Is it rude to casually ask a "trainer" for advice or critiques of your training?

[MuscleMcMannus]

Let's say you know someone, not really a friend but more of just a casual acquaintance who is a personal trainer.  Is it disrespectful or rude to ask him specific questions say about your routine or diet.  At the end of the conversation it's always something along the lines of I'd have to do an indepth consult etc.  I dont get this from other people as much in other professions say like a car mechanic, computer guy, or doctor.  Why personal trainers? 

[JasonH]

Let's say you know someone, not really a friend but more of just a casual acquaintance who is a personal trainer.  Is it disrespectful or rude to ask him specific questions say about your routine or diet.  At the end of the conversation it's always something along the lines of I'd have to do an indepth consult etc.  I dont get this from other people as much in other professions say like a car mechanic, computer guy, or doctor.  Why personal trainers? 

Most personal trainers are idiots and I would take any advice they give with a huge pinch of salt.

[BB]

What Big J said. Most reputable trainers are more than happy to give you a few minutes of their time, if one is polite and doesn't ask too much.

The ones that are snippy, are usually afraid you'll see through their horseshit.

[Princess L]

Let's say you know someone, not really a friend but more of just a casual acquaintance who is a personal trainer.  Is it disrespectful or rude to ask him specific questions say about your routine or diet.  At the end of the conversation it's always something along the lines of I'd have to do an indepth consult etc.  I dont get this from other people as much in other professions say like a car mechanic, computer guy, or doctor.  Why personal trainers? 

It would be irresponsible to offer advice without a lot of background information such as orthopedic issues/past history, blood pressure, meds, etc.

[wes]

Not rude,but very stupid as most of them know jackshit about real training.

[Geo]

   
Is it rude to casually ask a "trainer" for advice or critiques of your training?

only if the question pertains to Tae Bo,spinning class's or stomach crunchs

[MuscleMcMannus]

Funny guys but this guy definitely knows his shit when it comes to bodybuilding and training and nutrition.  I get what you are saying about your average gym trainer.

[tonymctones]

Funny guys but this guy definitely knows his shit when it comes to bodybuilding and training and nutrition.  I get what you are saying about your average gym trainer.

i wouldnt be afraid to ask a few questions but look at it from his perspective he is paid to give this advice and you want him to give it away for free? Even if he is cordial and friendly doesnt mean he is willing to give away free service. These ppl get paid to be cordial and friendly if they where dick heads all the time there business would suck.

[JasonH]

Funny guys but this guy definitely knows his shit when it comes to bodybuilding and training and nutrition.  I get what you are saying about your average gym trainer.

If that's the case and he genuinely knows his stuff then you've got to ask what sort of a person is he? If I were a personal trainer and I was going to get paid regardless then I wouldn't have a problem giving out the best free advice I could to anyone. However, if it were on a strictly self-employed basis where I could make a buck from taking on a new client then I'm not sure if I would be inclined to just give out advice free of charge - no other profession would do it, (like the ones you've mentioned above) so why should a personal trainer?

I'm afraid you'll just have to test the waters on this one and ask him and if he's not willing to go into depth with advice for you then you'll just have to come back and ask the questions on Getbig!

[Zach Trowbridge]

It depends on the degree of your questioning, and how often you do it.  A 5-minute conversation is one thing, but I've had people who won't buy sessions with me because they say they can't afford it, and then hit me up every single day they're in the gym for help. 

And it's true, ask any good trainer or coach, it's hard to get specific without spending some time with someone.  And that time is probably going to cost money.  Look at guys who are fantastic at what they do - Dave Tate, Louie Simmons, etc.  They won't just write out workouts, even for a fee, without spending time with you, because they don't know what you need until they see you in action.  Not everybody is just trying to take your money - like someone said before, it can be potentially irresponsible to adjust your program without seeing for sure what needs to be adjusted. 

[thewickedtruth]

i don't find it all a big deal for people to ask me for help or advice... ...


just don't be a mooch and do it repeatedly or interrupt them when they're working with someone.. huge pet peeve of mine.. if i offer it to you or you ask and get some help don't sweat it. If you hassle me all the time, i'll ask for your credit card first.