Monday, January 21, 2013

Who Do You Pick?

I’ve never had a personal trainer or coach. I often wonder what it would be like to hand over my fitness potential to someone really skilled who would push me, boss me around and make me a super star. Last time I was watching the Biggest Loser I really thought that if Dolvett could get his hands on me (nice!) I could reach marathon heights I never thought possible. I just hope he’s not opposed to MFT (Multiple Fart Trauma).

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Yes, I would choose Dolvett. What about you? See if you can guess who is who:

1. Drill Sergeant-Therapist: Gets in your face, tells you what a dip shit you are, screams obscenities, then an hour later, calmly asks about your childhood and why you think you are overweight, sad, depressed, lonely, etc. Sheds a tear while learning your personal story. Occasionally touches your arm or rubs your back. Uses a soft, almost whispering voice that reminds you of the mother you never had.

2. Plain Ol’ Drill Sergeant Like in the Movies: Gets in your face and blinds you with his bright teeth. Reminds you what you are made of. Never fails to wear a tight sleeveless shirt that shows you what you could be if you really tried. Expects the world from you, but has an underlying sense of compassion. Gets results by orchestrating a teeth clenching, ass kicking, puke instigating work out.

3. Southern Drill Sergeant with Ink: Gets in your space, but not your face. Is not afraid to use the “f” word and repeats “Are you kidding me?” multiple times during a training session. Occasionally wears knee socks or clothes that do not jive with the gym atmosphere. Obtains a new tattoo about ever six months. Manages to be firm, effective and give you an ass whoopin’, yet you always know he has your back. Incredible skilled and has the ability to tailor and customize workouts like no other.

I made it so easy for you.

Everyone is different. Some people are motivated by yelling and aggression and high expectations. Others need more coddling and support. Lots of people might be somewhere in the middle. I get my feelings hurt kind of easily, so while I think I need someone to really push me, if they were too mean or degrading I would just cry and get snot everywhere. But in the end I would be better and stronger and maybe not such a crybaby.

All I can say about this season of TBL is 1) I’m glad the puke fest is over, and 2) PLEASE let there be a marathon!!

Have you ever had a personal trainer or coach? What do you look for? Consistency. Confidence. Skill. Risk Taker.

Bob, Jillian, Dolvett or none? Why?

Do you love the marathon episode as much as I do?

SUAR

46 comments:

  1. Absolutely Jillian. Although I do not take well to personal attacks and verbal abuse, I would love to go through a last chance workout with that beast.

    I would also take the opportunity to inform her how completely simplistic and biased many of her statements are and let her know why it is dangerous to convey these simplistic ideas about weight and weight loss struggles. But who am I and I guarantee NBC would not air my ideas.

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  2. Ahaha, great descriptions. WHY is Bob always wearing those knee socks? They don't look like compression socks. I guess he just... likes them? He is damn fine though, especially when he's in his formal hipster get-up (the glasses are key).

    For a time I thought Dolvett would be great (another great description-why the tight shirts?!?! We already know he's ripped! It makes me think of a girl with a hot bod wearing slutting clothing just so we REALLY REALLY know she's got a hot bod. Sorry, tangent), but I kind of think his workouts look boring. Jillian terrifies me, so I'm left with Bob. His workouts seem a little too Crossfit-y for me, but I like his motivation style. And did I mention how hot he is?

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  3. Bob's my favorite! I love his demeanor with everyone. Tough and caring at the same time. I think Jillian would have me crying in a minute and Dolvett's arms would be "distracting." tee hee :) I'd love to work out in that gym. I hope those contestants know how lucky they are!

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  4. I have had a coach for the last 2 years and it has been such an amazing experience. We started working together in a beginner runner group (I wasn't new to running, but had taken a decade off). She's now training me for an Ironman. She's such a wonderful resource for running, swimming, biking, triathlon stuff, as well as strength training. But the thing I prize most is that she has earned my trust. She helps take care of my mind as much as my physical fitness and goals, and has taken me so much further than I could ever have imagined. She knows when to give me a hug, and she knows when to stand firm and push me harder than I knew I could go. So I would have to pick none of the Biggest Loser coaches just because I love my Kristen. But if I HAD to, it would be Dolvett. Great personality and he's a cutie :-)

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  5. I have had two personal trainers. I left the first one after an incident blew up. He accused me of not trying and not listening. Which wasn't at all true. And when I tried to talk to him about it, he walked out on me. Plus he was habitually late and made plenty of excuses but no real apologies. My next trainer was AMAZING. He knew when to push me and when to back off. And he always made me feel like I was doing my best even on days when I had less to give. Which always made me want to give more.

    The Kidless Kronicles

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  6. You are so funny! You totally nailed them. I think I would need Bob or Dolvett. Looking forward to watching Biggest Loser tonight! Thanks for the chuckle!! :)

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  8. Although I LOVE Dolvett ;-), I think I would have to choose Jillian. Men can't intimidate me into submission like women can. It's sad, but true...

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  9. I am (or was) a personal trainer and if I was more like Jillian I think I could have done fine. I am like you and would cry if someone yelled at me BUT I think Jillian and Bob are amazing trainers and I would probably pick one of them. Most likely, I would choose Bobby!! I do so love him! I do get why they are so mean though. People are LAZY and it gets annoying REALLY fast, which is why I quit being a trainer.

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  10. Man, tough decision. I think I'd just wanna punch Jillian in the ovary the entire time, so....it's a tossup between Dolvett and Bob. I'd prob'ly go for Bob, bc his looks wouldn't distract me like Dolvett's would;) I don't wanna be nervous when I'm workin' out, now! ha.

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  11. I have a coach that I do strength training with 2 to 3 times a week. He also is a nutritionist. He treats his clients like athletes not "weight loss people". Having a coach has pushed me to become a better athlete.

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  12. Hahah...love your analysis of the 3 trainers :). I had a coach in college (of course) and I sometimes wonder if that's what drew me to the coach now - I had a hard time out there last year doing this running crap on my own and remembered the days when the coach made me so stronger. So far I think my new coach is #3 on your list :); he certainly likes his profanity! Ha. I used to have a personal trainer ... I was in the best shape I was ever in, but he was an asshole.

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  13. There is much about this post I didn't understand due to my ignorance of pop culture. I guess you're talking about some TV show.

    As for a coach, you need to find someone that knows you better than you know yourself. Someone that can kick your tail when it needs it, yet knows when to back off and let you whimper under the blankets, and can be honest enough with you about your goals and training to sometimes tell you things you don't want to hear.

    You know how women always need to go clothes shopping with a buddy to get the truth of what their butt looks like in that outfit? Same thing with a coach. You need someone to tell you the things you need to hear.

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  14. I love Jillian (or, ya know, wanna be her), but I think Dolvett would be the one for me. I want someone to work me out, not try to figure me out ;)

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  15. I would love to have a personal trainer!! Never been able to find money in the budget for one. Maybe if I gave up the coffee habit and any new athlete cloths I could afford one. Choices:)

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  16. I'm only into running, so those PT would just not do, but Jillian can look sort of sexy...

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  17. Jillian, Jillian, Jillian!! I lost 120 lbs doing her online program, and currently doing her Body Revolution for the 2cd time. Granted, she's not there yelling at me, but I have gotten life changing results with her programs...while pretending she was yelling at me to move my a$$. I've never gone to a gym, or had a personal trainer, just Jillian's program in my living room.

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  18. I love your descriptions of the trainers! Bob dresses that way because he CrossFits! You wear the high socks to protect your shins :) I would have to pick Bob because I love his workouts and his new outside gym! Dolvett would be my second choice though...!

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  19. I don't need to work harder than I do; so I don't see the need for a trainer as far as that goes. I can make myself get close to puking; in my opinion(which is correct :) ) there is no training value in puking. So don't need someone to push me harder. I would enjoy having someone I was accountable to to show up, that would motivate me a bit more, as well as someone to switch up my workouts. I'm too much a creature of habit.
    That said, of the BL coaches, I'd definitely take Bob. I HATE Jillian. You can yell at people and push them and demand they work harder without being mean and nasty. Maybe some people respond to that, but if so I wouldn't get along with those people and I definitely wouldn't get along with her.

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  20. I'm with you, Dolvett is the way to go. I don't need therapy when I am working out and while Bob is pretty good, Dolvett's high expectations and positive reinforcement is awesome. I have had trainers and I can't stand when they walk away while I am mid set. I need someone coaching me through out. The best trainers I have had give me a lot of attention and tell me when I am capable of more without calling me a dip shit or counseling me.

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  21. I've had four trainers, in order: B. the Sadist (ex-Marine who cut even good fats out of my diet completely); C. the Sweetie (who let me get away with everything); G. the Meanie (who bullied me into becoming a runner, but also helped me lose about 60 pounds and who put up with me calling him a "meathead."); and finally, M. the Reasonable, who helped me get to goal weight and is the most encouraging person I've ever met.

    I don't watch TBL, so I can't say who I'd want. These days, I go to M. for advice (and blog about him from time to time--enough that he has his own tag!).

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    1. Just visited your blog--wow! Impressive success and very inspirational!

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  22. I hate Jillian. She is mean and hateful and stuck on herself. She makes me want to go eat ice cream. I would choose either or the two guys.

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  23. I would choose Jillian. I think she is tough and no nonsense, and I like that. I worked with a personal trianer. He was great. Always pushed me further than I thought I could go. He definitely built my fitness base and gave me the courage to try running; something I was terrified to do. As an aside he is friends with Dolvett since he trians in ATL.

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  24. I love Jillian!!!
    And - I hate it when they show people puking (the only part of Biggest Loser I can't stand!!!).

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  25. Just NOT Jillian. Not. Jillian. I can't even watch the show because she makes me want to punch the TV screen. The more interviews I read with her, the less I like her (and I didn't think that was possible). She needs a reality check. Big time. I think she's the epitome of what living in the small screen can do to your psyche.

    I've never had a personal trainer. My close friend dated one for awhile. That's as close as I've gotten. He was awesome, BTW.

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  26. I auditioned a few trainers at our gym. I chose the one I did because she was the only one who had a plan on what I'd workout on each day and she helped me set some 3 month goals - and I reached them all. Who knew? She's definitely not a yeller or a drill sergeant. She's a 20 year old sweetheart. We chit chat while I sweat.

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  27. I've tried some personal trainers and I never got the fat burning workout I wanted. I now am certified to be a personal trainer, so I can't wait to start working with clients. I am not the yelling type... but I am blunt. No sugar coating it here!

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  28. I think depending on what part of the training you are in, each coach brings something you need. I don't know who I'd pick. Maybe Dolvett just because he's so handsome. I've never had a trainer.

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  29. I want Dolvette to jump out of a cake at my birthday party.

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  30. I haven't watched this week's episode yet, so I'm not reading the above comments in case there is a spoiler!

    But, having done several Jillian Michaels, I like her as a trainer. But, I think any of the three would be fine. Jillian would probably hate that I don't have a sob story to tell her about why I got fat. And, I wouldn't be scared of her, so that would probably annoy her, too. Oh, well.

    I started a boxing class last night and the instructor told us right off the bat that she would be yelling at us a lot, which was nice to have the warning. I don't know if she was easy on us because it was the first night, but I thought she had a great mix of yelling to push us, encouragement and explanation. So far, I like her.

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  31. When I used to go to the gym I used a personal trainer once and she set up a work out plan for me which did work.

    As for a trainer I would go for Bob because I work better with heart and encouragement not yelling in my face.

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  32. I think I could thrive with any of them. Although I think I'd feel more comfortable with Jillian simply because I find Bob and Dolvett sooo attractive. I find myself oogling him throughout the whole show.

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  33. I've had a personal trainer for 3 years, he is awesome. Never yells or anything, knows when to push and when not to. I've list 130 pounds with his guidance. I am stronger and more active than ever at 41 years old.
    Love your descriptions if the trainers. If I had to pick a trainer it would be Dolvette. Just pushing me in the workout us enough. Don't analyze me and how my upbringing has affected be.

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  34. I had a trainer for a bit that could be Bob's younger brother that I adored. He designed a great workout plan for me that I loved. But alas, he moved.

    I'm currently considering a running coach (which sounds RIDICULOUS to me). I've only been running a couple of years but I have a lot of friends that are using a coach (to varying degrees) and I think it would help me A LOT in figuring out my own needs and training plans. I just don't want to spend a ton of money because I hate spending money on myself (Mom Guilt).

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  35. A few years ago we did go to a personal training, a body builder. He was fantastic but unreliable (late, didn't show up, etc). But he was creative with his workouts, knew when to push us, wasn't a drill sergeant, but wouldn't tolerate slacking off either. Guess I need a little softer approach. I would LOVE to get that trainer back again because others I've had don't match up.
    I also had a running coach with was basically internet based. Didn't like it. Need more of a one-on-one, face-to-face approach.

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  36. I prefer Jillian when she's drill sergeant. When she gets all mushy I tune out. I hired a coach for swimming and biking when I started triathlon because I needed a lot of help in those depts. I bluntly told him I knew what I was doing with my running and did not need any help there. He was good and kept out of my running life. I've now started run coaching and wonder what sort of coach I am. I find it hard to be mean to people (although my kids would disagree) so I think I go too easy on people. I will have to watch TBL to learn how to toughen up!

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  37. I had a trainer (she just quit the gym so sad :(() and she was very nice and never mean. She would just tell me she knew I could do it! She helped me build a lot of muscle in a pretty short time and made me feel awesome!!

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  38. I just discovered your blog and I love it! I would pick Bob- Jillian would make me cry! Bob seems so nice.

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  39. This is so ironic that you posted this because I got my behind KICKED this morning in my cycling class by a new cycling instructor. He was yelling at me about my form/technique, my laziness, that I'm not pushing myself hard enough, etc.etc. (I take cycling classes all the time. If anything I've only ever been complimented about my efforts!)

    However, at the end of the workout, I could, without a doubt, say that I worked out the hardest at this cycling class than any other.

    I've never wanted to punch and hug someone so much at the same time.

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  40. I love watching the Biggest Loser. It is so motivating!
    Yes, I've had a trainer and she was great. She was extremely motivating and always had a smile, even when pushing us to go past our limits. She moved to another state and I really miss training with her.
    If I had to pick just one it would probably be Bob. I like his ways of getting people to do just what he wants them to do. Dolvett is a close second though and Jillian is too. They all have such different styles of motivation. It's just great to see them succeed and get into the contestants' heads, because that's where it all starts.
    And, yes, I do love the marathon episode, just because I'm a runner!

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  41. I'm not a fan of the trainer. I'm sure they're great and I know I haev loads to learn, but.... I'm not realyl trying to learn. Not trying to be a better person. Not trying to set the world on fire. I jsut wanna run and I wanna enjoy it while I'm doing it.

    That may seem like a cop out but, using a trainer of any kind, just doesn't sound like fun to me. I want to set my pace to whichever MJ song is piping through the iPod and if it's too cold, too hot, too windy or I'm too bloated, I want to crack open a bottle of wine and wait 'til the weather is nice again.

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  42. I use to love Jillian, but after listening to her podcast for awhile I sort of became less of a fan. :(
    So, I would have to pick Dolvett. I like his intensity and I would want to impress him. That would definitely be my push to work hard!

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  43. I've never had a personal trainer but I would choose Jillian! I like a challenge. And I'm stubborn. I just think I would work harder for her then the guys. But, really I would take any of the 3.

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