[Leigh P.]

I understand what you are saying about the field, but to me that is a different conversation. What I highlighted about your post was a rant on inexperience in young/new trainers.

It bothers me that many young trainers I see look to simply "copy" new exercises; and not fully understand the concepts behind them.

Again, it is a difference of time. Sometimes it takes a while for stuff like that to click. Even when you read it, study it, and live it, it can still be a tricky subject. This ISN'T a simple subject.

It bothers me that many of the trainers I see look like they have never stepped foot into a gym.

You know that looks are not a telling of knowledge and can be the reverse.

It bothers me that many trainers like the "coolness" of being a trainer; but don't look at it as a career--just a pit-stop in life.

Again, youth. Again, is the intent bad? I am not inclined to think so and I am not someone who is naive.

It bothers me that some people still don't know the difference between a concentric and eccentric contraction. I mean, that's biomechaincs 101!

To you it may be, but hell I think for 3 month straight I confused dorsi and planterflexion in the beginning. Again, is it apathy or lack of understanding entirely.

It bothers me that some trainers attend these workshops and simply absorb the info....they don't process it. (Trust me, there is a difference.)

I agree, but do they get how serious it is? Same can be said for countless of fields that have CE's. Some just run through the motions not understanding, worrying about their kids, their mother in law coming to town, the fact that gas costs just went up. Work isn't an obsession for some people. For some it is just a means of buying pizza for their family on fridays. Again, I look at intent. Is their intent apathy, or is it that a bench press pales in comparison to life's current woes.

It bothers me that at the age of 34, I can out-perform a 24 year old trainer at medicine ball throw-down drills.

That is just training and someone out there that is 41 could say the same about you with a bench press. Performance does not equal knowledge.

It bothers me that most of these new trainers simply want new ideas to bring back to their clients on Monday, and don't want to simply learn.

They are enthused to try new ideas with their clients, they went to the seminar (there are easier ways to get CEU's, you can get them all online if desire), and they train people. Again, not everyone gets it, but this doesn't exactly sound like a tragedy case.

It bothers me that most of these trainers are concerned with just getting their CEUs.

Some don't get any at all.

It bothers me that most trainers don't know the difference between "coaxing their clients" and "coaching their clients".

That is a psychological issue and one of mostly time and doing it over and over again. It is hard when you are working with people. This is not an inanimate object, this is not a tech job. This is a moving breathing human being. Which, yes, all the more reason in my mind to take it seriously but I assure you that most just don't know any better.

I get your frustrations with the industry and marketing as a whole and that we can discuss and there is a LOT I agree with you on. I am not attacking you on that, I am just providing a point of view that is saying "look at the intent" of the situation. I just don't see it in the same light of "apathy." I see more ignorance of understanding, not bad intent. Again, this is why I say, just do the best you can to teach and get out there. Lead and inspire.