Trainers are talked about more and more in Estonian gyms. It seems like every second person has “personal trainer” or “nutrition advisor” written in their Instagram bio. So what is really going on? I’m writing honestly about what I’ve seen in gyms over the years, from both the trainers’ side and the trainees’ side.
Thoughts on the trainers you meet in the gym
The first type is the young enthusiast. They have a big following, a body in better-than-average shape and a couple of years of training experience. They walk around the gym with an important look on their face and give personal training sessions. Don’t get me wrong. I can picture exactly what’s going through their head, because I’ve been in the same spot myself. Back then I thought I knew everything. The truth is that I still don’t, and learning lasts a lifetime.
The second type is the theorist. You can have dozens of licenses and certificates, but if you are literally fat or clearly out of shape, I can’t take you seriously as a trainer. An older man who is no longer in his former glory is of course an exception. But a young, healthy person with fat spilling over the waistband? A trainer should set an example.
Third, the inexperienced athletes. One competition behind them and already the titles IFBB COMPETITOR, PERSONAL TRAINER, NUTRITIONIST are shining on Facebook. Often that stage appearance wasn’t even in any kind of shape: fifth place among six men at the Estonian Cup. And then they ask for money for plans, personal training sessions and everything else. Frankly, it’s embarrassing.
It’s even worse when someone has never competed but runs some lifestyle blog. A few kilos lost and suddenly they’re an expert. And to really send things off the rails, they charge 15 euros for a nutrition plan and wreck the market. How can anyone put real motivation into anything for 15 euros?
Credentials and real skill: two different things
Licenses and trainer certificates matter. But let’s be honest: there are probably more bunglers and blockheads with certificates than there are experienced, smart practitioners without them. I personally know several people with no certificates at all whose knowledge I hold in very high regard. And I also know people whose certificates are impeccable but whose actual knowledge is, to put it mildly, lacking. Neither example is hard to find.
There is one more type: the seasoned trainer whose own athletic results are impressive and who has plenty of clients. They are a good communicator and make a trustworthy impression right away. But they are so stuck inside their own framework that they ruin some clients’ health, and along with it the desire to train, for life. The reason is simple: it doesn’t fit in their head that people are different. What works for them doesn’t necessarily work for someone else.
Practical tips: how to pick the right trainer
When you’re looking for a trainer, look at several things at once. How long is their own training history? Not whether they hold a certificate, but how many real years they’ve spent under the bar. Before building a plan, do they ask about your injuries, work schedule and sleep, or do they put something standard on paper right away? Do they admit when something isn’t their strength? A good trainer isn’t afraid to say “I don’t know” or “you need to take that question to a doctor.”
So that this whole piece doesn’t come across as hypocritical, let me say a little about myself. I’m a trainer too, in a small way. “In a small way” means I don’t advertise it anywhere. As a rule, I don’t give personal training sessions or make training and nutrition plans. I gladly help with competitor preparation, always without charging. I’ve never asked an athlete for money. It’s simply interesting and motivating.
I have no formal qualifications whatsoever. I’m a practitioner. I’ve tried all kinds of approaches on myself, in both training and nutrition. Nutrition is a subject where I feel like a fish in water. If anyone doesn’t believe I have something to say, ask some of the people I’ve coached. I’m quite thorough.
FAQ about trainers
Does a trainer absolutely have to have a certificate?
A certificate is a good sign, but not a guarantee. Look just as much at the trainer’s own experience, their attitude and whether they ask you enough questions before putting a plan together.
What is a red flag when choosing a trainer?
One and the same plan for all clients. An offer like “nutrition plan for 15 €”. A big following with no substantive experience. And a trainer who doesn’t care about their own appearance even though they are young and healthy.
Why is it important to talk openly about trainers?
Because the market has been wrecked. If trainees don’t know how to ask the right questions, they often end up with a poor plan or an injury. Plain talk helps both clients and those trainers who take their work seriously.
In closing: this piece isn’t meant to offend anyone. The aim is to bring people down to earth a little and make them think, both trainers and those looking for one.
Author: Peep Reinart
Come and work out! ArtGym
