Myth: PTs never eat cake!
Truth: I have a sweet tooth and I find it very hard to resist sugar! So while I eat healthy meals most of the time, I do succumb to the odd bit of chocolate and cake. With Joelle’s on the doorstep, it’s hard not to…!
Myth: PTs work out all the time!
Truth: I wish! In reality, what with work and family life, I can only get to the gym twice a week (6am on Mondays and Wednesdays: a bit unforgiving but it’s a routine that works for me). My job is pretty physical though, regularly lugging kit and leading sessions, so I’m on my feet a lot of the time and I keep active every day.
Myth: PTs are intimidating and shouty!
Truth: That’s just not my style. In fact, one of my team described my sessions as ‘Bootcamp without the shouting’ and another warned newcomers not to be deceived by my smile!
Yes, I will encourage you to give everything you have in each session and, yes, the sessions involve a lot of hard work. But I lead with a smile and aim to keep the positivity going.
I don’t believe you need to be shouted at to meet your goals. I certainly don’t dish out exercises as punishments! No burpee penalties at #ChisFit!
Myth: PTs are good at every form of exercise!
Truth: I can run fast, I can row well and I can lift weights but I just cannot skip! I’ve got the rhythm and I’ve got the coordination but, with skipping, I just can’t make it click! That doesn’t mean I don’t programme it for the ChisFit team though!
Myth: PTs are only interested in fitness!
Wratislavia Cantans 2014
Truth: I’ve actually got a music degree from Oxford University and I sing professionally too. Just don’t ask me to give you a tune up at the Rec! I also love photography, box-sets, travelling, nice wine and good American Pale Ales!
Myth: PTs love the way they look!
Truth: Like others, I have good and bad days when it comes to how I feel. If I’ve been working out regularly and been healthy I might feel ok. But if I know I’ve not been to the gym enough or not eaten well enough I can feel low and disheartened.
While I know this is commonplace, for many of us it’s more to do with what’s going on in our heads than the physical truth.
The advice I give is for us not to be too hard on ourselves but honest and realistic. Assess where you are and where you want to be, knowing that you’ll have good days and bad days (but trying to have more good than bad). Oh, and you never regret a workout!
Myth: PTs know everything there is to know about health and fitness!
Truth: not in the slightest. But I love learning and strive to increase my knowledge. I’m not good at being bored (and I can’t stand boring workouts) so I read and research not only to help my team get fitter but to keep the sessions as varied as possible.
Having completed my Level 3 PT course with Train Fitness, I have recently qualified as a Boxercise Instructor and a TRX coach…with more qualifications to come!
Myth: Outdoor Fitness coaches don’t have any expenses!
Truth: I pay annual rent to IDverde for the use of Walden Rec and I pay for public liability insurance. I continue to invest in my training and development…and I have a bit of a kit-shopping habit (my storage units are bursting at the seams!).
There you go: some myths debunked! Don’t fall for all those personal trainer stereotypes!
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