We Tested Personal Training at a Big Box Gym- Is It Worth It?

Summary

In this engaging video, Mike visits Powerhouse Gym in Novi, Michigan, for a personal training evaluation with trainer Rea. The two discuss Mike's fitness goals, including his aspirations to lose fat and get shredded, and Rea provides a thorough assessment of Mike's current fitness level. The video highlights Rea's professional approach, offering advice on training frequency, diet, and discipline. Through their humorous and candid exchange, the video emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in fitness, ultimately concluding that personal training at a big box gym, if paired with a knowledgeable trainer, can be an excellent option for achieving fitness goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Personal training at a corporate gym can be effective if you find a knowledgeable trainer who aligns with your goals and commitment.
• 😀 The intake process for a new client should involve understanding both their goals and availability, as well as offering practical advice based on their lifestyle.
• 😀 Starting with 2–3 training sessions per week is ideal for beginners, but more dedicated clients aiming for big goals may need 5 sessions per week.
• 😀 The InBody scan machine provides a general overview of body composition, but it’s not always the most accurate for people with higher muscle mass or leanness.
• 😀 Body fat percentage is a key metric for defining fitness goals. For example, reducing body fat to under 4% is a challenging yet achievable target for certain goals.
• 😀 It’s important for trainers to focus on assessing basic movement patterns and identifying any joint dysfunction or pain that may hinder progress.
• 😀 Trainers should give clients simple, effective exercises and provide clear, easy-to-follow cues to build confidence and competence in the gym.
• 😀 A good trainer will create a plan tailored to the individual, focusing on basic strength, joint health, and gradual skill development.
• 😀 Selling long-term training packages can be more effective than short-term ones, as it provides the client with enough time to see real progress and build lasting habits.
• 😀 90-day commitments are an ideal middle ground in training contracts, as they provide enough time for clients to see noticeable changes and build rapport with their trainer.
• 😀 Pricing personal training packages should offer flexibility while ensuring clients feel like they’re getting value. A one-year program is an option for serious long-term commitment, but a 3-month package is often a better choice for most.
• 😀 Consistency and discipline are key factors in reaching fitness goals, and both the client and trainer must work together to develop a plan that fits into the client's lifestyle.
• 😀 Personal training at big box gyms can be an excellent choice for those who need structure and guidance, especially if they are new to fitness or lack the knowledge to work out on their own.

Q & A

What motivates the protagonist to start working out at Powerhouse Gym?

The protagonist recently turned 40 and feels it's the right time to get fit and focus on health. They also express a desire to get in better shape and possibly build muscle.

What prior gym experience does the protagonist have?

The protagonist has little experience with formal gym workouts, aside from seeing gyms while driving by. They mention feeling intimidated by muscle-bound individuals and attractive women at the gym.

What are the protagonist's fitness goals?

The protagonist's goal is to reach 200 lbs of lean muscle, emphasizing getting 'shredded' and very muscular.

How does the protagonist describe their current daily routine?

The protagonist's daily routine is fairly unstructured. They wake up, consume weed, try to go walking but fall asleep again, browse YouTube, and generally cycle through this routine until the afternoon.

What is the protagonist's attitude towards their current work situation?

The protagonist finds their work dehumanizing and feels like they are capable of more. They refer to their family's legacy of wealth, saying that they don't need to work because their butlers take care of them.

What are the personal trainer's initial observations about the protagonist?

The trainer quickly identifies the protagonist's lack of awareness of their body composition and the struggle with discipline. The trainer also observes that the protagonist's body fat is higher than expected.

What does the body fat and muscle mass scan reveal about the protagonist?

The body scan shows that the protagonist is currently at 218 lbs with 12% body fat. The trainer notes that to achieve their goals, they need to reduce their body fat significantly, ideally getting down to 4%, which will require heavy lifting and strict discipline.

What advice does the personal trainer give regarding the protagonist's routine?

The trainer advises the protagonist to work out at least five days a week, considering their ambitious goals. They recommend focusing on consistency, diet (with whole foods), and lifting heavy weights.

How does the personal trainer handle the assessment of the protagonist's movement skills?

The trainer uses simple movements to assess the protagonist's body awareness, like the hinge movement, and offers corrective feedback. The goal is to ensure the protagonist understands basic strength exercises and movement patterns.

What is the trainer's opinion on the body composition analysis machine?

The trainer acknowledges that while the InBody scan is decent for a general assessment, it isn't highly accurate for someone with the protagonist's muscularity. The trainer suggests that DEXA scans would provide a more accurate picture but notes that the InBody scan is still useful for the general public to track progress over time.

What sales approach does the personal trainer use to offer training packages?

The trainer offers a range of personal training packages, including month-long, three-month, and year-long options, with various price points. They emphasize the benefits of long-term commitment, particularly the three-month option for creating lasting lifestyle changes.

What is the protagonist's reaction to the personal trainer's offer?

The protagonist agrees to commit to a year-long training program, even suggesting an increased price for more personalized attention, showing confidence in the trainer's expertise.

How does the trainer encourage long-term commitment from clients?

The trainer recommends a three-month commitment as the ideal starting point. This gives clients enough time to see results and develop a relationship with the trainer, which leads to better retention. They also suggest upselling a longer-term plan once the client has experienced tangible progress.