“Am I Doing This Right?”
As a trainer, I hear this question a million times from long term clients, friends and family, and pretty much anyone who finds out my background. Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing this question! After all, I wouldn’t be much of a trainer if I didn’t enjoy answering these types of questions. But the prevalence of the question indicates a common line of thought that permeates the fitness industry: that there is a correct way and an incorrect way.
This is, by and large, false.
Whether we’re talking an exercise, program design/selection, diet, supplements, etc. there is rarely an incorrect way of doing something. While most people will agree on certain things (like how to squat/deadlift) there are plenty of variations to it and valid reasoning to do them differently (like how to squat/deadlift). Instead of asking “Which way is the right way?” ask “Which way is better?” or “Which way is best for me and my goals?”
The second question is much more useful for trainers and trainees to ask. “Which one is better suited for this situation.” The best program should be based on ADHERENCE first and foremost and the exercise selection should be based on GOALS and ABILITY (and a myriad of other things, too). You can see already, how this will be situational and may very well change from person to person and day to day.
So when I’m faced with a client doing an exercise or a friend asking about a diet, I first ask them the reasoning for choosing that option. Chances are, even if they’re not confident it’s correct, they’re at least confident it’s not wrong (no one would intentionally do something incorrect; people want confirmation that they’re doing it right). So I ask them why they choose this over something else. For example: low carb vs. high carb. It doesn’t matter which one you approached me with, I’ll force you answer why one is better suited for you. If you truly believe that option is the right one, based on your knowledge and experience, then you have a question worth asking. As your trainer, with my knowledge and experience, I will either agree or disagree that this option will lead us to success.
This the basis for individualized training and nutrition. And these conversations are the difference between a good trainer and a lacking one.
