Quote:
Originally Posted by Leigh P.
While I get where you are coming from with people and their lack of knowledge, you have to remember that everyone starts somewhere. This is not information you gain through osmosis.
I know as a younger athlete I had no idea that what I was doing was wrong. I was taught by an authority figure, a person of assumed higher knowledge, that the information I was receiving was correct. I would then help other teammates and friends in general and share that same information. Until I started educating myself, I thought drop sets were the only way to lift weights. That was how, as a 13 year old player, I was taught to lift weights.
You have to remove yourself from the "all knowing" position and take yourself back to the "learning" position. I am in it right now, aren't you? We never stop learning, there is always a better way. To me it isn't about the knowledge, it is about the NOBILITY. It is about intent. The only time I have a problem is when the intent is bad. When honesty is neglected in the face of advancing for personal gain. Is there something to be said for those who don't try to educate themselves, sure, but not everyone are born skeptics. Some get their certs, go to their seminars, do what it is they think they should be doing, and are never the wiser that a world outside of that, a world of better knowledge exist.
Don't blame the young kids, blame their teachers. Then, instead of raging war, raise the bar and educate. It is all we can do. Instead of writing a message board post ranting and preaching to the choir, instead, send letters to boards and certs about recent studies that go against their doctrine. Provide articles on the new information that is out on training that goes against common taught beliefs. Don't "damn" the man, try to teach them. If that doesn't work, try again. It is all we can do, inspire, teach, lead, and start over again each day. We will fail, we will triumph. We will have small victories and tragic falls. In the end, I know I will be remembered for someone that tried, even if by a few people that post in my tiny section of a message board forum. I tried. With the best knowledge I had at the time.
Awaken the good fight and put to sleep the angry rage.
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Leigh,
That was enlightening post. It is not an angry rage, it is the "train wreck" that we have to witness in slow motion everyday in this field that bothers me.
Personal training is a leveled profession--meaning once you are "certified" you are deemed a trainer. There is no schooling, interning, residency, or bar exams to conquer...therefor, it is frustrating when you see "trainers" ---all qualified through means of passing an exam--and they're still having problems distinguishing 'eccentric' from 'concentric'.
I understand we all start from scratch. I have been there beginining in 1997. I have built the last 5 years of my business helping young trainers. My products, books, etc are targeted to young trainers...I have hired countless young trainers and have trained them on professionalism, instruction, and ethics. That should not be questioned--especially through an Internet forum.
But if you really are passionate about this field and what it is that you do, one time or another, like a neighborhood that depreciates because of the next door scum that moves in--
it will pull down the entire profession in the eyes of the outside world. That is what I am getting at.
Leigh, Do you think I care what OTHER professionals think? Do you think after 10+ years in the business and 5 as an athlete (high school and collegiate) do you think I care what other professionals think of my rants? You know me better than that kiddo. The concerns and rants are for people
like you, JP, and other good trainers...because in the eyes of others "we" get lumped in with those "crappy neighbors" because we all live
on the same street. This is not about marketing or making extra dollars, Leigh, it is about upholding integrity in this field so that it can be viewed with respect by others.
I know in the eyes of other fitness professionals the good trainers will prevail and the bad will fall--but it is this turnover that actually hurts the profession. Its not about my peers...its bout polishing this profession so it will sustain in the years to come.