Stevia fairy and how to pick a good trainer
Hey everyone! Hope your day is going well!!
I started mine off with a walk with the puppers and a lovely sludge. I had watched Megan make an awesome smoothie by throwing about 20 random ingredients (but I think she had some kind of method behind it), so I followed suit and put as many random things into the Vitamix as I felt.
This one had 1/2 cantaloupe, a saturn peach, coconut water, Vega smoothie infusion, chia seeds, stevia, vanilla extract, sea salt and 1/2 an avocado.
It could have been disastrous or delicious.. thank goodness it was the latter 😀
Bonus: I got two!
They were muy delicioso and the puppies and I had a beautiful walk around the neighborhood.
When we got back, I grabbed a pear and went to work to train a new client.
I LOVED her! When she first signed up, I was a little worried because she’s a smoker and I wasn’t sure how she would feel about me suggesting that she should quit. I did it in a tactful way, trying not to make her feel uncomfortable or cross any boundaries, and she was thrilled I brought it up. She wants me to keep checking on her and I will definitely do that.. I want her to stick around for a while, ya know?
After the training appointment, I came home and got ready for lunch with the girls.
I grabbed a little Ezekiel tortilla to munch one the way (appetizer):
And we went to Atlanta Bread Company for lunch.
I used to be a big fan of ABC but I’m not sure what happened… it was overpriced for what I got, bland and blah. Another prime example of a meal that I would have enjoyed MUCH more if I made it myself! At least I had wonderful company 😀
I got half a vegetarian sandwich with no cheese on whole grain bread:
(Roasted red pepper, mushroom, tomato and lettuce)
And a Greek salad with no feta or dressing:
After lunch, we went to take a birthday cake to the commander’s wife’s casa and then I came home to see the puppies.
The STEVIA FAIRY came to visit me and sent a boatload of goodies to try:
So much good stuff! Mayjah thanks to NuNaturals 😀 As a huge Stevia fan, I’m super stoked to try out these new products and will post reviews, benefits and uses for each of them as I give them a whirl.
After I was done oogling over the new Stevia goodies, I made a chocolate milk with a banana, hemp milk, raw cocoa powder, cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla stevia and vanilla
I’m gonna get ready to meet Jeni for weights, teaching spin and then training one more client.
I’ll see ya tonight!
xoxo,
Gina
Today’s tip: How to Pick a Good Trainer
I’ve gotten quite a few emails on what one should look for when shopping for a trainer and figured I’d put it up in a post for ya’ll.
Here are some of the factors that I think are MUY importante:
- Credentials. Ask the trainer what kind of certification they have, liability insurance and if they have a current CPR certification. If they give you a fuzzy answer, or don’t know what you’re talking about, RUN. If they’re certified, make sure to research the certification and made sure it’s legit. It’s sad to say, but there are a lot of “trainers” running around out there without proper educational background and certification.
-
If possible, watch them training their own clients. Do they correct form and breathing techniques? Or do they stand there idly and look around the gym while they’re supposed to be training? Look for a trainer who is INVOLVED in their client’s workout. If they’re not 100% focused, they’re not worth your dollas.
Check out their clients’ bodies. Sounds weird, but I think this is important, too. If they train ONLY train people that look like beefy bodybuilders and it’s not the look you’re going for, I would recommend that you keep searching. I’ve met quite a few trainers who are fixated on making their clients look like beefcakes. And for the average Jane, who just wants to tone up, this may not be the best choice.
Experience. Find out what other gyms the trainer has worked at and what their educational background is like.
Goal setting. You want a trainer who will set goals with you and create plans to help you attain said goals. If your trainer is blasé about where you want to go with your fitness program, stay away.
Organization and listening. Make sure your trainer is taking notes (also during your session to remember what weights you’re doing), records you stats (weight, height, age, body fat, etc.) and listening attentively to what you want to accomplish.
Personality. Sometimes, personalities don’t click in the trainer-client relationship. Some people want a friend to chat with, some people want silence and just want to work, and others want a drill sergeant. You’ve got to find a trainer that you mesh well with, feel motivated by, and get along with. If these three things aren’t happening, don’t be afraid to look for another trainer.
Hope these tips help!! Have you ever had a personal trainer?? Any other tips to add in there?
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I've always wanted a trainer, but don't belong to a gym. My hub & I had a trainer last year that was willing to come to my office gym and he was great….but made a career change and quit! Know I don't know where to start trying to find another. Eek!
I can't wait to read your reviews of the stevia.
I'll bet you are an awesome trainer!
Hey hey! That chocolate milk looks jammin. Great selection from ABC! We have one near our house and the food they make never looks quite that good! Have a nice night chicky!
The stevia fairy visited me but in the form of soda, Zevia, the stevia sweetened soda. Can't wait to hear your review.
Hooray for your client taking your advice positively. Good work!
So much stevia!! I'm so jealous! Can't wait to read your reviews.
Hey! I've never worked with a trainer, but would probably benefit from learning new exercises and strength training. I always see the beefy male trainers walking around (I go to Crunch in Atlanta) & would be more inclined to look into it if I saw a normal female trainer like you. For now, I just stick to group classes and hot yoga!
Glad you had a great new client today, sounds like a nice gal 🙂
Whenever I eat sandwiches out, I always think how much BETTER they would be if I had made them at home. It's a small price to pay to be able to eat out with friends on occasion though.
Just wanted to say thanks again for keeping me inspired! The workday is winding down and I was just thinking I'd really like to skip the workout today, but I stopped by and darn it (in a good way!) you're making me get my butt out there. Thanks!
ooh the stevia fariy visited, indeed!! Great trainer tips – thanks girl!
I love stevia! I use for everything!
http://www.alovefornewrecipes.blogspot.com
Holy yum, that chocolate shake looks incredible! Thanks from your tips on picking a trainer:)
I guess I would specifically add, make sure the trainer is willing to adapt to your needs and wants… and that you are with someone who you can afford to see for a long time 😉
Gina, it's so fabulous of you to be concerned about your clients! I love how you gently told the lady to stop smoking, such a sweetie 🙂
I've been eating lots of home food, and when I go out to restaurants I can definitely feel that my taste buds changed! It's all too salty or bland for me now (not enough veggies, or yummy spices).
You're such a good trainer :o) I bet you are going to help that woman so, so much!
Love the Vita-Mix "sludge" – ha! And the stevia samples are very intriguing. I just recently bought truvia and then realized it wasn't pure stevia. I'm excited to hear your review!
Thanks for the trainer tips, Miss Fitnessista! Hey, can't remember if I asked you this or not – but did you ever receive a postcard from moi?
Glad you and your new client are getting along well – that's great, a coach/trainer can make or break someones experience and mentality towards working out!
Woohoo for the stevia fairy!! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Awesome care package! You lucky girl you!
Glad your smoothie turned out well.
i used to have a really good trainer but couldn't afford him anymore 🙁
Thank you so much for the Trainer tips! I've been looking for one but had no idea where to begin.
Ooo, I love the brand of Stevia!!!
mmmm, i'm loving all the smoothie action in this post! It all looks fantastic!
P.S. I'm representing for your raw vegan sloppy joes on my blog! I loved them! 🙂
love all your smoothies!!! And i'm so jealous of your big package from the stevia fairy!!! looking forward to the reviews!
I have had personal trainers and have not been impressed with their attitudes in the least bit. Please note that I know that not all personal trainers are like this.
I have had quite a few experiences with personal trainers who don't show up on time, which is one of my largest pet peeves in general. I pay you, you show up. If I am late, I don't expect to be comped those minutes, to push into the next hour and possible client.
I think these are great points you bring up, G. The great experiences I have had with PT's, have been at locally owned gyms and away from the 24 Hour Fitness mentality – also where not all personal trainers are certified.
Exactly the right time for the Trainer tips! 🙂
Thanks for more tips on how to pick a good trainer! I'm meeting with one on Monday so we'll see how that goes.
I've never had a trainer, but always wanted one!!
Those are some great tips! Can't wait to hear what you think about the new Stevia!
I've had a few trainers over the years and for me personality is a huge factor! I usually schedule my sessions early in the morning before work and it's essential that I have someone at least moderately entertaining to get me going! I know enough about exercise to workout on my own. It's the whole motivation thing that I need help with. I think it's great that you show such a personal interest in your clients! If you're ever stationed in DC, I'll totally hire you! 🙂
Can Megan move in with me and teach me a few things in the kitchen? 😉
great tips about the trainer… too bad i can't afford one right now 😉
Girl, you are so right about picking trainers.. I'm fortunate that my fiance reads up on EVERYTHING workout related online, and has an amazing bank of knowledge on how to mix it up and do it properly! we see trainers at the gym ALL THE TIME making women 40+ do a leg press with 18, I kid you not, 18 -45pound plates!!
I hope we can one day find a gym that doesn't hire out of shape trainers with no desire to teach their clients properly.
One other obvious point but worth stating regarding the trainer…he/she should look phenomenal. Or in the client's eyes, should look phenomenal. I am a certified yoga instructor and overall clean eating and fitness buff. I cannot tell you how many people I see paying trainers to train them and I take one look at the trainer and think they're a joke because they are sloppy and I wouldn't give them 17 cents, let alone a good chunk o change!
As for your everything in the kitchen sink smoothie…I do that for my daughter to help her get extra veggies in and to use up some random things in my CSA box that I may not otherwise get around to using. Some random bok choy and celery? That'll go great with the pears, apples, bananas and agave I was going to use. Same concept. Love the vitamix for that.
Hi Gina,
I was wondering about raw cocoa powder – what is the difference between that and regular [Hershey's] cocoa powder? Where do you buy the raw kind? Thanks!!
~amanda
Shout out to Averie who I think answered my question. Which I would like to pose to the group anyway —
Is it wrong that I look at some of the personal trainers and group class instructors at the gym and don't take them seriously because they are out of shape and overweight?
On the one hand I think that their body size and shape is not a reflection of their mental knowledge and education. On the other hand….I sorta, kinda judge them as inferior physical fitness experts.
What say you? Am I just being jugmental?
Yvette
Oh and P.S. — Look I'm not anonymous anymore!!
(no more rotten tomatoes okay?)