These are really tough times for someone who is not already in shape that is seeking the help of an educated fitness professional. Every day someone is selling a new weight loss product or exercise routine instead of just teaching the basic fundamentals of exercise and nutrition. It’s not rocket science; but lately, there seem to be so many people that are making “career changes” into the world of exercise. They sit through a weekend seminar at best, or answer an online questionnaire, and then start promoting themselves as the next great fitness guru, but in reality, they have only received a “Fitness Instructor Certification.” These certificates are so one can get a job in a gym as a floor trainer at best so you can teach whatever programs the big box, one size fits all gyms are selling. I feel these instructors and gyms are totally missing out on a great opportunity to help teach everyone to be healthy by just beginning a basic routine of resistance exercise, taking a walk 3-4 days a week and making better nutrition choices. But see, there is not enough money in just being a teacher of fitness; you have to sell all the new fads, gimmicks and weight loss supplements.
We take a step backwards every time the media glorifies someone because they make a dramatic weight change or really make it a priority to be in the “Best Shape Possible” instead of just being “In Shape” without disclosing all the details. So many people also fall prey to multi-level marketing companies that sell weight-loss products, with their “Proprietary blend”…It makes me laugh every time I hear that, or internet and TV ads that are pushing the latest and greatest fad…They are NOT helping either. The programs they sell are ONLY meant for the small % of the population that is Already in Shape. If someone, who is not already in shape, begins with these programs and diets, they are decreasing their body’s natural lean muscle tissue and destroying their ability to get into shape naturally, without the need of these gimmicks. Stay healthy my friends…
