Bad Personal Trainers: Why Commitment and Effort Are Non-Negotiable in Fitness Coaching

Look, I know that not everybody is going to be a training fanatic like I am. Some people are gentle, some are less intense, and that doesn’t make them bad personal trainers. In fact, one could argue that being too intense or extreme can also be a downside in this profession.

The truth is you have to know your client and what works best for them. If you don’t know them well, you have to take the time to get to know them. Then, based on what you learn, you adjust your workouts accordingly.

I believe some trainers are truly committed, but others might not be as dedicated. A few days ago, while on a guest pass at an unnamed gym, I observed a personal trainer with a client. The client did a set that I’d say was very light work. Meanwhile, the trainer was looking at his phone and casually chatting with someone who passed by. After the set, the client sat down on a windowsill and appeared very relaxed during the break between sets.

Honestly, seeing that was frustrating. It doesn’t represent what personal training should be, and it’s not the example this profession should set for anyone watching.

Some trainers do a great job, but some clearly fall short. It concerns me that people entrust their fitness journeys to trainers who may not be fully invested. If the client continues with that trainer, and the gym isn’t actively monitoring the quality of training, then I’ll just keep focusing on doing my own thing and minding my own business.

Here’s my promise to you: as long as I am an instructor, you will always, and I mean always, put in the effort. If the day comes when I don’t love this anymore, if I no longer honor this promise, or if I stop wanting to work hard, that will be the day I stop teaching.

I’m not just talking for the sake of it. I’ve actually dropped three classes already because the energy wasn’t right. I wasn’t enjoying it, I dreaded going to that location on those days, and even though I was getting paid, it just wasn’t worth it. So I quit those groups and gave up the classes. When it comes to this topic, I don’t mess around.