We have all, at some point in our lives, looked to becoming fitter, healthier, or stronger. Maybe you are thinking of stepping foot into the gym for your very first time, returning to working out, or you have plateaued and want a bigger challenge in your workout. One way of making sure you reach your goal and get results is to seek the guidance of a trainer.
I interviewed and trained with Delroy Sutherland, an elite trainer at Extreme Fitness. Delroy, “D Roc” to his friends, is a trainer with 23 years of experience. You would never know it, but he is 43 years old. His physique is incredible, at six-foot-four-inches and weighing 260 pounds. Delroy told me he wasn’t always this fit. He was the skinny kid who the coaches didn’t want to have in their football team. His determination to become stronger and healthier started then, but his love and passion for helping others achieve their goals continues now. He shared with me information I wish I had known before I even considered getting a personal trainer years ago.
Q: Is hiring a trainer expensive?
A: Don’t think of the price so much. Think of the investment you are making in your life. What you learn with me you can continue to use and even teach your friends and family. Depending on the package, you can keep it within your budget.
Q: How do I know I’m getting a good trainer?
A: A good trainer is someone who is engaged and hands on. As a trainer you are a life coach, some of my clients come into the gym stressed out from work. If you are stressed you will not perform. I need to know when my client needs a butt kick or an ear to listen.
You can make sure you get a good trainer by asking questions too. I want to know:
1) Who are your best trainers?
2) Does the trainer have a biography?
3) May I read testimonials about this trainer?
4) What are his/her qualifications and certifications?
5) May I interview the trainer before I commit?
6) Does the trainer have any sports background?
It’s important that the trainer is a good match for you. If you’re looking to train for a marathon, then it would make sense to train with someone with a background in running.
Q: Who should get a trainer?
A: Everyone can benefit from a trainer. Even trainers can benefit from working out with other trainers. We show you how it’s done safely, properly, motivate, show you variety in a workout and train you for specific sports or events.
Q: What can a client expect once they get a trainer?
A: I always ask my clients to get a physical by their doctor before starting to work out with me. I also ask them to get a feel of the gym by coming a few times a week to do cardio first. Then we can start the training. We fill out a “prescription” sheet, which covers their current condition and suggest ways of reaching their goal. I look for strengths and weaknesses too. Only then can we get into program design. Later on, I like to pick a long term goal for my clients. I ask them to sign up for any event, it can be a 5K, 10K, Spartan Race, etc. I want my clients to feel motivated and proud to finish it.
Q: What else other than the trainer can we get in a package?
A: Every training package should be accompanied by a nutrition part. You have to eat for the way you are training.
Q: When do you stop working out with a trainer?
A: Depends on your goal. Health is a lifestyle choice. Your budget may also be a reason. You might feel you can take what you learned and go on your own.
After our interview was complete, we moved on to a training session. He pushed and motivated me to warm-up by using the treadmill on its steepest incline and without any electrical power. I started running on that machine using my own power. I’m definitely using this in my future workouts. I felt the difference for sure. We moved on to doing other challenging and new exercises which left me out of breath and reaching for my water bottle. At the end, I was glad to get the inside scoop from someone who is this involved and caring about their clients.
Extreme Fitness
www.extremefitness.ca
Delroy Sutherland, Elite Trainer
416-646-2925 ext. 400
dsutherland@extremefitness.ca
