From my point of view - someone who used to go to the gym 4 to 5 times a week, competitive body builder and also kick boxing at least twice a week.
Time is now an issue for me
But overwhelmingly it’s that the vast majority of PTs are under qualified. Very often their knowledge of, even, the body is very limited
The vast majority (including women) don’t understand women’s bodies, hormonal impacts, menopause, PCOS etc. I get it may not be part of initial qualifications but I am of the opinion that you would do further studying if you cared.
Still far too many ‘chicken, broccoli and rice 5 times a day and protein shake in the PWOW’ or ‘have an entire pizza when bulking’ If your nutritional knowledge and advice stops at that, you need to do more
lack of knowledge of food allergies and intolerances.
Lack of knowledge or imagination when recommending foods.
Food plans that verge disordered eating.
Lack of knowledge on disordered eating or how disordered eating can become orthorexia and is easier to hide. PTs can inadvertently encourage disordered eating
Trying to force clients to train so hard they are sick and that being an achievement.
Trying to force people to do things they don’t enjoy and trying to convince them that it’s just because it not a habit
Shouting things like ‘pain is progress’ and ‘sweat is just fat crying’
Judging client because they have a bad week or month.
I think the training required before someone can call themselves a PT is woefully inadequate. The markets been flooded, with a lot of people who do it badly and do the above. This puts people off even trying.
Going to the gym, alone, isn’t ideal. Due to Gym regulars videoing themselves in Gyms and posting it on SM. Meaning they get people in the back ground. Sometimes even posting it to make fun of other gym goers.
Regular gym goers often seem to think they have ownership of the gym and special rights and don’t like new comers.