Although I no longer work out of a gym and my hours spent training are way less than they used to be, there are some things that are always true of being a personal trainer.
Are you concerned you may be a personal trainer? Consult this checklist to see if you’re at risk.
1. Your wardrobe consists of at least 80% workout gear. And it just keeps multiplying.
2. You think in terms of joint movements and muscles.
3. You don’t think setting an alarm for before 6am is a big deal. And 6 or 7am is a sleep in.
4. You find yourself counting reps…of anything…not just in the gym.
5. You shudder at the thought of what the world would be like if there was no coffee. You also know which coffee shops are open early and adjust your commute accordingly.
6. Your ‘commute’ is often walking, running, or biking.
7. You notice people’s posture and mentally prescribe exercises that would help them.
8. You feel confused and sad when someone tells you they don’t work out…ever.
9. You have PubMed on your bookmarks bar.
10. You’re not phased if your clients swear under their breath, or give you the occasional dirty look.
11. You’re nearly always asked workout advice when people find out what you do for a living.
12. You feel dressed up in jeans.
13. You don’t think it’s weird to see one of your co-workers eating coconut butter from a jar, or unpacking 10 Tupperware containers for their daily meals.
14. You think when someone asks you how your workout was, they want a breakdown of all your exercises as well as your weights/RPE/calorie expenditure/heart rate/splits/pace.
15. You think everyone knows the meaning of acronyms like RPE, RMR, PR, CEC, BPM, HIIT, BMI, RHR, Vo2Max, HRM, and RM.
16. You’re excited about all the extra workout time you have when you go on vacation.
17. You sneak water and healthy snacks in to the movies.
18. You have different pairs of sneakers for different activities.
19. You have ‘fancy’ yoga pants. And you feel dressed up when you wear them.
20. You eat way more food than anyone would imagine.
21. You can’t help noticing other people’s form when they workout and have to restrain yourself from giving advice.
22. Your tax deductions include spandex and lycra.
23. Your clients make you their therapist as well as trainer.
24. You’re genuinely interested in people’s eating habits.
25. You have lively debates about the merits of stretching, or whether supplements are necessary.
26. You feel offended if someone says you look skinny.
27. You bought more workout gear online while you were reading this post.
Got more to add to the list? Leave them in the comments! 🙂
Hi Carly,
I think you got everything! I’m a group fitness instructor, but the list still applies perfectly. I would add, your hair is always in a ponytail or you at least have an elastic nearby 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
Susan Fishback recently posted…Finding a little sunshine this winter
Yes! Or hair elastic as bracelet! 😉
Hahahaha I love number 10 + 19. I’m not a trainer… yet. Still contemplating if I want a certification. 🙂
Kimberly (Manifest Yourself) recently posted…#Sexytime with True&Co
hee hee – everyone feels good in fancy yoga pants!
HaHa – this was fun!! I saw myself in many of those for sure!!
Kim recently posted…My Top Tip for Productivity
Glad you liked it – it was fun to write, too!! I just described myself, so it was easy! 😉
This is great, and you nailed it! I agree with Susan (above) about adding, “your hair is always in a ponytail.” At least mine is when I’m working!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Being Realistic When Setting Goals
Yes, definitely! Sometimes I feel overdressed if my hair is down now!
Wait, I identify with all of this. Does that mean I’m a trainer? 🙂
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Click. Snap.
Ha ha ha! You may be at risk, Christine!
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