Question:
Any experience with sensetive personal trainers?

I was wonderig if anyone has had any luck in finding a personal trainer that is sensetive to our needs. I am pre-op and already have my own regimen planned, however I'd like the reinforcement and knowledge of a personal trainer. I'm worried I won't be able to find one that will understand my needs, both as an obese indivdual and as a post-op. Do they exist? Where would I look for one? Anyone know of any on Long Island?    — PaulaM (posted on August 27, 2001)

August 27, 2001
The only time I lost weight pre-op was with a personal trainer. It is a service career and if they are not sensitive they are not going to stay in business. My trainer and good friend Ron Geoghegan is so enthusiastic that it makes me feel strong and successful and I work harder every time. My DH jokes that he is a high paid cheerleader, but it is that cheerleading that keeps me going when on my own I would have quit. Ron is as helpful and positive now as a post-op (I just started again) as he was when I was pre-op. He has many obese patients and even a few super morbidly obese and treats everyone with respect. Most trainers are anxious to help anyone improve their fitness and are proud of you for trying. Look for someone who is ACE or IDEA certified and ask for references. A qualified trainer should never push you if an exercise causes unusual pain, he/she should know of an alternitive exercise for any muscle group. They should be able to demonstrate proper form (so important to avoid injury, and reason enough to hire a trainer, even if just short term). Your trainer should make sure you stretch out also. Barb is right, building muscle is so crucial to weight loss. You could try calling some of the local gyms in your area, they often have lists of names of trainers. Have fun, be strong!
   — blank first name B.

August 30, 2001
I would advise that you look beyond the usual gyms (like bally's) to a freelance personal trainer. I have had a PT from bally's and they have a one-size-fits-all program that doesn't necessarily work for everybody. In gyms like that they have to "tow the party line." I would be very up front with a potential trainer and tell him/her that you are overweight but are having surgery to deal medically with the problem. Be sure that they are willing to go at a reasonable pace for you. Also, realize that WHATEVER surgery you had you will definitely be out of commission (except for walking) for the first 8 weeks. Even with a lap the surgery inside is the same and you risk hernia or worse by overdoing it before 8 weeks. If you have a while before your surgery, you might get your program going now. I did that and I think it really helped me recover from the surgery faster and helped me get a jump start on working out after my 8 weeks were up. Good luck with finding a great personal trainer!
   — ctyst