how they show you in the books...

That reminds me of a formation I followed when I was aspiring to be a trainer and this pecker head was showing us how to do flye`s. His way because the book said so... was having the students do them in a very short range of motion the dumbells were at least a foot apart from each other, not to come any closer in the top position, because the pecks don`t contract passed that point. It was an extremely frustrating situation for me. Getting pissed just thinking about it, lol...

[devo09]

I`m not saying that`s not true, but most of those guys I`ve seen who have the whole Bsc in kin, don`t even train. And sometimes in real life it`s different than how they show you in the books...

That reminds me of a formation I followed when I was aspiring to be a trainer and this pecker head was showing us how to do flye`s. His way because the book said so... was having the students do them in a very short range of motion the dumbells were at least a foot apart from each other, not to come any closer in the top position, because the pecks don`t contract passed that point. It was an extremely frustrating situation for me. Getting pissed just thinking about it, lol...
I won't argue with this at all lol, I seem to be the only one in my classes that trains his ass off

But actually for DB fly's that guy would be right. . . and that is why I hate DB flys

[Ritch]

I won't argue with this at all lol, I seem to be the only one in my classes that trains his ass off

But actually for DB fly's that guy would be right. . . and that is why I hate DB flys

Ok. About the flyes... Then why is it that every jacked mofo you see dosen`t do them the way that is so called right? It just dosen`t make sense. I even tried that method and my pecks seemed to have lost size in the 3-4 week period I tried it.

And if the pecks don`t contract in the top position, how come mine do? I mean stick your arms out in front of your and simulate a peck deck movement. Do the pecks contract when your hands are together? Of course they do! Same thing when you`re lying on a bench with dumbells and bring them together. Why is said to be "untrue" by these guys? Oh yeah, that`s right, they don`t train, they just read books about training...

As you can see I can come off hard headed. But if you have it in you to prove me wrong, by all means friend...

[LD4HW]

Good trainers must have their heart in the right place, and not be so much concerned with making money outta folks.

This idiot who is a personal trainer at my gym (I would love to kick his teeth down his throat badly) thinks he's king shit of the GL pers. trainers...anyway I saw this idiot downtown last weeked - idiot was smashed drunk and smoking a joint...loser!LOL

The things you do, How you act....hmmm

[pseclint]

Bob from biggest loser, great trainer

[Ritch]

Good trainers must have their heart in the right place, and not be so much concerned with making money outta folks.

This idiot who is a personal trainer at my gym (I would love to kick his teeth down his throat badly) thinks he's king shit of the GL pers. trainers...anyway I saw this idiot downtown last weeked - idiot was smashed drunk and smoking a joint...loser!LOL

The things you do, How you act....hmmm

I agree with your first paragraph. Indeed...

The second... Maybe he was celebrating his birthday or something. Big deal, he was smoking a joint as was drunk. Geez, you some kind of goodie 2 shoes? Gotta have fun once and a while.

[devo09]

Ok. About the flyes... Then why is it that every jacked mofo you see dosen`t do them the way that is so called right? It just dosen`t make sense. I even tried that method and my pecks seemed to have lost size in the 3-4 week period I tried it.

And if the pecks don`t contract in the top position, how come mine do? I mean stick your arms out in front of your and simulate a peck deck movement. Do the pecks contract when your hands are together? Of course they do! Same thing when you`re lying on a bench with dumbells and bring them together. Why is said to be "untrue" by these guys? Oh yeah, that`s right, they don`t train, they just read books about training...

As you can see I can come off hard headed. But if you have it in you to prove me wrong, by all means friend...
Well, the main action of the pectoral muscle is to adduct the humerus, but at the top of a DB fly there is no resistance being placed on it because the weight is directly above you

And I'd guess that every "jacked mofo" you see doing DB flys also does heavy presses

[Ritch]

Well, the main action of the pectoral muscle is to adduct the humerus, but at the top of a DB fly there is no resistance being placed on it because the weight is directly above you

And I'd guess that every "jacked mofo" you see doing DB flys also does heavy presses

About there not being weight in the top postion... Say I agree to that, then the contraction I get is then on my own will. Therefore extending the range of that exercise in which the pecs are being worked. I mean why stop the movement if I can continue it? In the class Mr toothpick was saying your resting the muscle in the top position. Again, not if you contract the pecs! I can feel them at their biggest and fullest in that top position. If not by the weight, by me. And it`s in that top position where I feel the strongest contraction. Seems to me, you`d be a fool not to go all the way up... Not that I`m calling you a fool, figure of speech here...

I swear, I wouldn`t be surprised if in a few years these guys come bac and say "Oh yeah, after all, you should go all the way up"

[LD4HW]

I still think a mentor, a coach or someone to show you the ropes is a good idea. I've mostly trained myself, and developed some of my own techniques, along with some help...give credit where credit is due.

Me? Hell no...I'm actually trouble lol! I'm pretty quiet at the gym, and keep to myself (in my bubble) but otherwise, yea I like to raise a lil' hell from time to time...So, yea your statement is likely true about this guy, simply having a good time...

[Ritch]

I still think a mentor, a coach or someone to show you the ropes is a good idea. I've mostly trained myself, and developed some of my own techniques, along with some help...give credit where credit is due.

Me? Hell no...I'm actually trouble lol! I'm pretty quiet at the gym, and keep to myself (in my bubble) but otherwise, yea I like to raise a lil' hell from time to time...So, yea your statement is likely true about this guy, simply having a good time...

:beer

[Delt King]

Most so called personal trainers don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. It frustrates me to no end as i've worked in clubs for 15 years but you can still find good ones once in a while...generally competitive bodybuilders.

If you can find a good one, it'll be invaluable to have them evaluate your exercise form.

And the best ones who live the lifestyle can even coach advanced guys for bodybuilding shows....shameless plug for myself.:greet

BTW if you ever see me use a ball for anything in the gym...you have permission to punch me in the face. LMAO

[JacktheThriller]

Well, the main action of the pectoral muscle is to adduct the humerus, but at the top of a DB fly there is no resistance being placed on it because the weight is directly above you

And I'd guess that every "jacked mofo" you see doing DB flys also does heavy presses


Do me a favor. stick ur hands out in front of u at 1 foot apart and squeeze ur pecs, now put ur palms together and squeeze. Feel the difference?

[natenator]

And... If you`re a beginner, almost anything is going to make you progress. Then you have the trainer saying " See he gained 10 lbs..." Big deal, the first ten pounds are a freeby. Put the guy on protein and creatine, he`s good for another easy 10...
I know one of the first things Fouad did when he got into bodybuilding was hire a trainer as he didn't want to waste time "figuring things out for himself". I'd say it was money well spent.

Additionally after many years of constructing his own offseason program he hired Hany Rambod for offseason and prep. I'd say it paid off as well.

[Ritch]

I know one of the first things Fouad did when he got into bodybuilding was hire a trainer as he didn't want to waste time "figuring things out for himself". I'd say it was money well spent.

Additionally after many years of constructing his own offseason program he hired Hany Rambod for offseason and prep. I'd say it paid off as well.

For sure, hiring a trainer will get you there faster. But not many can afford a trainer 3-4 times a week with all the other costs that go along with bodybuilding... Is it the ideal? Of course it is! A must? I don`t think so.

[natenator]

For sure, hiring a trainer will get you there faster. But not many can afford a trainer 3-4 times a week with all the other costs that go along with bodybuilding... Is it the ideal? Of course it is! A must? I don`t think so.
I'm not talking about someone to teach you how to train per say. I'm speaking about a trainer that can help structre a training program and nutritional strategy to get you where you want to go a lot faster.

I think the majority of people on this board would be better off hiring someone instead of the money they spend on drugs.

[faller]

If i had the extra cash i'd definitely hire a trainer, especially for the diet. I really don't know shit about diet.

[O-Train]

If i had the extra cash i'd definitely hire a trainer, especially for the diet. I really don't know shit about diet.

Agreed, that's also where I would need the most help. I know where Nate is coming from too. I've had a lot of good mentors and people helping me along the way but actually having a high level strength coach going through stuff step by step. I would have been where I am now (after 10 years) in probably under 2 years. Not in terms of physique, but form and training knowledge...which would speed up gains a lot.

[Delt King]

I'm not talking about someone to teach you how to train per say. I'm speaking about a trainer that can help structre a training program and nutritional strategy to get you where you want to go a lot faster.

I think the majority of people on this board would be better off hiring someone instead of the money they spend on drugs.

Very well said!!!!

[dainbramaged]

Most trainers are really just taught how to teach exercise technique and basic fundamentals.
You need to look at a trainers credentials, if they have a Bsc Kinesiology or something like that then they are obviously much more qualified

I would rely more on someone with a degree in Exercise Physiology or in Exercise Biomechanics than someone with Kines. I've known numerous trainers who had Kines and while they might know what goes where, they didn't have the first clue about training. Some even less than the Can-fit trainers, could even be why a number of Kines students take Can-fit and then think they're the bomb. I'd even promote the idea that all newbie trainers stick to teaching the fatties to lose their weight (since usually they became a trainer because they lost some weight themselves, not usually because they were looking to get huge). If you look the part, have the ongoing education and foundation you need, and have some YEARS of experience, then this type of trainer might be of benefit to someone more advanced, like a higher level bodybuilder or athlete (or someone looking to become such). It's great to have the book-smarts to know how a squat works but if you can't tell me how it feels at the end when I'm busting my guts, then don't feel bad if I'm not completely into your advice, lol.

And, with all due respect to the members here, I like what Nate said:

"I'm not talking about someone to teach you how to train per say. I'm speaking about a trainer that can help structure a training program and nutritional strategy to get you where you want to go a lot faster.

I think the majority of people on this board would be better off hiring someone instead of the money they spend on drugs." (<--especially this)

[LD4HW]

I like what you have written...It make sense...If you have the book knowledge, but not the "gym knowledge, and how it feels like" <--whatever you wanna call it lol...then why should I spend my money on this dude.

To quote the great Bruce Lee " Knowing is not enough; we must apply" lol.



I would rely more on someone with a degree in Exercise Physiology or in Exercise Biomechanics than someone with Kines. I've known numerous trainers who had Kines and while they might know what goes where, they didn't have the first clue about training. Some even less than the Can-fit trainers, could even be why a number of Kines students take Can-fit and then think they're the bomb. I'd even promote the idea that all newbie trainers stick to teaching the fatties to lose their weight (since usually they became a trainer because they lost some weight themselves, not usually because they were looking to get huge). If you look the part, have the ongoing education and foundation you need, and have some YEARS of experience, then this type of trainer might be of benefit to someone more advanced, like a higher level bodybuilder or athlete (or someone looking to become such). It's great to have the book-smarts to know how a squat works but if you can't tell me how it feels at the end when I'm busting my guts, then don't feel bad if I'm not completely into your advice, lol.

And, with all due respect to the members here, I like what Nate said:

"I'm not talking about someone to teach you how to train per say. I'm speaking about a trainer that can help structure a training program and nutritional strategy to get you where you want to go a lot faster.

I think the majority of people on this board would be better off hiring someone instead of the money they spend on drugs." (<--especially this)

[rickyboy36]

Alot of old school bodybuilders kinda snicker about the whole trainer phenemenon these days. And I agree. I don`t see what a trainer is going to do what you can`t. Success in bodybuilding depends on finding out what works for you. There`s high volume, low volume and something in the middle. There`s high carb diets, low carb, and something in the middle. Why pay someone to find out what you will eventually? It may take a little longer, but at $40 a session it`s gonna cost you about $160 a week. Ouch!

If you`re able to ask yourself the proper questions like "what am I eating, when , and why you will be able to find the answers. I really think it`s a bit of a guessing game to find out what works for you, and a trainer, in general, is doing just that. Most people don`t need them.

To have someone show you how exercises are done is a whole different thing. Anybody who starts off should be shown the proper way to lift. But if you need somebody to be by your side and count your reps and encourage you to get through a workout, I just can`t see that type of person being successfull in the long run. The desire should come from within.

Plus with forums like this, who needs a trainer to make you a program? Plus you learn how to think for yourself. The whole teach a man how to fish saying comes to mind.

And yes I`ve hired a trainer before when a long time ago. Poliquin certified and he sucked donkey balls. This cocksucker had me doing the advanced back workout in the poliquin principles book for gymnasts. Needless to say I could not feel my forearms anymore. Never asked me what my goals were, never gave me a programm on paper, just trained my like I was a work horse. It was good for him because he was seen yelling at a guy who was more advanced than most so onlookers must have been thinking what a good workout I was having.

As my sig used to say, It`s easy to train hard, but it`s hard to train smart... If I were to hire a trainer, it would be to sit in his office and pick his brain to show me new exercises or stuff like that.

You see,it all depends what you want and if you have the money for it.Would you venture to say that Ironwill after all these years should be able to do his own diets and training on his own?.Of course he can..BIG TIME..but the trainer/coach aspect brings in the fine tuning so to speak.They are "engineers" of the body and know things about food and training you will never know.Just ask Iron what Mountain Dog is doing for him and the results he has had so far.I can name(or at least refer you to a site) you hundreds of national bodybuilders who have trainers.These guys know your body more than you do and are well worth it if you want to go far and have the money for it.

I do agree however that not all of them are qualified,probably most arent at your gym and will suck in your money like you said.But if you happen to fall on one that is good and want to go to another level and have the money for it,then try it.You might be pleasantly surprised with the results.....

[tiramisu]

Things I'd pay for....

coaching clinic in the quick lifts and power lifts.
contest prep

For me the diet issue is primarily one of will power. Without a "goal" it's tough to sustain either the bulking or fat loss. I'm really good for about 3 months but by the 4rth month of either it wears on me.

For programming, between 5-3-1, DC, Texas Method, Starr 5x5, smolov there's more than enough to keep me going. While it would be nice to have a second set of eyes occasionally, I find reviewing my logbook is a pretty darn effective way to see what's working and what needs changing.