personal experiences with online trainers

[jakobe]

I understand everybody is different and has different goals but I am wondering what kind of results you guys have had? I am in the process of seeking the help of one of the three main online trainers mentioned on this board. Results and experiences are what I am interested in.

 

[Johnny Smiles]

Phil Hernon

When i didnt think i could get any bigger or make changes to my physique i finally hooked up with phil and had my doubts but did EXACTLY what he said and began to learn his system. it is effective to say the least and he is VERY helpful. he won't spoon feed you tho. if you are one of those then maybe you aren't ready for this sport yet. but if you can think for yourselves a LITTLE and ask the right questions Phil is the right trainer for SURE.
the dude is a fuckin beast and has dedicated his life to this sport. most trainers here don't have near the accomplishments in the sport NOR have they been around as long either.
phil knows his shit.
-JS

 

[Lenny]

Several very good prep and online professionals on this board ranging from Alex A, Shelby, Phil, Mainevent, Mtndog etc.... I personally am working with Alex A this year and I can't say enough of how great he has been with knowledge, experience, and communication.

 

[littlejames]

well brother you have come to the right place there are several good trainers on this board.

i personal hired alex azarian for contest prep. and this time around he has gotten me in to bettter shape at 8wks out then i was at my first show.

you just need to talk to some of them and find out what they offer. and what you want to do .

i personal like alex. he is very motivational and emails me everyday and answers any questions i have very fast.

and in my book communication is the key to changing ur body.

i didnt use alex for off season and got really fat. i was trying my own approach and i want make that mistake again this yr. i will use him for offseasoon and contest.

 

[ds44]

i'm not a competitor, just wanted to get in competition shape at 40 and for summer. I'm working with Alex A. and i couldn't be happier with communcation, guidance and responses... Great guy!

 

[xx0noob0xx]

its hard to be trainer over online.
try it with a personal trainer at a gym and see how that works out. im not saying the ones here dont do a bad job. i know they do a good job because ive seen pics

 

[Johnny Smiles]

its hard to be trainer over online.
try it with a personal trainer at a gym and see how that works out. im not saying the ones here dont do a bad job. i know they do a good job because ive seen pics

NOT a good idea. they don't know ANYTHING compared to the guys we have here. unless they are competitors or work at one of the bodybuilding mecca's i wouldnt trust anything they say. it will be regurgettated crap they read in a magazine. 9 out of 10 times. i know cuz years ago i was one lol. -JS

 

[robot]

The easiest part online is checking their qualifications. References and results are easy.

The hard part is you really need to have a chat with them and see if there is a fit. Does their coaching style work for you? There are pushy coaches, indifferent coaches, whiny coaches, polite coaches, coaches who will call you names. Do their diet, training, supplementation philosophies align with yours or can you put yours aside and follow their directions.

The last thing you want to do is head in two different directions or be in conflict with your coach. Many, many people fail because they won't follow and they won't lead so they end up half way to nowhere.

Are you coachable? Seriously, Are you willing to be coached or are you just looking for a cheerleader?

There are some obscenely qualified coaches here and in places like this. Finding one who you can succeed with will take a little leg work if you're serious.

 

[Lenny]

yes

well brother you have come to the right place there are several good trainers on this board.

i personal hired alex azarian for contest prep. and this time around he has gotten me in to bettter shape at 8wks out then i was at my first show.

you just need to talk to some of them and find out what they offer. and what you want to do .

i personal like alex. he is very motivational and emails me everyday and answers any questions i have very fast.

and in my book communication is the key to changing ur body.

i didnt use alex for off season and got really fat. i was trying my own approach and i want make that mistake again this yr. i will use him for offseasoon and contest.

Yes, you will enjoy his concepts for the offseason as well, they just make sense...but glad you two hooked up, he knows how to dial it in, just listen to him and it will yield. Sounds to me like it is good work.

 

[BigChef]

its hard to be trainer over online.
try it with a personal trainer at a gym and see how that works out. im not saying the ones here dont do a bad job. i know they do a good job because ive seen pics

I disagree with you Noob! If you go to Members page and see all the transformation pics and clients of Alex Azarian, Shelby etc. Some of them were online consultation between the Trainers and Clients. They stick to the plan given to them by there trainers. Personal Trainers at the gym are good but not good enough or have that experience with wealth of knowledge regarding to dieting and workout etc.
I am happy that Alex is guiding my prep and helping me with my goals. Alex is an excellent communicator and keep track of my progress and encouraging to push you to your best ever.

 

[pesty4077]

I work with Alex, but I actually see him, so i couldn't actually say it's online. I couldn't be happier with my progress. One thing that Phil mention that is good advice "Why not interview them and go with who you feel, you would be comfortable with?"

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Good advice

The easiest part online is checking their qualifications. References and results are easy.

The hard part is you really need to have a chat with them and see if there is a fit. Does their coaching style work for you? There are pushy coaches, indifferent coaches, whiny coaches, polite coaches, coaches who will call you names. Do their diet, training, supplementation philosophies align with yours or can you put yours aside and follow their directions.

The last thing you want to do is head in two different directions or be in conflict with your coach. Many, many people fail because they won't follow and they won't lead so they end up half way to nowhere.

Are you coachable? Seriously, Are you willing to be coached or are you just looking for a cheerleader?

There are some obscenely qualified coaches here and in places like this. Finding one who you can succeed with will take a little leg work if you're serious.

Are you coachable? Great question........many guys just want attention.....a cheerleader........they dont want to work hard and they want " secrets". A lot of guys on here have only used 1 trainer.....they have no idea how anyone else would prep them. Interview these guys......see how fast they respond.......learn their philosophy IF you are truly interested. I know Dante, Alex, Shelby, Mainevent ALL CARE.......very important ,someone who CARES. I also see a lot of guys plug a trainer incessently but they NEVER CHANGE........their pictures look like the exact copy of past pictures.......weak points never addressed.....never add muscle and never do well in shows.......how credible is that??

 

[concreteguy]

When i didnt think i could get any bigger or make changes to my physique i finally hooked up with phil and had my doubts but did EXACTLY what he said and began to learn his system. it is effective to say the least and he is VERY helpful. he won't spoon feed you tho. if you are one of those then maybe you aren't ready for this sport yet. but if you can think for yourselves a LITTLE and ask the right questions Phil is the right trainer for SURE.
the dude is a fuckin beast and has dedicated his life to this sport. most trainers here don't have near the accomplishments in the sport NOR have they been around as long either.
phil knows his shit.
-JS

Johnny, could you take the time to tell us what you think "spoon feeding" is? This would probably help alot of guys training know if they are ready for the sport.

 

[concreteguy]

I also see a lot of guys plug a trainer incessently but they NEVER CHANGE........their pictures look like the exact copy of past pictures.......weak points never addressed.....never add muscle and never do well in shows.......how credible is that??

Could you just post a few examples of this?

 

[almard]

Every one is diffrent....People respond to diet, Training, AAs diffrents.....I think yourself is the best trainer,Howeve, you can learn from others exprince....

Just my opinion...

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Oh man

Could you just post a few examples of this?

I do not want to call anyone out specifically.......but I think if you frequent here enough you can put it together. I am waiting to see your improvements.........anxiously

 

[concreteguy]

Why?

I do not want to call anyone out specifically.......but I think if you frequent here enough you can put it together. I am waiting to see your improvements.........anxiously

Phil, improvements from when to when? Are you still talking about not eating when your hungry as opposed to eating on a schedule? I eat on a schedule, I like it. It works for ME! Your talking like I was the one bragging about something here. You jump in with "post pics", " you screw blow up dolls"...............Stop taking offence to any ideas that fall outside your spectrum of reasoning.


Look Phil, now your hating on other trainers cheerleaders and how they don't improve. Post up a few pics of this......Please. Show us all what the hell your talking about. It would be a service to the community. Making these blanket statements without backing them up is self destructive. Your the first guy in line to call out anyone and now your not going to call anyone out? Who the hell do you think your kidding?


Phil, the other day you posted about me putting my money where my mouth is. What do I have to do? How good do I have to be? I'm 50 with two contests under my belt. I posted pics last time you called me out(Phil eating crow). I don't have to jump through hoops every time your test meter spikes! I have previously challenged you on too may levels to list and you step up to none of them.

What are you going to do now? Post up a pic of youself from ten years ago?

It goes without saying what a trully impressive body you had at one time in your life. But that doesn't make you the final word on all matters of bodybuilding. The stuff that worked for you doesnt mean it will work for everyone. Your the incredible guy that made it to Pro IFBB on a hand full of vitamins and a glass of OJ a day. Most of the rest of us need a little extra.

 

[Diesel City]

There are some knowledgable guys on this board. I'll say this though. You can go and buy ANY plan that you want, they can't do the work for you and they can't eat or not eat the food for you, they can't do the training for you. Think of their advice as a recipe, if you don't follow it, you won't get the end result you're looking for.

 

[BigDaddy_554]

Due Diligence

Do your part and interview each of the trainers you are considering. Ask the obvious question for your specific goal, training/nutritional philosophies, etc. Look at example of their work with other clients, talk with existing clients, etc. You do your part up front and you are assured the right selection. As for online vs in person....hands down online gives you access to professionals with experience these guys at local gyms dream of. That is unless you are lucky and live in an area with a professional of the same caliber. I choose to work with Shelby and have been very satisfied so far. I have work with another well know nutritionist prior who is highly regarded, but no on this board.

Bottom line is you will get out of this what you put into it. You will have peace of mind knowing each move you make under the guidance of a professional is moving you closer to your goal.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Well

Phil, improvements from when to when? Are you still talking about not eating when your hungry as opposed to eating on a schedule? I eat on a schedule, I like it. It works for ME! Your talking like I was the one bragging about something here. You jump in with "post pics", " you screw blow up dolls"...............Stop taking offence to any ideas that fall outside your spectrum of reasoning.


Look Phil, now your hating on other trainers cheerleaders and how they don't improve. Post up a few pics of this......Please. Show us all what the hell your talking about. It would be a service to the community. Making these blanket statements without backing them up is self destructive. Your the first guy in line to call out anyone and now your not going to call anyone out? Who the hell do you think your kidding?


Phil, the other day you posted about me putting my money where my mouth is. What do I have to do? How good do I have to be? I'm 50 with two contests under my belt. I posted pics last time you called me out(Phil eating crow). I don't have to jump through hoops every time your test meter spikes! I have previously challenged you on too may levels to list and you step up to none of them.

What are you going to do now? Post up a pic of youself from ten years ago?

It goes without saying what a trully impressive body you had at one time in your life. But that doesn't make you the final word on all matters of bodybuilding. The stuff that worked for you doesnt mean it will work for everyone. Your the incredible guy that made it to Pro IFBB on a hand full of vitamins and a glass of OJ a day. Most of the rest of us need a little extra.

Since you are thick skinned.......I will use you as an example. I will post your pictures from your last show and we can compare them to your next show. Game?