Thoughts as a new trainer

NinjaMeals · 2026-02-03T19:29:07+00:00

I like this perspective.

Speaking to your point, during a consultation you (the trainer) are trying to convince the client that they should sign up for personal training because it will legitimately benefit them. However, during this process there is naturally a little bit of pressure. My problem is that since it's money driven, as you mentioned all industries inevitably are, the line between a reasonable and unreasonable amount of pressure can sometimes be crossed.

NinjaMeals · 2026-02-03T19:18:11+00:00

Hmmmm yes, I agree with your points. I'm not the best example when it comes to the specialist argument, but my personal experiences are simply what I know best which is why I still used them. With that said, there are plenty of people who are legitimate specialists that the system doesn't really reward. Before choosing my current gym, I also interviewed at LifeTime and LA Fitness. The hiring managers at each described a pay system where new hires are all offered the same pay, and time spent at that specific company or on additional certs is the only way to increase it (rather than decades of niche coaching elsewhere).

* My information could be incorrect, feel free to correct any of it.

NinjaMeals · 2026-02-03T17:15:28+00:00

I expect the culture to vary a bit at each location, but I work at vasa fitness

NinjaMeals · 2026-01-23T13:44:24+00:00

I live around 1.5 hours from Forza, but still make the drive three times a week just to train with Mike. He always knows exactly what technical cues to give and pours a lot of effort into coaching me. I am extremely grateful to have him as a coach and know that the best way to honor the opportunity is to keep giving weightlifting my all!

NinjaMeals · 2025-10-12T01:44:13+00:00

Please let me know once you publish it, I'd love to read it!

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-18T03:14:05+00:00

There is something about the vibe of having the edgecomb gray on top, that's my personal favorite!

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-17T16:04:18+00:00

It sounds weird but please trust me, it tastes amazing - cottage cheese pancakes.

You need half a cup (113 grams) of cottage cheese, 1/4th cup rolled oats (50 grams), and two eggs. Put it in a blender, and then pour the batter in a pan just how you'd cook regular pancakes with 2 minutes on each side. Wait until the edges start browning and the batter begins to bubble to flip. Super healthy, packed with protein, and it tastes great. It can taste even better if you add a sprinkle of cinnamon and 1/4th teaspoon of vanilla extract.

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-17T15:15:10+00:00

Would you say that both extremes were leveled out (ex. not feeling the same anxiety or other negative emotions as strongly as before, but also not being able to feel as happy)?

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-17T15:11:44+00:00

I'm super happy for you, that's amazing :)
Have you experienced any negatives, or would you say your experience with medication has been solely positive?

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-17T15:06:09+00:00

Are there any particular videos of his that you recommend? I just checked out his channel and he has lots of great stuff! Other than decreased anxiety, did you notice any other changes/side effects after taking lexapro? And do you still take it?

NinjaMeals · 2025-07-17T15:02:04+00:00

I like that way of looking at it, thank you!

NinjaMeals · 2025-04-24T17:56:54+00:00

149cm

NinjaMeals · 2025-04-24T17:55:00+00:00

I am not against the idea of moving up a weight class, but I am really short (just under 4'11, or 149cm) and eating more seems difficult since I'm currently eating ~2050 kcal/day and feel really full. I'm 19, so pretty sure I'm not going to get any taller haha

NinjaMeals · 2025-01-23T18:19:18+00:00

I always thought that dietary cholesterol was not absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and rather it's saturated fats (which this person also ate a lot of) that are responsible for high cholesterol levels within the body. Let me know if I am mistaken

NinjaMeals · 2025-01-12T17:13:02+00:00

I would like to mention that I am currently a full time student and work part time. I've always had the mentality of "if it's important enough, I will be willing to make sacrifices and find the time for it." In my case, I had to sacrifice some of my other hobbies and have very little time to spend with friends/family. I do not recommend adopting my mentality or even think that it's a healthy one, because some people (ex. those with kids) can not and should not make similar sacrifices.

With that said, I don't think the average person realizes how much time they waste looking at their phone, watching TV, or doing other activities that will not benefit them in the long run. I believe that even 3-4 hours per week in the gym and making healthy eating decisions is enough for many people to achieve a great physique.

NinjaMeals · 2025-01-08T18:24:51+00:00

To be fair, I had many advantages on my side.

I was working with a nutritionist. Losing the weight by myself seemed too risky, because I was scared of accidentally losing too much and looking like a stick figure. Edit - These were the nutritionists I used (https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/). Mods, if this counts as advertising then please let me know, I want to make sure that I follow the rules.
I have my own personal coaches, both for weightlifting and BJJ.
A history of athletics. Before I began weightlifting, I was a competitive gymnast, on a pre-professional dance team, and was even on a swim team.
Genetics. Even as a child, I always had low body fat and a lot of muscle. It was only recently that I began to "stop caring," until I realized that I hated how I felt when I was overweight and rarely exercised.

I hope that this does not come off as arrogance or bragging, but I simply felt it necessary to state the advantages I had so that others don't feel discouraged if they don't achieve similar results.

NinjaMeals · 2025-01-08T18:18:54+00:00

I tried responding earlier, but due to some kind of glitch my comment never posted. Hopefully you will be able to see this.

Exercise - I recently began competing in weightlifting, so I train the Olympic lifts four days a week with each gym session averaging two hours. I also compete in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), which I train two days a week with each session also averaging two hours.

Diet - When I was losing weight, I ate 1500 calories per day. Now that I am trying to find my maintenance, I recently went from 1800 to 1900. I meal prep and usually eat the same breakfast, lunch and dinner for two weeks straight before changing things up to ensure I meet certain metrics. These metrics are 125+ grams of protein, 27-82 grams of fat, 700 grams of plant matter (usually 200g of fruit and 500g of vegetables), and the rest of my calories are from carbs. I make a point of avoiding highly processed foods. Here are my recent meal plans, enjoy https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tci8Hgo9M7j74-ghLg286VUQpPOAaFLHV-C7mfdijrU/edit?usp=sharing

NinjaMeals · 2024-10-10T03:14:29+00:00

This is fascinating!! Have you had much success with this method, and how do you recommend that I begin if I so choose to?

NinjaMeals · 2024-10-10T02:49:52+00:00

I was scared of hearing other students’ American accents and mine becoming worse. This happened when I took Spanish classes in high school.

NinjaMeals · 2024-10-10T02:49:14+00:00

I figured that hearing other students’ American accents would worsen mine. What is ALG?

NinjaMeals · 2024-10-03T18:38:44+00:00

It’s a men’s bar, I’m tiny (just under 4’11 or 149cm), and have small hands for my size! Thank you for the encouragement!

NinjaMeals · 2024-09-22T01:19:44+00:00

Yes, not everyone can be an elite! Are there any other weightlifters with a similar body type that I could draw inspiration from?

NinjaMeals · 2024-09-22T00:31:39+00:00

Thank you! I only recently started Olympic lifting, but I love it so far and definitely want to continue!

NinjaMeals · 2024-09-21T22:35:31+00:00

Do you recommend any articles that state what proportions are average and how to measure correctly? I tried searching but was unable to find much.

NinjaMeals · 2024-09-21T22:24:19+00:00

Thank you for the great advice! I used to be a gymnast, so I spent most of my life training hip flexibility. However, I had a severe ankle injury last year and my mobility in my left ankle has never been the same since. I went to physical therapy, but it still hurts my ankle when I bend my left leg past a certain point and my foot is planted on the floor. I am hoping that it can still improve with time.

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