Who do you trust?

[swoleramon]

When it comes to online trainers, what criteria do you use when deciding to trust them or not? Does a great physique mean instant trust? What if a trainer has no pictures of himself? I mean we've all seen plenty of forums with members who post advice and have no pictures. Also do you trust someone if they have tunnel vision are aren't aware of some of the major trainers in the industry like Rippetoe?

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by swoleramon

When it comes to online trainers, what criteria do you use when deciding to trust them or not?

Criteria: If they're 'online trainers', I don't trust them.

Originally Posted by swoleramon

Does a great physique mean instant trust?

No.

Originally Posted by swoleramon

What if a trainer has no pictures of himself? I mean we've all seen plenty of forums with members who post advice and have no pictures.

I used to be a member of a forum run by a person like that. Please see my answer to point #1.

Originally Posted by swoleramon

Also do you trust someone if they have tunnel vision and aren't aware of some of the major trainers in the industry like Rippetoe?

No.

[BendtheBar]

If someone doesn't know the major voices in the industry it does cause me to pause and look closer at what they are teaching.

It surely is possible to "have tunnel vision" and be a good teacher. But more often than not, because of the Internet, that type of person is becoming a rare bird.

As far as photos (or videos)...I want to see one. I have to know that the trainer not only knows the information, but how to apply it. They do not need 17 inch arms or a 500 pound deadlift, but there has to be some hint that they know what they are doing.

Information is one thing, application in the real world is another. But in reality, most people we are talking about here aren't trainers...they are "Internet mouths" who are well read, and have a lot of free time.

Here on this forum, if you don't have at least one picture of video, you are not allowed to shower the forum with advice. As a sign of respect, we try to encourage an open forum.

This does not mean you have to be buff to post. Not at all. We merely believe in transparency.

[MC]

Hmmm...I listen to people who understand and have accomplished things.

If someone were an actual trainer and happened to offer online training as a part of a business, I would listen.

If someone had years of experience and a proved track record, I would listen.

If someone I knew had been trained by the person in person and suggested him/her, I would listen.

These instances, however, are rare.

[sneezingstardust]

A great physique means nothing. It means they have found what works for THEM, but that doesn't not mean that they will be a good trainer for YOU.

I trust a trainer if he is well backed up with clients and credentials. I would not hire a trainer who did not have both of these. (learned from bad experience)

As far as taking internet advice, I take everything with a grain of salt, but also consider most peoples' advice, unless it's full-blown ludicrous. You can't be so bias to think there is only one way to do things. We THINK we know a lot about the human body when it comes to training and nutrition, but no one knows everything.

I think the important thing is just having an open mind, and being willing to accept advice from other people and experiment with different methods.

Another note on the physique thing...I've seen AMAZING nutritionists and trainers with rather average-looking physiques. Can't tell a book by its cover.

[dmaipa]

I agree with what has been said here..Being a personal trainer myself I make sure i keep a good portfolio of all of my members, before and after pictures and their workout programs..also make sure i keep up with my credentials..there are alot of things out there that are very misleading and there are people who are just good at the whole marketing themselves.....and yea. Just make sure you ask a trainer the right questions to see if they are a best fit for you

[BendtheBar]

My main interest in photos is to weed out e-stat lifters who know everything but rarely workout.

I really don't care IF someone doesn't look buff or whatever, I just want transparency on some level. For me it's a trust issue.

[bamazav]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

my before picture.^^^


My After picture

[BendtheBar]

My before and after:

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

My before and after:

And the same sale is still going on in the same store...wow, that must be a record LOL.