As most of you know, I’m fairly transparent when it comes to the events that occur within my own life. Whether it be disclosing the daily stresses of potentially losing our business at the beginning stages of COVID-19, or documenting my Grand Mal Seizure and all the tests and procedures that took place afterwards, or admitting my addiction to pain killers in one of my most recent blogs, I’ve always tried to remain openly honest and real with my clients and online followers.
Round 1
This past weekend, another Trainer and I had a disagreement that turned into a heated argument, that eventually escalated into a fight. No punches were thrown, but harsh words were said. My teaching methods were critiqued, my coaching skills were questioned, and the way in which I run my business was attacked with anger and exasperation.
Now I will admit, that I played a large role in this fight. I’m ashamed of my behaviour as rather then try to diffuse the situation, I took the low road and poured gas onto a fire that could have easily been put out before it had a chance to ignite. But unfortunately I let my emotions get the best of me, and went on the defence while verbally attacking my opponent back. A highly immature decision on my part in which I regret profusely.
During our disagreement/argument/fight my adversary lashed out at me by claiming that I don’t coach people. Now given the fact that I currently have a roster of over 200 clients (both In-Person and Online), close to 500 testimonials, and a track record for helping people transform their physiques, improve their health, and better their fitness, I asked this Trainer to elaborate on her comment as coaching people is exactly what I’m trained to do and have been doing for the past two decades.
And so she did……
Round 2
Look, I’ve said it time and time again. I am NOT a conventional Trainer/Coach. When a client comes in for a session with me, I don’t plop them on a Treadmill for 10 minutes to “warm them up” like the PT Manuel tells us to do. Nor do I stretch them for 15 minutes after their session in order to “cool them down” like every Teacher I ever had instructed me to do. I don’t believe that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I think Post-Workout Shakes are a joke. I question the science behind diets such as IIFYM, Keto and Intermittent Fasting, as I believe they are just fads. I hate Crossfit. I can’t stand Zumba. And Orange Theory makes me nauseous.
And because I tend to go against the grid when it comes to my profession, I’m labeled by some of my competition as unorthodox and/or unprofessional. And quite frankly my competition is probably right. I don’t do things by the Personal Training Textbook, because 90% of the bullshit that they teach in the Personal Training Textbook DOES NOT APPLY to real life situations and circumstances.
This Trainer did not appreciate how I warm my clients up by getting them to lift lighter weights and gradually pyramid their weights up with each ascending set.
This Trainer did not understand as to why I encourage my clients to train with high volume, moderate weights, and with the utmost amount of intensity for the ENITRE workout.
And This Trainer did not like my views and opinions on FAD Diets, Ridiculous Training Methods and Generic Workout Programs designed for the masses.
And quite honestly, rather then become defensive, I should have just accepted and ignored this Trainer’s criticism of my teaching methods and training techniques. I know that I’m a good Trainer and a highly reputable Coach. And I understand that this statement alone makes me sound arrogant. However I’m really not cocky. I’m just incredibly confident in the services that I provide to my clients. I know that I can help people lose fat, build muscle, and improve their overall quality of life, because I’ve been doing it for the past 20 years.
Round 3
As I become older I continue to find myself letting go of the things in which I cannot control. In my younger years, it would really bother me to know that someone didn’t like me. Now, thanks to Social Media and some of the nasty DMs I receive on a regular basis, I could honestly give two shits.
During my first few years in business, I would take it personally when a client would leave our company. These days, if a client decides to leave, I always make sure to wish them the best of luck, and let them know that we are always available to help them with their health and fitness in the future, should they decide to work with us again. I never like to end relationships with clients on a sour note or burn bridges with people I no longer speak to or see on a daily basis. Life truly is too short to hold grudges, and being angry and upset, takes a lot of time, effort and energy away from the things in which I enjoy doing within my own life. And one of those things is helping people transform their physiques and better their health, through regular exercise and dietary nutrition.
The Final Score
So who ended up wining the fight? Myself or the other Trainer?
After a great deal of thought, I’m going to give the nod to the other Trainer.
After all she’s right. I don’t coach people.
I do however help people create a positive change within their own lives. I try my absolute best to provide all of my clients with the ultimate training experience. I always make sure to give my undivided attention to each and every person that works with me. I take time to learn my clients’ bodies. I work around their injuries and work with their physical limitations. I customized their workouts and tailor their nutritional plans towards their individual goals, genetics and lifestyle. I don’t lecture them when they cheat on their diets, nor do I get angry with them when they miss a workout. I treat every single client the way in which I would expect to be treated – with respect.
I may not be the best Trainer. And apparently, I’ll never be a good coach. However I can and always will have my clients’ best interest at heart. And I can promise if and when my passion and enthusiasm for helping people improve their quality of life should ever change, then I will retire from this Iron Game once and for all.
“Success tended to make the unorthodox acceptable.”
John Flanagan
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance