For the most part, I like to think of myself as a fairly decent, respectful and courteous person. Now I know that many of my clients will disagree with regards to the courteous part (especially the ones that come to my leg day classes) however as I always say – If you have a suggestion, then just simply write it on a piece of paper and drop it into my suggestion box (aka the garbage bin).
Regardless of how hard I might push my clients through their workouts or how much I might lecture them about their diets, I do it because I care and because I want them to achieve results. They are after all hiring me for a premium service and therefore I would only be devaluing this service if I offered them anything less then 100% of my time, effort and energy into helping them succeed. Therefore anyone who has ever worked with me will tell you, that regardless whether you’re working with me on the floor or online, I expect you to give 100% to both your diet and your training, as I will be giving 100% of myself to you.
Client Spot Light
To be perfectly honest one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping someone achieve their target health and fitness goal(s). As a coach/trainer, there is no greater sense of accomplishment then watching someone who once struggled with their weight or lacked self confidence due to an injury or physical limitation, overcome these obstacles and break down the mental barriers that were once impeding their desire for a better quality of life. Whether I’m helping a woman go down 3 dress sizes for her wedding, or a dad lose his “Dad Bod” before he hits 50, or a fitness competitor preparing for a national level competition, there is no goal that is greater then the next. All of my clients’ goals are important to them and therefore all of their goals are equally as important to me.
If Your a User, Then Your a Loser
You know what I can’t stand? Trainers and Coaches that use their clients for their own personal gains and success. What do I mean by this? Quite frankly I take issue with trainers that record their clients training in the gym and then posting these videos on their social media platforms so that they can gain more followers and generate more leads for their business. I mean think about it. The client is paying said trainer good money for their guidance and expertise. How would you feel paying for a service only to be used as a marketing gimmick while participating in this service? Now just imagine if you’re someone who is already self conscious of your body and one of the main reasons that you’re working with a trainer is because you don’t feel comfortable being watched in a gym where you’re not quite certain as to what you’re doing. Can you imagine how a person like this would feel with an Iphone shoved in their face while they’re trying to learn how to squat properly or perform a complex exercise with good form? And talking about form, how the hell is a trainer suppose to watch and correct form when he or she is busy uploading their clients video onto Instagram live?!?!?!?!
Honestly the entire thing pisses me off and as a consumer myself, if I had a trainer do this to me during a service that I WAS PAYING FOR, that would be the last time I would pay that trainer for that service!
The Analog Man Still Living in The Digital World
It’s no secret that I suck at Social Media. In fact, I don’t really even like Social Media! I still can’t believe that there are people in the world who want to be Social Media Influencers and desire to actually make a career at doing it. Sure there are some people who are quite successful at being online influencers, however unless you are an overnight billionaire or a Kardashian or The Rock, no one really gives a damn as to what brand of clothing you’re wearing or what supplement you’re endorsing!
Now despite my utter hatred for Selfies, Sunday Fun days, and “Doing it for the Gram”, I unfortunately find myself out there with the best of them hashtagging, tweeting and blogging away. Hence my own self loathing at times. However if there is one thing that Social Media has taught me, it’s that if you own and operate a small business in 2018, then you need to have a presence online and more importantly, on social media. Therefore I try my best to use these platforms as a resource for our current clients and new clients alike, by posting workout videos, training tips, nutritional recipes and…ugh….yes, even the occasional selfie, so that we can remain relevant within the fitness industry.
Final Thoughts
As I sit hear ranting and raving about Instagram Trainers, Wannabe Celebrities and Idiotic Idiosyncrasies, it has occurred to me that I’ve fallen off topic this week. And truth be told, after being up since 3:30am this morning, knocking out 12 sessions/classes in a row, and coming home to 63 new emails, I have come to the conclusion that I never really had a topic to begin with for this week. However what may come across as incoherent dribble to most, has been a very therapeutic mental release for me. I’ve been writing my weekly blogs for almost a decade now and have always looked forward to releasing my wrath of words on fad diets, bro science, fitness trends, CrossFit and more. I enjoy providing useful and helpful (or at least what I believe to be useful and helpful) information with regards to diet, exercise and nutrition for current clients, potential clients and just everyday people who want to improve their own quality of life through health and fitness. For the most part, I plan and choose my topics wisely, other times (like this week) I just make it up as I go.
Whether you’re an avid reader of my weekly blogs, throw me the occasional like or DM on Instagram and Facebook, or despise my work and regard me as some arrogant muscle meathead who’s brain is no bigger then your bicep, I want to Thank You. Your support, feedback, and even hatred at times, encourages me to work harder on my business, train harder in the gym, and bust my ass day in and day out to be the absolute best Person/Trainer/Business Owner, that I can possibly be.
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance