What does a Personal Trainer look like?

Now be honest, when you think of what a personal trainer, what image comes into your mind? Do you envision Jillian Michaels or are you more inclined to envision a Froning kind of body? Maybe it’s that skinny bitch at Pilates or Yoga that you covet every time you see her?

Well, I am a Certified Personal Trainer and I don’t look like any of those people. Actually, I’m overweight. I work out religiously, I eat clean, I do everything I am supposed to do but my body fat is stubborn. To be honest, it is surprisingly stubborn and that’s because we aren’t all built the same.

I work in an industry where image matters and sadly education doesn’t always matter. I have learned a valuable lesson while seeking employment and I am saddened, offended and angry about it and at the same time, totally understand it. How could I possibly understand it? Well, first and fore most I have a mind for business and I understand, you have to be the image you sell.

My first interview was with a gentleman who was an absolute meat head. I spent an hour and a half being quizzed on musculature and sales while this man constantly made comments about the image I would need to portray. He told me he hired a woman because she looked the part but didn’t know anything but he was willing to train her. Although he said he was excited to have a "certified" trainer and I answered everything correctly, I wasn’t right for the job.

My second interview was with a gentleman who was informative and honest. He quizzed me on nutrition with the disclaimer that he “wasn’t picking on me he asked everyone these questions” and once we were done he told me how impressed he was because he’s interviewed people with Kinesiology degrees and experienced trainers that didn’t know all the answers. I didn’t get that job offer either.

My third interview…. Well, third time’s a charm? For me, yes it certainly was! I found my dream job that advocates teaching clients not just directing them, a job that encourages positive and healthy lifestyle choices and coaching. I found the perfect job with the perfect person in the perfect area. If you don’t believe in God, that’s cool, I do and I know He lead me here I mean…. It’s even by a church!

I know my body isn’t the industry standard for a personal trainer, I know there are people who wouldn’t want me train them just based off of my body type. I also know that there are overweight Doctors, Nurses and Physical Therapists and they’re in the health and wellness industry but we don’t expect our medical teams to have bulging biceps, right? We just expect them to be educated.

Well… don’t you expect your personal trainer to be educated? I know trainers that are certified and know next to nothing but they look the part. I know trainers that don’t look the part and know more than I ever will and I know there are super fit and educated trainers. So, when you are ready to seek out a personal trainer, don’t base the book off it’s cover and don’t be scared to ask questions, we work for you and we are here to make you successful!

Happy training!!!