Stay Away From Training Gimmicks

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By Sal | September 28, 2011

The fitness industry seems more prone to gimmicks and gadgets than any other. Perhaps this is because people are looking for shortcuts and want to take an easy way out, don't want to have to make an effort. It is our job to get our clients to avoid this way of thinking and to show them that there are no secrets, short cuts or dodges.

"Gimmicktry" isn't limited to pieces of equipment, as there are a slew of self-appointed, self-proclaimed gurus out there who want to sell their philosophies and "secrets." And our clients aren't the only targets of this garbage; fitness professionals and coaches are also in the cross hairs of health hucksters, as well.

Don't get taken in by the very thing you are trying to protect your clients from. Don't fall prey to the ideas and cranks that are being sold by fitness gurus. I don't begrudge anyone who is trying to make a buck, I just don't want to be one of the suckers who jumps on the next hot thing. Perhaps because I've been around so long, and have seen the passing fitness fancies, I purposely avoid and ignore these hot things. If "it" (whatever "it" may be this month) didn't catch on 20 years ago, why would "it" be any better today?

We have to be on our toes, as there are some pretty big names in the field - people who command a lot of respect - trying to sell crap to fitness professionals. Expensive equipment, programs, DVDs and the like. There are some big names trying to "sell" you their philosophies. No money is changing hands, but there are a lot of methods floating around out there that have gained traction amongst the training and coaching set. You get what you pay for, and you know what floats.

Buying in to this stuff will waste your time and money, your clients' time and money, and could hurt your reputation.

The best prevention is to stay current with the professional journals and research. Consult with your colleagues and mentors and discuss any new programs or philosophies that you encounter. Question everything and try the things you find interesting. You might not like something physically that you liked intellectually and visa versa. Trying new things yourself is the best way to filter the wheat from the chaff.

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