Formosa Fitness

So the trainer world was all abuzz last month about android applications (I thought they were talking about R2-D2 from Star Wars) and random workout generators. If you didn't have an I-Phone or android app for your clients you were some sort of loser or something. Sorry but I didn't want that cutting edge to slice my throat. LOL.

This nonsense is one thing that's wrong with the fitness industry. These apps often just generate a random workout that the, ahem, "client" then does.

Technology is not the answer, folks. Neither a trainer nor their programming can be replaced by a random workout generator. If that was all we did, then by all means fire us. But it isn't. And providing some sort of "workout" using such technology is NOT the answer.

Look, making people tired isn't hard. If that's what you want, then grab your weight and run around the block until you drop. There, you now owe me US$100 for the "program" I just gave you. Cash or check?

Exercise selection based on the client standing there in front of you, queing each exercise and correcting errors, adjusting programs, etc. these are all things that only real live flesh and blood humans can do. Sorry. Your I-Phone isn't that smart and no, Steve Jobs can't replace that.  

Getting and especially staying fit is a long term journey filled with all the intricacies of being human. Let's treat it like it means something, for goodness sakes. Don't settle for a generic program that was randomly generated by a phone. And realize that on that journey, it sometimes helps to have a guide in the form of a coach -- someone with the knowledge to get you unstuck in the journey.You can't replace a human trainer.