Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Dietitian Vs. The Personal Trainer

Today I got my A*S kicked!! I had my physical assessment with a personal trainer from Urban Active.


Meet Vaughn, my personal trainer for the day. He's a great guy....even though he kicked my butt.


This is where all of the initial assessments are done (body measurements and questionnaire).


First he weighed me and took my body fat percentage. The instrument they used to measure body fat percentage was called a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (below).


I clocked in at 21.6%. I was happy with this number. It's in the range of "fitness and health". When I was anorexic my body fat percentage was 11%. Can you believe that??? No wonder I had zero energy and felt like crap.

After the weight and body fat measurement they asked me multiple questions about my medical background. Then they asked me questions about my dietary habits. They also asked me if I had any goals, and I had to think about this question for a while. I finally told them my goal was to get a bit more toned for bathing suit season (that's a reasonable goal, right?). He responded by saying I need to up my protein intake from 30% (about where I am at currently) to 40%. I laughed. Sorry, that's not going to happen. In my professional opinion a diet of 40% protein will mean I would loose weight. I don't want that. Plus, I wouldn't necessarily gain muscle by eating 40% protein, unless I am also eating more calories than I burn. I believe I can become more toned by eating exactly what I eat now, I just need to up the resistance training a bit. I didn't argue with him though, I kept my thoughts (mainly) to myself. It was good for me to hear this though, as I will be doing dietary consults with many of the personal trainer's clients. I needed to get an idea of what type of dietary advice they are providing to their clients prior to them meeting with me.

So after the questions were answered, I was asked to warm up either on the treadmill or the elliptical. I chose my favorite, the elliptical. I did a slow warm up for about 20 minutes.


Then it was time for me to go to hell. I was humbled by the next 20 minutes of the fitness assessment......

Even after this first exercise, I was ready to be finished. I sort of felt like I was on the Biggest Loser! I'm not sure what this exercise was called, but it was HARD!

I jumped up on the stepper (stacked three steps high), then squatted when I jumped to the ground. I did this for one minute (although it felt like five).


After ten minutes of some other stuff, Vaughn had me do push-ups on a stability ball (BOSU ball, turned upside down). I also had to touch my knee to my chest (this worked the abs).

I always thought this exercise (below) looked fun. HA! It was not fun. It was hard. I had to grab the rope as high as I could, then pull it down, for 2 minutes.


I found out I actually have some cleavage......

We worked with this 15 pound ball for quite some time. We did exercises for my arms and my abs.


After my last exercise, I thanked Vaughn for proving to me that I need to do more resitance training. Then I ran to my car and scarfed down a sweet potato and a string cheese. My body thanked me.

Question: Have you ever been to a personal trainer? Were you humbled like I was??

Coming Up
Tonight Nick and I finally get to spend some time together. Little does he know most of the time will be spent on him giving me massive body massages. Oh, did I mention that we had our house inspected today??? Yeah, the results were ok. There are definitely some issues, but nothing too serious.

On Saturday I will post a new recipe and a review of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution! Have a great night everyone, and thanks for reading :)

38 comments :

  1. You are too adorable posting your fitness assessment and workout :)

    I met with a trainer and she showed my just how weak my abs were- whatever- denial is good!

    Congrats again on the house- we had an OK inspection but things were better than we hoped. On the bright side, see if you can negotiate compensation for the repairs needed!

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  2. No, I have never worked with a personal trainer, but I would like to. I think it's really what I need at this point. I've been trying out different classes over the last few weeks but haven't found a class that really fits my needs or my schedule. So I think I'm back to working out on my own, but I think a few sessions with a personal trainer to push me and remind me what I should work on would be great...

    Glad the house inspection went ok. Enjoy your massage tonight! ;)

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  3. Your workout looks awesome girl!! I don't believe that you need to up your protein either. I do believe that for most people a certain diet will SHOW off the muscles that some people (obi not you) have underneathe fat, but in my experience, it is usually a result of calorie, not protein. I love hearing your thoughts against another trainers. :)

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  4. I had my fitness assessment last week- he used the body fat one that you stand on (he said they use the hand held for men because fat is stored in different places). Was definitely eye opening... Also did a strength test (failed miserably!) and then he set up a program for me which I am struggling to get through. I am not in as fit shape as I thought considering the amount of walking I do! Hehe. I am curious about the protein intake/weight loss- would you lose because it keeps you full for longer? I eat a high percentage of protein (compared to recommended amounts, but not an overly excessive amount) and was wondering if that is why my appetite is completely AWOL these days. I thought exercise ramps up your appetite!

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  5. WOW! Nice work! Impressive! You'll have to share with us what exercises you keep up on your own!

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  6. WOW! Nice work! Impressive! You'll have to share with us what exercises you keep up on your own!

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  7. Ahhh I've always wanted to go to a physical trainer! I need a little booty kickin'. Sounds like a fun, challenging time! I'm sure the massage would feel nice after all that work too!

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  8. One of my friends is actually doing her masters project on personal trainers giving nutrition advice. They aren't supposed to in Florida, but they totally do. In the surveys she asks whether they give nutrition advice and then gives them a nutrition quiz to see how much they actually know. There is some pretty crazy stuff being said!

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  9. I have gone to a personal trainer but only a couple sessions. It sounds like you definitely got a good workout in. I always enjoy going to workout classes for the reason that it is stuff that I woudldn't think to do on my own. ie, pushups on a bosu.
    Have a great day!

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  10. I believe most trainers have their own views on diets and think that dietitians should stick to counseling people with diabetes. I used to train dietitians at one of the major fitness chains back in India and the dietitians used to complain that all the trainers would advice the clients to forget what the dietitians said and listen to them(the trainers) as they better!!
    I had to have a chat with the GM and then a rule was passed that only the dietitians were allowed to give diet charts-but of course, I guess rules are meant to be broken :(
    I watched the preview of Jamie Oliver's show-quite an eye opener. It's sad how guidelines can be ambiguous!!

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  11. ahhhh the good old personal trainer. i used to have one back in the day (well really 2 summers ago) she kicked my ass twice a week. she was actually the trainer for the first biggest loser winner when he had to go home.

    it was an um experience haha and her best friend was the bosu

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  12. I've never trained with a personal trainer. It sounds fun though. It's funny that some personal trainer would tell you (a RD) how to eat. Good that you kept your thoughts and just do what you think it's right. 40% for protein is way too high!!!

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  13. I've never trained with a personal trainer. It sounds fun though. It's funny that some personal trainer would tell you (a RD) how to eat. Good that you kept your thoughts and just do what you think it's right. 40% for protein is way too high!!!

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  14. I've never been to a trainer- just group ex- but Jillian Micheal's videos KILL me!!! Plyometrics are the worst, but def get results!!

    Good news on the house! Yay!! Can't wait to read your thoughts on Food Revolution :)

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  15. 40% protein?? That's a lot!!

    I've never been to a trainer, but I'd love to try it! I know he/she would push me WAY harder than I typically push myself :-)

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  16. Yes, I have been to a trainer and they absolutely kill you!! Good for you on yoru 21%. This is a great number and you should be proud.

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  17. Your workout looks super intense!! I'm very, very impressed!! You go, girl!!

    Congratulations on the successful house inspection! :-)

    Thank you SO much for answering my question about healthful oils!! You're the greatest! I really, really appreciate your help - you're so kind!!

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  18. These photos are so cute! Did you ask the trainer to take photos of you throughout the session? If yes, then you are cracking me up! I'm surprised he was so specific in recommending you up your protein intake to 40%. I can honestly say that I never make recommendations like that. I may suggest a food log for a few days, or a check list of fruits, veggies, proteins, water, fats for the day. If they are overly concerned with diet or numbers I recommend a body gem assessment or appt w/ an RD.

    Looks like you had a fun session! You better stretch and move a little tomorrow to work off that soreness!

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  19. Wow, those are some intense exercises :O I have a feeling that SOMEONE is going to be sore tomorrow ;)

    That's too bad about the poor nutrition advice, especially considering that personal trainers train people who aren't RDs or DTRs and who don't know that what the trainer is telling them is bunk. All the more reason why your company's services in gyms will be so valuable!

    I've always wanted to get a body composition test. Was that part of your personal training package?

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  20. Wow, those are some intense exercises :O I have a feeling that SOMEONE is going to be sore tomorrow ;)

    That's too bad about the poor nutrition advice, especially considering that personal trainers train people who aren't RDs or DTRs and who don't know that what the trainer is telling them is bunk. All the more reason why your company's services in gyms will be so valuable!

    I've always wanted to get a body composition test. Was that part of your personal training package?

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  21. What a great post!! Love it!

    One of my good friends is a personal trainer - so I have worked with her - casually :)

    To her- it is all serious- her goal is to make you hurt the next day!!

    Can't wait to hear what you though of Jamie Oliver's show- I missed it and I've heard interesting mixed reviews!!

    have a great weeend, Gina!

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  22. You are too cute in your exercise gear!

    I would DIE for a personal trainer. As an intern, I can't afford that quite yet though! I'm sure I'd be humbled by the experience.

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  23. You're so brave to post pics as you go through your fitness assessment.

    I've never been to a personal trainer, but I worked with them once. They thought it was funny to point out the teeny tiny weights that I used compared to their big manly weights. No doubt they would have kicked my butt if I had a session with them!

    Congrats on getting one step closer to home ownership!

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  24. Did the trainer know he was giving nutrition advise to an RD?! I can definitely see how useful it would be to be a personal trainer with training in nutrition as well. But I think most do not, which makes me nervous about the recommendations people get from their trainers.

    Congrats on the inspection! We have ours next Wednesday :)

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  25. I'm watching Jamie Oliver's show tonight, too! I'm excited! What a great experience with the trainer!! I bet it was very humbling! I took a boot camp class back in November and I was the youngest woman in the class. I'll admit, I showed up thinking, "This is going to be a breeze!" WRONG! It was so hard and I lost so many inches! Those women kept up so well, especially with the strength stuff! It was very humbling!

    Have a great weekend, Gina!

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  26. I haven't worked out with a personal trainer for years but I remember being so sore I could barely walk after!

    It is a great experience though - I just wish I could afford it!

    Good luck with the house stuff.

    I have Jamie Oliver's show on the DVR - can't wait to watch it and hear your recap.

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  27. haha, "I found out I have some cleavage." You are too funny. You look so fit and healthy in all the pics. I'm really inspired by your goal to tone and strengthen, I'm always hoping to build more muscle because I just want to feel stronger overall!
    I've been to a personal trainer once, but I'd love to do it again. I think being taught the proper form and technique is so important. It is also a motivator to break out of fitness ruts and routines. Great job!

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  28. I would have laughed to if he said up protein to 40%. Does he know you are a dietitian, hmm. That would exceed the AMDR and make the rest of the diet pretty unbalanced. Interesting that he thinks eating more protein will make you "grow" muscles.

    I agree about cold stone, although I used to really like it. We had a marble slab creamery near us it was way better. I would get a small and it could last 2-4 days depending. I love to do banana ice cream with PB and choc chips in it. But it is best to make it at home. I just love to do the mashing up of the ice cream. Heck yes to playing with my food.

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  29. I love your blog, but there were a few things here that frustrated me a bit. Since your are an RD I have tremendous respect & appreciation for your knowledge, but nutrition for sport & fitness varies from the standard healthy diet. Clearly a marathon runner needs to eat differently than a football player, etc.

    Maybe you didn't mean to come off this way, but how you discuss the not-so-preposterous idea of being at 40% protein suggests being closed minded. Many people operate better and have more energy with a lower carb, higher protein diet. And as you know, loosing weight would have to do with the amount of calories from protein, not just from eating more protein vs. carbs or fat.

    What bothered me the most though was your statement about your body fat %. The way you suggest that 11% is unhealthy, I believe, is sending the wrong, perhaps irresponsible, message. There is a big difference between being anorexic at 11% and being healthy at 11%, which is very possible. That is actually around what I am, and I am very healthy & energetic, and in no way excessively skinny.

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  30. I adored my personal trainer when I took boot camp. It was great fun!

    I also think it's really valuable to speak to other professionals, especially when they start giving recommendations on something that is your area of expertise... we can learn so much from someone when they offer a view that's different from our own.

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  31. Love all the pictures of your workout! You look toned to me haha. I've never had a personal trainer but would love to try it one day! I also want my fat and everything taken except I kind of don't want to hear the number at the same time. I know I know..it would probably motivate me. Interesting about the protein!

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  32. I've never worked with a personal trainer, but would like to for the added toning benefits that extra work imposed on the muscles (not extra protein) brings ;) I had some assessments done in ex phys and it was fun to try out the different versions, although underwater weighing was an epic fail for me lol
    Have a good weekend!

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  33. I love that you posted this on your website! I use the same maching at my gym to check bmi and BF% =)

    Did he snap the pics for you??? If so, he is a kick ass trainer =)

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  34. Why would you lose weight if you ate 40% protein. That makes no sense. Weight loss is primarily about calories.

    And as an RD you should know that percentages are meaningless. 40% of 1500 calories is a lot different than 40% of 2500 calories. It is grams of the macros that are what is important.

    Macro intake is very personal of course, some do better with more of this or that but the comment that 40% would make the rest of your diet be unbalanced is totally unfounded.

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  35. your assessment and workout looked like fun!

    i think its odd.. i mean dietitians are reminded to not dabble in fitness training, at least my prof. tells us all the time, thats not your domain! why do fitness trainers need to dabble in our domain... i mean, focus on strength, resistance training, cardio... and refer to RD's for the diet.

    i guess it is a fine line, and both are players in the game.

    have a great weekend rockstar!

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  36. 40% protein?! Eek, trainers should not give dietary advice. I'm actually thinking that 40% protein would make a person gain weight because the extra protein not needed for synthesis would be sent through the metabolism pathways for conversion to triglycerides. unless the reduction in CHO accounts for the weight loss.

    anyway, looks like a super hard workout! i think i would definitely have a hard time, too. i've been mostly running and lifting very little. hope your muscles aren't too sore!

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  37. The trainer really started you out with some tough exercises. What I like about working out with a trainer is that they push you to do things that you know you wouldn't try on your own. I'll be 45 years old tomorrow and my arms have never looked better-and I've only been with my trainer for 4 1/2 months!

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  38. I love your line: "Then I ran to my car and scarfed down a sweet potato and a string cheese" Haha, classic! I always feel famished after ST!!

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