Trainers… The Good, Bad and Plain Awful
Today, the topic of trainers. A few red flag reminders and things to consider when it comes to working with a trainer – specifically in regards to a competition.
TRAINERS
There are a number of male trainers who are great, however that does not make them experts in all fields. All to often I see males training figure and fitness competitors like they are bodybuilders. It may work from time to time but women’s bodies are different from men and generally should adapt different training/nutritional principles. Some women love to train heavy and sweat it out with the men which is awesome. I work out with women from time to time and they tend to kick my ass. Why? I usually let my macho male ego get in the way and not allow myself to get run into the ground by a woman. That’s not really what I am referring to however EGO is the point. Many trainers have huge egos and love to take credit for the competitor’s success. If someone is name dropping and telling you they can turn you pro without having seen you compete or evaluate where you are – run. These are clowns who are trying to use you to be somebody bigger than what they already are. Trainers are there to help you reach YOUR goals, that is why you pay THEM. It doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want but you are the client so remember it is about you paying them, to reach your goals. Whether it be competing in a show or losing 10lbs they are there to provide a service.
It’s not only men… I’ve seen women who’ve won a large show think that qualifies them as an expert in coaching. Hell, there are even some top national and pro competitors (men and women) that think because they are a pro competitor they are an expert. Some are and while many others are not. I can spot it a mile away and so can the judges. When a competitor has been coached by someone who doesn’t know what they are doing…it shows. These are the people who don’t pay attention to the little details it shows.
POSING – last week I witnessed some horrendous figure posing at a local show. There were familiar faces/voices in the crowd cheering on their competitor. RAH RAH GOOD JOB #123…PERFECT! Huh? What the chuck are you doing I thought to myself. The competitor was posing all wrong and it definitely hurt her placings because she was not presenting her physique properly. This poor woman worked her ass off only to pose incorrectly and she paid the price. On the flip side I could see a few very polished, poised and well rehearsed physiques on stage. When the night show rolled around and these people thanked their trainers, I thought ah ha it showed. To the women who want to piss and moan and say xyz person won because they were trained by xyz – stop and think for a minute… Did you ever consider they won because they were trained properly and knew what the heck they were doing? You don’t have to train with one of the big name trainers in the industry to win but there is a reason why their women do well… it’s because they are qualified to do what they do. Spend some time watching a show, in person, and observe the posing – you’ll know what I am talking about.
PROS AS TRAINERS – Just because someone is a pro competitor doesn’t make them a good trainer, it makes them a good competitor. More often then not they became a pro by working with someone else and didn’t do it all on their own. This goes for both men and women. I’ve met competitors who tell me they are trained by xyz pro and they are proud of it. Cool, congrats, that’s awesome! Many competitors want to tell the world that they trained with a top pro. I observe them posing and or check out their conditioning and think, holy hell are you kidding me? You should ask that pro for your money back. If someone tells you they train with xyz pro and they turn lots of people pro – they are probably full of shit. More often than not this pro has an ego and thinks they are the shit. Really? I know hard to believe but many times true. This person found a diamond in the rough and worked with a competitor or two who turned pro. Those same competitors would have probably turned pro with any trainer but sure not always. Just be mindful of someone trying to name drop and convince you that they can do more than they can. Pros as trainers do not have any more “in” with the judging than Joe Blow. If they try to tell you otherwise look for a different trainer because they are blowing smoke up your ass.
EVERYONE’S AN EXPERT – Many times as you prepare for a show and as you get a little more tan and a little leaner people ask tons of questions. They want to know what magic pill you’re taking and forget that you’re doing two hours of cardio. These same people will ask about your training or your diet and then have something to add. My advice, listen to one person and stick to it till the end of the show. If you listen to three different people who all think they have something better for you to do with your training or diet you will end up frustrated and confused. I am guilty of it myself. The first time I competed I worked with a trainer and found myself listening to others. I had to learn to trust my trainer, not question them when they told me to eat more carbs and have a little faith. Fortunately, for me it worked and it is a recipe for success that I see with others. Sometimes it doesn’t work out with a trainer and that’s no big deal. Everyone has different styles and ways about them. Some people need a hard ass trainer to get them motivated, others need to be comforted and hugged along the way. Don’t fall prey to those who think they know what is best for you when doing a show. There is a reason why you are paying your trainer and not the meat head in the gym who thinks they have a better solution.
If have any specific questions or topics related to trainers post them in the comments field or email them to me at Isaac @ liftstudios.com. I will be hitting on more topical items in the coming weeks. Next up… Husbands and Boyfriends. Check back this one will be interestings.
This was a very good article, it helps us non pros to take a step back and look at what and who we are really paying. I have been to a lot of figure and fitness websites and see that they are trainers as well, and want to charge so much, then you come to find who actually trained them and his prices are so much more affordable. So as for us non pros we do need to step back and see are we paying for the name (pro) or really for the knowledge? So thanks Isaac!
Isaac, I have always found it interesting when pro’s that train people are still being trained by their own trainers. Why aren’t they knowledgable enough to train themselves? So who’s knowledge are you paying for – the pro or their trainer? I’m sure you aren’t going to make a lot of friends with this article/observation, but it clearly gives everybody something to think about. I honestly know of about 10 high profile trainers in this sport that have actually worked with & improved many of the top pro’s & had success helping many NPC competitors earn their IFBB Professional League status. A little bit of fact checking will provide anyone with all the info they will need to truly make an educated decision.
And I can’t wait to read your take on husbands & boyfriends. Been there – done that – still living it with the athlete’s we manage! LOL! Trust me, you haven’t seen nothing yet! LOL!
As a Pro athlete, training with a Top trainer, I have always appreciated having an objective eye, and a motivater on my side when preparing for competitions, and photo shoots. I know it is always to my benifit to have a reputable trainer guide you.
Isaac, I also an EAGER to read your next post too on the hubbies/BF’s…:)
Keep in mind I am not saying EVERY pro who trains people shouldn’t be it was a generalization. Some are good at what they do, many are not. Like JM mentioned – asking around and doing some fact checking is your best bet. I always encourage people to ask those who are currently trained as well as formerly trained by people. Many times those who used to be trained by xyz trainer are bitter and pass blame but it isn’t always a one way street. Some times personalities clash and sometimes those who are being trained don’t listen to the trainer – ie listen to the “experts” in the gym.
There are a number of very good trainers in the industry and there are also a number of wannabes, so again like was mentioned above – don’t be afraid to ask.
I was going to write about the hubby’s / boyfriends but my trainer rant went too long.
What do you think about online/out of state trainers?
I kind of think you can’t get the same quality as a live coach, but yet Mike Davies and Kim Otto are successful w/ so many superstars.
How do they do that? Do you have to be a photogenic person for that to work?
Or is it more b/c the competitor is more ambitious and competative so they don’t need as much personal attention?
I had trouble w/ a coach and switched to a homeboy trainer b/c I don’t understand how an online one would be good.
But somehow it seems to work for so many girls.
I always wondered about that
I think online and out of your state trainers can be good however it depends on your needs. Some people are VERY needy and want someone to train with in person. Kim and Mike have proven that it works and they are two of the top for a reason. (BTW it’s ODDO not otto) lol. They each have their own way of working with their competitors. Sending them photos and LISTENING to what they provide has proven results. It’s when a competitor lies or isn’t upfront that things usually go wrong.
It doesn’t work for everyone and quite honestly I give any trainer mad props who can do it. I know I would go nuts trying to work with most competitors.
very interesting article…
how about some input from the top 2 recognized trainers
for the industry and get mike davies and kim oddo a little
interview.. how they do things.. and how their proven success
has so many ifbb pros and top amateur athletes under their wing !
great reads isaac, can’t wait for boyfriend / hubby posts……
I interviewed Kim Oddo a couple of times over the years for bodybuilding.com
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/isaac20.htm
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/isaac111.htm
I’ve witnessed Kim in action and I can only assume Mike is much the same. The night before a show Kim has a sheet of paper with every girl’s name on it, where they are staying, notes about them, their numbers and he is on the phone non-stop. He is able to look at the women and pin-point what they need to tweak, how their suit is fitting, shoes, everything. It are the little details in those final days that so many people overlook. Why work so hard for weeks only to screw it up because of a poor suit cut, bad hair, poor makeup or terrible shoes? All of those details make up the big picture.
Having been a friend of Mike Davies for years, I can tell you he is just like Kim Oddo when it comes to that final prep, especially the last few hours prior to a contest. These 2 absolutely go the extra mile for their clients right up until they hit the stage.
What is really cool is to see them both sitting together in the audience at contests cheering for each others clients while still shouting out advice to each of their own clients. Just watch next week at Jr. Nationals.
How could we miss mentioning Carla Sanchez???? SHE IS TOPS!!!!
This lady not only presents some of the hottest bodies on the stage, but she absolutely goes above and beyond her call of duty to help her competitors—!
My experience is to see Carla backstage, tilting her head, eyeing her competitors and then to each one–specific and spot on advice. Every gal has a different recipie for perfection, and Carla tailors to each of us….it really, honestly amazes me that one gal can have a certain food, and another can’t, but another can–only a smaller amount. The decisions are made both in the meal plans and workouts months ahead of time, and then again–moments before stage, tweaking, like someone mentioned above.
She will be honest, but always ALWAYS supportive and positive. She ‘gets it’….she’s been there. Think a trainer is just about your physical progress? I have seen Carla apply where you’re at mentally, to where you need to be, physically and competitively. It matters.
My own most recent experience has been to have her personally help me with the stage presentation in terms of makeup and hair–how many trainers just ‘leave it you the competitor?!’. I didn’t know that kind of personal touch came with a great, busy, and top notch trainer, too! Here she is, a week from National competition, scheduling ME in with HER hair guy–who is beyond busy…to get me in so I look put together for my competition. She shows up, helps to verbalize what I like to him, and I walk out feeling tons better about how I will look on stage. I am forever grateful for her input, because where I lack knowledge or confidence, Carla is right there to fill in the gaps.
I also am both an online client and an in person client because my job takes me all over the world, for about half the month. She has both programs dialed in….you don’t need to be there in person for her to get you where you need to be. Your work ethic is up to you: I think Carla has that perfect combination of diet and workouts to get you there.
I definitely put my competitive future in her hands, and have never looked back. Any article about top trainers should include this lady! See you on the stage!!!!
Great posting. And remember just because a trainer has many visible successful clients, doesn’t mean there aren’t three times as many who are not successful that you don’t hear about.
No trainer has a 100% success rate, is all knowing, or has the ability to fix bad genetics.
As a client of Kim Oddo’s and a friend of Mike’s I can say these two are TOP NOTCH. Online, in town , trans – continent. When you know your stuff, you know your stuff. I swear they can pin point it down to 5 grains of oat meal and an almond if they have to!
Kim goes above and beyond, giving up sleep and his own needs for us. That is a true trainer. I am a PRO and would NEVER DARE train anyone beyond a local highschool competition. I don’t feel knowledgeable or confident enough. I am still using KIM! WHY WOULD I TRAIN SOMEONE else to do what he does for me? I totally loved this article Issac. I think you have helped many rethink what they are doing! thanks…. NOW get writing on that boyfriend/hubby article. SHOULD be a hoot!
Isaac I truly enjoyed reading this article and I want to thank you for some great insight. I think everyone has his/her own style and should be matched up with a trainer that complements them. I train with Kim Oddo not because I want to turn Pro but because he listens to what I have to say, understands my objectives, and believes in me. Kim puts his heart into this sport and that shows in his clients and I believe that the same goes with Mike.
With that said, if you do the simple math of how many competitors are out there and how many turn pro and who they are training with I am certain that the above mentioned trainers would get extremely high scores. Another quick calculation would be to look at how many Pro’s compete at the O and who they are training with…the answer still points to the same trainers.