It’s Top 10 time again and today’s topic is near and dear to me as it’s one of the biggest issues facing the personal training industry and it’s a subject that I’ve spoken about numerous times – Bad Personal Trainers. Having been in this industry for 20 years, I’ve seen many people wearing a “trainer” shirt and training people that simply don’t deserve the title.

So I’ve compiled my list of the Top 10 Ways To Spot A Bad Personal Trainer so that you know what to look for… and stay away!

1. APPEARANCE – I know I’m going to get a lot of flack for this, but I feel a trainer’s appearance and body shape are crucial. A trainer’s image is part of the overall package that says they care about the way they look, and that exercise is an important part of their life. I’m not suggesting that they need to look like a model or a professional athlete, but they certainly should look like they work out. Of course appearing to be in shape doesn’t mean someone is a great trainer (or if someone is a few pounds overweight that they’re not). But you should be looking for people that exude a PASSION for fitness, not someone who bought a sweat suit on sale.

2. LIMITED ATTENTION SPAN – If a trainer is looking around, chatting with other people, answering cell calls, saying “I’ll be right back” or texting during a training session…..run! The last thing you need is to pay a person that is not truly interested in helping you.  A great trainer will have tunnel vision and see nothing else but you during the session. How can they coach or direct your form if they’re not paying attention?

3. RESULTS – If you belong to a gym and have seen the same people training with a trainer for years with limited results, or if their routine is virtually the same for years at a time then I wouldn’t suggest hiring that trainer. And if what I’ve just described applies to you, I suggest you find a new trainer. Also while trainers are not nutritionists, part of their role is to encourage healthier eating and explain the importance of nutrition as part of a successful exercise plan. I’ve seen many people that actually look worse, or have gained weight despite the fact that they workout with trainers regularly. That’s unacceptable in my opinion.

4. COOKIE CUTTER ROUTINES – I’ve seen many trainers put all of their clients through the exact same routine. While the fundamentals may be the same, you can’t duplicate workouts for everyone. People have different needs, areas that need correction, likes and dislikes etc. So if your trainer does the same thing with you as everyone else, or if you see a trainer that is basically on “repeat” all day long – move on to someone else that likes to switch it up in the gym.

5. WORKING OUT WITH CLIENTS – I’ve seen this over and over – A trainer that actually turns a paid client session into a workout for him or herself! Personally I can’t watch and coach someone else if I’m busy exercising. Of course there are times when this is appropriate like class settings or outdoor runs. But you can tell when the trainer is training themselves more than the client.

6. INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR – We’ve all seen this – trainers that are just a little too friendly, either with words or in physical touching. I’ve seen this behavior first hand and have watched trainers get fired or lose clients as a result. Yes, it’s personal training but first and foremost it’s a profession. Unfortunately, I’ve seen some clients actually encourage this behavior, but it’s truly unprofessional and ultimately the workouts will suffer. A trainer should never have their hands on you without first asking permission, and even then it should be minimal contact. And a trainer that uses any kind of sexual innuendo is clearly not for you.

7. LISTENING SKILLS – If you’ve been working out with a trainer and expressed unhappiness with your results, or if you’ve voiced that certain exercises hurt or aggravate injuries but have been told to “push through it”, dump them! Personal Training is a relationship above all else, except that you pay for it! If a trainer can’t listen or communicate well with you then you need to find one that can. A great trainer will listen, hear you, and be able to accommodate any changes that are needed, many times right there on the spot.

Additionally, they should be asking you how you feel on a regular basis, whether or not you are enjoying the exercise and seeing results and if you have any feedback you’d like to provide. Communication has to be a two way street.

8. SCHEDULING – If a trainer is always rescheduling, cancelling, or showing up late that’s a clear indicator of how seriously they take their job. Ideally, your trainer should be at the gym waiting when you show up and ready to go. Life does happen and as with clients an occasional mishap is unavoidable. But these slip-ups should be the exception, not the rule.

9. PERSONALITY - I know many people that have immense knowledge and skills with regards to exercise and nutrition, but who have the personalities of cold oatmeal. Ultimately, their lack of social skills will affect their ability to relate information in a way that’s fun and exciting; a way that makes people want to workout.

Look for trainers that have spark, enthusiasm, and a unique personality. One way to tell is if they only speak with certain groups; for instance a trainer that only hangs out in the weight room with the guys, or stands in a corner looking afraid to speak at all. I talk to everyone in a club; young, old, in or out of shape, doesn’t matter, everyone get’s a “hello” from the Angry Trainer.

10. GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND – I’ve seen trainers in gyms and fitness facilities walk right by someone that clearly needed help or was performing an exercise wrong. I’ve frequently assisted people when I see them struggling or about to potentially injure themselves. I’m referring to when I’m in a club just working out, not working myself. Why? Because it’s what I do and what my passion is – to help people, paid or not. So if you see a trainer that isn’t willing to go above and beyond, and hides from helping people then I think their commitment should be questioned.

I’ve also known trainers that won’t return calls to clients that have questions and will only provide answer during paid sessions. That’s ridiculous, as a trainer you’ve signed on to assist someone in reaching their health and fitness goals. If a 5-minute phone call is too much there’s a problem. I make myself accessible to all of my clients, and people I don’t even know!

So that’s my Top 10 Ways Of Spotting A Bad Trainer. But what do you think? Do you agree with my thoughts? Have you experienced any horror stories over the years? Feel free to share and comment – I’d love to hear your thoughts…