Should I be worried?

[gallahadesquire]

I have a somewhat symbiotic relationship with my personal trainer. I suppose being ... close to someone thrice weekly is bound to do that.

 

At this point, to get y'all up to snuff: I've had both hips replaced: One from an infectious disaster, and the other from good ole osteoarthritis. I have to have one (1) knee done.

 

I see Physical therapy twice weekly and the above named personal trainer.

 

My question is: I have never discussed my own goals with the trainer. I think they are to be stronger / less likely to injure myself; have more muscle for better metabolism; better health in general.

 

I think HIS goal is to get me into Senior Bodybuilding Competitions.

 

I am hesitant to ask. Suggestions?

[+ azdr0710]

"Hey buddy, with this hip and knee stuff, I'm very concerned about avoiding injury and just staying healthy. What can you do to help me with that? Ha, you know I'm not trying out for the Senior Olympics!!"

 

(very, very surprised you/he haven't/hasn't discussed goals!!!!)

[bigvalboy]

I think it should be about what you want...and I agree with azdr, it should be one of the first questions asked. Entering a senior body building contest is admirable, but is that your goal or his.

[+ SundayZip]

Discuss goals with your physical trainer... Now. You don't need to mince words or come up with an excuse. Setting goals should be the first thing you do with a personal trainer, just as you would with financial advisor or physical therapist. If your personal trainer is surprised by a request to set goals or is resistant to it, you've got the wrong personal trainer.

 

By the way, I understand the symbiotic relationship thing. I once saw a physical therapist for a few months for a shoulder problem. He was handsome and gentle and had an amazing body and his job required him to touch me all the time. I sometimes used him to fuel a JO fantasy which was not part of our stated goals.

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I first used a personal trainer about ten years ago. With him I told him my one goal was to get my lower back strong enough that I didn't wake with back pain. We achieved that goal.

 

I've seen my current personal trainer for about seven years. We've had inconsistent discussions about goals. When I started, I had already lost about 35 pounds with a physician guided diet plan and wanted to add more exercise than long walks through the neighborhood. After about six months, I changed the goal to participate in a half-marathon. At different times, we've focused on different things (such as I'm going to see Escort X in three weeks and I want to loose a few pounds before seeing him) but at times we are without one.

 

I'm now about just feeling good. When I don't have a specific goal, my trainer will put one out there for me, even if it is to maintain my current level of fitness.

 

So set your goals with your trainer.

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I once saw a physical therapist for a few months for a shoulder problem. He was handsome and gentle and had an amazing body and his job required him to touch me all the time. I sometimes used him to fuel a JO fantasy which was not part of our stated goals.

 

I thought it was an unstated goal of every male personal trainer to be part of someone's fantasy life.

[+ poolboy48220]

when I was seeing a trainer in the early 2000's, I was up front with him that my goal was to look better naked.

 

Then he loaned me the DVD of Shrek and I wondered if I was being shallow.

[gallahadesquire]

I thought it was an unstated goal of every male personal trainer to be part of someone's fantasy life.

 

He's already done that. I was told years ago that my favorite fantasy was Tall, Blond, and a Little Chunky Around the Middle. This trainer isn't that tall. And he does touch.

[geminibear]

Poor Skipper

 

http://i.imgur.com/6qIqPLL.jpg

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUyu5prWjTE

[rvwnsd]

"Hey buddy, with this hip and knee stuff, I'm very concerned about avoiding injury and just staying healthy. What can you do to help me with that? Ha, you know I'm not trying out for the Senior Olympics!!"

 

(very, very surprised you/he haven't/hasn't discussed goals!!!!)

I like the approach azdr suggested. I'm also very surprised he did not ask you what your goals are. Every trainer I have worked out with has asked that.