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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect PT’s to show members how to use machines

28 replies

Georgiarule · 11/01/2023 21:24

Filled out an online survey for the gym, turns out they then ring you to discuss it.

I feedback the PT’s are never on the floor and I end up frequently showing people how to use machines and do certain moves. Whilst I don’t need to be shown some newer members do and I thought it’d be helpful if PT’s were around to support. The gym managers response was that their personal numbers are up on the board and if members need help they should book in session.

It is just me that thinks it’s reasonable for PT’s that are on shift at least be around to show members how to correctly use machines?

OP posts:
MuggleMe · 11/01/2023 22:00

You should surely get a free induction session to learn the equipment? PTs need to be billing their hours.

Kanaloa · 11/01/2023 22:04

If they feel they can’t use the equipment and need to speak to personal trainer I’m sure they are able to book a session.

How do you manage to be ‘showing people how to do certain moves?’ Are people regularly coming up and asking for critique on their form? Or are you offering it?

CrimsonThunder · 11/01/2023 22:06

Depends on what the gym policy is. PT's usually work 1-2-1 with private clients, so I wouldn't see them doing gym inductions etc, though they may step in if someone was using a machine incorrectly and danger of hurting themselves.

Howe we, the gym instructors (usually level
2 trained) should be around for inductions, setting programmed etc for nonPT clients.

YABU/ daft showing people how to use the equipment. You aren't trained and if they hurt themself or damage equipment you could find yourself liable.

I'd find a better gym if I were you. Yours sounds very badly managed.

Shesasuperfreak · 11/01/2023 22:06

I agree

Redblanky · 11/01/2023 22:08

I don't think it's the PTs'job to do it, but they should have someone on duty (who may well.also be a PT) who can help.

But yes, agree with PT why are you so involved? It must be unusual for someone to ask?

2PintsOfCidernaBagofCrisps · 11/01/2023 22:11

In commercial gyms the PTs often pay "rent" to enable them to train their own clients in the facility. Usually also comes with a commitment to coach x amount of classes and floor time per week. But the floor time is usually spent cleaning/sterilising the equipment and generally being there in a H&S capacity. If you went to them for advice they would encourage you to book in with them...its how they earn money!
In a council run gym where staff are on a wage I might expect more adhoc help but I would also expect obligatory inductions to avoid this exact situation.

I think you need to reassess your expectations of what the PTs actual job is.

SeenAndNot · 11/01/2023 22:15

Gym instructors should be about absolutely, especially in January with all the new year resolutioners

123woop · 11/01/2023 22:53

I agree - when I joined my gym years ago, I wasn't allowed to book in to use it until it had been signed off that I'd had an induction, and then "unfortunately due to covid" they stopped doing them and have never started it back up. It's really frustrating as I quite often have people asking me how equipment works or where certain weights or mats are etc! I also often see people using equipment wrong (the leg press mostly 😩) and they don't realise how badly they can injure themselves by not using it correctly

Itloggedmeoutagain · 11/01/2023 22:58

Kanaloa · 11/01/2023 22:04

If they feel they can’t use the equipment and need to speak to personal trainer I’m sure they are able to book a session.

How do you manage to be ‘showing people how to do certain moves?’ Are people regularly coming up and asking for critique on their form? Or are you offering it?

I wondered this.
No one has ever asked me to show them anything

Original poster
Georgiarule · 11/01/2023 23:39

People ask all the time at mine.

The PT’s work for free instead of rent. They are meant to do inductions but there idea of an induction is walking people round the gym.

As part of the work for free they are meant to be on the gym floor tidying the weights which they also don’t do. It’s rare for any PT’s to be seen on shift at all. I understand they wouldn’t want to train someone for free but surely be around to explain how to actually work a machine isn’t a big ask. The PT’s also complain about their lack of clients. Did mention to one they might get more if they actually attempted to interact with members rather than hide in the back office.

I also tell people this just how I use it and I’m not qualified. The manager also seem unphased by this.

The gym is good price and easy to get to. Also feedback this back as only on the only reasons I attend.

OP posts:
Original poster
Georgiarule · 11/01/2023 23:40

@123woop a girl injured herself pretty badly on a leg press not long ago in there

OP posts:
JudgeRudy · 11/01/2023 23:49

I've not used a gym for years. I assumed you were given some sort of induction which would includecsafe use of machinery. I'd imagine as a newcomer you might need a refresher eg "Remind me how I change the seat position" and you would look around for a staff member. I didn't think these were necessarily PTs though. If you required anything more than How to instruction/demo I eould expect to pay.
If I shop in Argos, they explain how the on line catalogue works and maybe where I stand to await collection....they don't advice what I should buy my niece for her birthday. That would require the services of a personal shopper

Kanaloa · 12/01/2023 07:43

Well if people are asking you so often just start pointing them to the PTs. So they say ‘how do I use x’ and you respond ‘oh you can go ask for the PT at the front desk, they’ll show you.’

Kanaloa · 12/01/2023 07:43

Although I must say I am surprised so many people are asking you. That’s just not my experience at all.

MirabelMax · 12/01/2023 07:50

How do you cock up using a leg press? Not being facetious, genuinely wondering. Ours seem quite easy to use but I'm now wondering if people are secretly watching me in horror!

My gym is cheap as chips and as a result has hardly any staff. The equipment is great but you would absolutely have to book a member of staff for an induction as the chances of finding one on the floor who could help are slim to none.

I reason I am getting what I pay for.

liveforsummer · 12/01/2023 07:50

Surely it's up to the people to ask during the induction if they don't know. Why is everyone asking you? Is there a constant stream of new people. It's certainly not the PT's job unless they are being paid as that's their entire business model. Just politely decline in future, you aren't trained and shouldn't be doing it.

liveforsummer · 12/01/2023 07:52

I meant to say most people can manage to use a machine from the diagrams so if they can't they really need to ask at induction or book a session

Original poster
Georgiarule · 12/01/2023 08:08

@Kanaloa that’s the problem the PT’s on shift are never on the floor. They hide in the back.

@MirabelMax locking your knees can cause serious injury. Also if you don’t have good technique with heavy weight you can injury yourself trying to get back up.

@liveforsummer they seem to rarely do inductions and when they do they just point legs there, back there. It’s the levers getting the positioning right that a lot seem to struggle with. For machines like hack squat for example if you don’t set up right you’re highly like to cause serious injury to your back. The business model is the PT work for free instead of paying rent. They should be on the gym floor during shift but aren’t. I went in last night and I didn’t see one member of staff.

OP posts:
Thingsdogetbetter · 12/01/2023 08:09

If PTs wandered around showing people how to use machines, then no one is going to pay them for the 1-2-1s surely. There are usually two levels of PT. Those who do shifts for 'free', and do the free inductions if the gym has any, but only in order to make money from 1-2-1s. And those who pay rent to do their 1-2-1s so don't do shifts.

If people ask you for help, perhaps suggest they also book a 1-2-1 with a PT or do a free induction if available. Hell of a lot safer then getting untrained people to show you, or just making it up as you go along for a start! PTs aren't there out of the kindness of their hearts, they are there as a job to make money. And, no I'm not a PT.

Original poster
Georgiarule · 12/01/2023 08:19

@Thingsdogetbetter that’s the problem there is only the PT’s and no level 2 staff. The inductions they do are so poor, newbies don’t know how to work the machines.

Not sure how a qualified person showing someone for less than a minute how to use a machine prevents them form earning money.

OP posts:
bigbluebus · 12/01/2023 08:22

When I first joined a gym - about 25 years ago - everyone got an induction which included showing them how to use the machines and the offer of an review every 6 weeks. This was included in the membership and carried out by the employed instructors. It was a hotel gym not an all singing all dancing stand alone gym.

When I moved gyms to a stand alone independent gym, an induction was carried out with demo's on the equipment and an initial programme with offers of "let us know if you want to be shown any further equipment use". Fast forward to now and all the instructors are PTs who aren't employed by the gym so have to be paid for their services. Result is most people don't bother as they don't want the extra expense on top of membership.
The number of people I saw using equipment incorrectly was quite scary.

I stopped going during covid and haven't gone back as we bought our own gym equipment. But I think, like every other industry, it's all about making money with add ons so that the basic price looks cheap to get people in. But you're always going to get people who don't buy the add ons.

Unless you are a qualified fitness instructor you should refuse to show people how to use the equipment, instead directing them to the PTs who are properly insured hopefully.

Parky04 · 12/01/2023 08:29

At the Pure Gym where I go, you can book a class which shows you how to use the free weights as well as the resistance machines.

Ginsloth · 12/01/2023 08:35

I think you’re misunderstanding the role of the personal trainer. I know you say they work for free rather than paying rent at your gym but that probably means just being on hand to answer questions/deal with problems.
Personal trainers are hired for 1-2-1 or group sessions to deliver and support a training programme. They’re not there to show people how to use the leg press. If the induction is lacking then sure, report that to the gym, but that’s not the fault of the PTs. They’re there to get business and clients for themselves.

MangoBiscuit · 12/01/2023 08:37

When I'm at the Gym Group gym, I wouldn't expect a PT to instruct me or give me advice. If I wanted basic instruction on how to use the machines, I would need to book an induction session. If I wanted more involved instruction, or advice, I would book and pay for a session with a PT.

When I was at my lovely independent strength training gym, which sadly I can't go to anymore after moving, then whoever was on shift would happily answer questions, and if it was quiet enough, maybe give me some pointers on form, or tips on my routine / diet etc. But the membership cost 3-4 times more, and the staff on shift were paid to be there, as well as being allowed to train their own clients there, without paying rent.

Different business models, I wouldn't expect to pay gym group/pure gym rates, and get independent-gym-quality service.

DottieUncBab · 12/01/2023 08:50

Given it’s a gym where PTs work for free then I think YABU. staff turnover there is also really high because it’s just not possible to make money - I’m speaking from experience as my husband used to be a PT but the money is shocking! Should also add that they have to do classes for free too so they can’t be on the gym floor all the time as they’re likely in the studio leading classes too.

If people want more information on their workouts then they need to pay for a PT session. Or join a more expensive gym where there are paid members of staff on the gym floor. I’ve joined a gym near me that independent and £60 a month and you get so much more direction with regards to exercises etc.