Fitpros: Do you practice what you preach?
In most cases, yes.
That said, we all preach different messages, so we don’t all have to look, act, or teach the same way. When some tells me that I don’t practice what I preach, I’ll ask them, “What is it that you think I preach?” Typically the criticism is because I don’t practice what THEY preach.
While I agree that sometimes we need to measure up to other peoples’ yardsticks, my yardstick is the most important for my individual message and actions.
Hello Matthew Feldman,
I most certainly follow my own advice 24/7/365. There are times I step back to look in the mirror and talk to the reflection.
Thank you,
Natalie
Personal Trainer ~ NAPS 2 B Fit
https://naps2bfit.com
Practice what I preach and preach to the choir. I haven’t needed an alarm clock in 15 years. Bad habits? As long as you enjoy things in moderation, there are few really bad habits. My weaknesses are Fritos and red wine. But I partake reasonably. If anything, I might work out a little too hard or too much sometimes. But it is so much fun.
Regardless of one’s education, credentials and experience…you MUST practice what you preach when you work in the fitness industry. Clients will naturally gravitate to a trainer who looks healthy, fit, athletic and separates themselves from the pack. Early in my training career, I learned this the hard way and have never looked back since.
I’ve worked with trainers who ate pizza in the break room and went out drinking every night. They talked a good game, had a few clients, but the general public saw them as lazy and uninspiring when assessing them. You don’t have to look like an Adonis, but you should look fit. Fitness inspires people and a trainer should be the one to do that…with knowledge and appearance. You are a role model and need to act accordingly.
I’m not going to lie. I do not practice what I preach in certain areas, such as proper rest or life balance. Food? Yes. Exercise? Absolutely! But like many in the fitness industry, we tend to do a lot of research, continuing ed, and want to better ourselves to better serve clients. I used to judge trainers (early in my career) when I saw that they were overweight or were sick often…..then I started watching; these trainers were the ones that were most effective with clients, were the busiest, and simply ran themselves down putting their own health AFTER their clients’ needs. I’m not saying that is how we have to model our lives, but I started to admire those trainers because they actually put others before themselves. We are taught self care, but many of us do not do that. When it comes to behaviors such as drinking/ smoking, etc…..I definitely practice what I preach, nothing worse than a client finding out that your a hypocrite, right?! Especially when they trust you with their physical well being.