Not Every Trainer Speaks The Truth

Tonight’s post wasn’t planned.

In fact, until 6:10pm I thought tonight’s blog would be my recap of the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon.

But, unfortunately, a personal trainer at our office gym inspired a very different post.

Like many runners, I find it hard to balance running with strength work. I start each training period with good intentions but rarely make strength training a priority for more than a week or two before falling off the band wagon.

I have read many posts about the benefits of strength training for runners.  I’ve followed and supported friends and fellow bloggers as they became stronger through CrossFit and strength training. This strength has helped many of them run faster and with fewer injuries than before.

Jess is doing her best to ensure that strength training becomes a habit and therefore typically has it on my schedule at least once or twice a week. After a long day of sitting at my desk, lifting weights while enjoying a great new playlist sounded like the perfect way to relax before heading home. Heck, I even found a new workout for the occasion – PopSugar’s Arm Plan.

Bent-Over Reverse Fly

Within minutes of starting, one of the trainers tapped me on the shoulder, letting me know that I was not using proper form for the bent-over reverse fly. I was looking at myself in the mirror, trying to ensure I was keeping my back straight, but he taught me that this tweaks my neck which can lead to injuries.

Instead of walking away, he decided it was time to chat. He asked me my name and what my purpose was in the gym. I laughed and told him that I’m a half marathon runner who knows I need to be more diligent about lifting. My goal this month is to lift twice a week.

The words that came out of his mouth next left me pissed, upset and plain baffled.

You shouldn’t be lifting heavy weights. It’s going to bulk you up and add even more weight to your body.

He proceeded this question with a quick glance over of my body and quickly assessed that my weight must be around 155 pounds. I laughed, in amazement that he could guess so easily.

You shouldn’t be running distance at your weight. It’s too hard on your body.

So let met get this straight. First you tell me that lifting 15 pound dumb bells is going to bulk me up and then you tell me that I’m carrying too much weight to run half marathons?

After venting to both the world of Twitter and Bo, I took thirty minutes to finish my workout with more energy and vigor than I thought possible.

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Next, I collected myself and calmly let him know that he was inaccurate as my body has crossed many finish lines at the weight of 155 and higher. In addition, his comments were out of line and just plain wrong. Then, I vented in the best way possible – I screamed in the bathroom and let out the emotion I was really feeling.

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Excuse me?

So, the moral of this story is two fold.

1) According to the EXPERTS at Runner’s World and a multitude of other personal trainers, athletic trainers and professionals lifting weights is beneficial cross-training for runners.

How Strength Training Benefits Runners

Why Runners Need to Strength Train

3 Reasons Strength Training Will Benefit Your Run

The Benefits of Strength Training for Distance Runners

Why All Runners Should Strength Train 

2) Never let an ignorant person, regardless of what their title may be, intimidate you or feed you lies. If you question their advice, do your own research and ALWAYS get a second opinion.

While I am not skinny, nor do I have the build of many distance runners, I am a runner who enjoys running half marathons. I am strong. I am healthy. I will not let someone like this guy make me feel otherwise.

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Your turn: How would you have handled the situation? Has your running benefited from strength training?

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65 Comments

  1. Heather (Where's the Beach) April 9, 2015 / 7:06 pm

    WHAT!?!? Oh wow. I am absolutely shocked that a certified trainer would say something like that – is he certified even? I really think I would talk to the gym manager/owner. I am a trainer, running coach AND runner. I would never in a million years tell a runner to not lift heavy nor would I discourage anyone from running basing it off of someone’s weight like that. Just wow. Totally unprofessional.

  2. Katy Widrick April 9, 2015 / 7:26 pm

    This makes me SO angry. I’m studying to take my personal trainer exam in large part because I want to really understand the industry better, and improve as a fitness instructor and blogger. This is against everything that I’ve studied (and of course agains common sense) and I hate that you experienced it.

    • ashleyd April 9, 2015 / 8:13 pm

      Katy the world will be a better place with trainers like you!

  3. Diana April 9, 2015 / 7:30 pm

    Hi Ashley,
    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but never commented. Just wanted to say that is so ridiculous and your reaction is perfect! I am a distance runner who has been plagued with injuries on and off for 4 years. Finally became consistent with strength training about a year ago (found a run coach who is all about strength training for runners and really knows his stuff) and I am finally injury free and seeing a major improvement in all my training/ race paces. This guy has no idea what he’s talking about. Keep up your hard work!

  4. Annie April 9, 2015 / 7:41 pm

    Crazy! I’m sorry that that happened to you!

    I actually had a trainer at NYSC tell me my body fat percentage was too high to run a marathon. And umm though it’s not perfect, it was definitely in the “fitness” range at the time — maybe even on the low end — and is probably lower now, and that just generally was not a nice thing to tell someone.

  5. Cait April 9, 2015 / 7:41 pm

    As a 155 lb female who has crossed 8 marathon finish lines with sub-4:00 times, I take great offense to his comments as well. What an outrageous claim!

    Good for you for telling him that he was out of line. You go girl!

  6. Katie April 9, 2015 / 7:43 pm

    I definitely would talk to the owner/manager. That trainer is hurting their business and they need to be aware.

  7. Nicole April 9, 2015 / 7:44 pm

    Ugh!!! What a jerk.

    One trainer told me I was damaging my kidneys by drinking too much water. (I never even told him how much I drank, he was guessing.) Who says this stuff?

    I am sorry, try your best to ignore him. He is just a very wrong idiot.

  8. Morgan @ Wildly Fit April 9, 2015 / 7:48 pm

    Ommgggggg the worst!

    How insensitive, how stupid, how none of his business, how uneducated.

  9. Alice April 9, 2015 / 7:49 pm

    OMG!!! Too heavy to run half marathons???!!! I am open jawed!

    • ashleyd April 9, 2015 / 8:12 pm

      Yeah, I really may go back and speak to management tomorrow Alice. He’s such a TOOLBAG!

  10. Amanda - RunToTheFinish April 9, 2015 / 7:49 pm

    I want to punch him in the face for you!! I know my actual response would have been something straightforward, but I would have had soooo much more to say.
    why do people have to “know” everything.

  11. Em April 9, 2015 / 8:01 pm

    WOW what an idiot. That “trainer” clearly didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. I’m pissed off FOR you! I would definitely report them to management for giving you unprofessional advice. UGH this is maddening!!

  12. Jody April 9, 2015 / 8:03 pm

    I have to agree with Heather is asking if he is even certified? Sheesh. Someone put that TOOL back in the shed. You definitely should talk to the manager of the gym about it. That’s not acceptable because if he doesn’t have the basic knowledge to know that strength training is amazing cross-training for a runner and that no number dictates who gets to run what distance in a race then who know what other junk he’s shedding on clients and who he could end up ultimately hurting.

  13. mindy @ just a one girl revolution. April 9, 2015 / 8:04 pm

    What an ass! I think you handled the situation perfectly – I agree with Katie, that it might be worthwhile to say something to management.

  14. Johanna B April 9, 2015 / 8:06 pm

    I think you handled yourself perfectly. Sadly, I probably would have left the gym in tears and never gone back.

  15. MAK April 9, 2015 / 8:09 pm

    Strange advice indeed…. I lift 2-3 days a week, run 4-6 days a week upwards of 50+ miles, and have raced over 50 marathons and countless other distances…. Oh, yeah, I’m heavier than you. Keep up the strength training…. Leads to lean body mass, stronger lean muscle tissue, and you look Soooo much better crossing the finish line with some definition! Rock on, sister! 🙂

  16. Tess @ FitBits April 9, 2015 / 8:12 pm

    What an absolute twonk this bloke is. Nothing left to say other than that really. :-O

  17. Heathers Looking Glass April 9, 2015 / 8:14 pm

    Oh my gosh that would have ticked me off! I weigh 155, and just ran a full marathon 5 months after having a baby. I would like to see this jerk do that!!! My blood is boiling for you (for us!) I, too have started trying to lift 2 x’s a week and anytime I have ever stuck with lifting I have not bulked up. Ug! Keep going sister!

  18. Jen @eclecticcake April 9, 2015 / 8:16 pm

    It’s so sad that, in a world increasingly opening up its doors and becoming more accessible, there are still ignorant people in the fitness industry whose minds are so closed, they can’t possibly accept a person’s physical achievements for what they are without weighing up their body.

    Good on you for rising above this nonsense and good luck with the strength training.

  19. Kelsey M. April 9, 2015 / 8:19 pm

    What??? You handled that loser with a LOT more grace than I would have! You are an awesome runner/athlete! You know what? I think you intimidated him. Which makes me laugh. A lot. Keep intimidating them, sweetheart. Also, your arms? I’m super jealous!! They look amazing!

  20. Silvia April 9, 2015 / 9:25 pm

    Welcome to Switzerland, where honest rudeness with a stance of arrogance rules (not everyone, of course, but not an exception either).

    ….good opportunity to use that bulked up arm and the full body weight to.. punched his teeth out.

  21. Zoe April 9, 2015 / 9:34 pm

    I can’t believe he said that to you! Grrr I think I would have told him to mind his own business!

  22. Regina April 9, 2015 / 11:12 pm

    I just started following you on instagram because you take some seriously wicked photos and was just thinking about how strong and great you looked! I’m sorry some ignorant person made such an inaccurate comment about you. Definitely don’t let it get to you because I can assure you, you look incredible!

  23. Bonnie April 9, 2015 / 11:47 pm

    You are a ROCKSTAR Ash! You look phenomenal and are an inspiration to so many of us! I wish I could run with the discipline you do. Don’t ever stop!!

  24. Jamie King April 9, 2015 / 11:47 pm

    Um, WHAT??!!!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? There is no weight / size limit when it comes to running and what good / professional / knowledgeable trainer would tell you that you’ll “bulk” up. FALSE. FALSE. And FALSE. Ugh, the nerve of that guy…and also just the fact that’s he was so totally misguided. Sorry you went through that. Keep running, lifting and being awesome as you are!

    XOXO

  25. Georgie April 10, 2015 / 12:10 am

    I cannot even believe this! As I read this I was getting so filled with rage. What an ignorant, arrogant prick. It’s one thing to correct someone’s form because you don’t want them to be injured it’s another to spew outdated LIES. BLERG

  26. Bryan April 10, 2015 / 12:17 am

    wow. I’m shocked and I’m not. Too many “trainers” out there are beyond ignorant. Apparently, it’s ignorant + offensive. When I got certified, I had to bite my tongue on a few “facts” you have to agree with to pass the test but know are absurd and old-school at best, and widely disproven yet still embraced by the trainer world at worst. Luckily, there are tons of awesome trainers out there, but many could use education from folks like you.

    So sorry you got treated this way. View it as a test you nailed – you schooled him, you know better, and you used your blog to educate others.

    Good for you. Keep rocking the races and the weights.

  27. Lora @ Crazy Running Girl April 10, 2015 / 12:35 am

    Oh, I have SO many words that are not appropriate for your blog… but WOW, what a dbag!! How in the world does he work as a trainer. So not okay, and what he said has no truth to it! Ugh.

  28. Renee @ Bendiful Blog April 10, 2015 / 1:13 am

    WHAT???? OMG I love your response it’s perfect! There are sooooo many things wrong with what this trainer said! Good for you knowing it isn’t OK! ROCK on Ashley!

  29. Erin April 10, 2015 / 1:31 am

    Holy crappola. A certified personal trainer told you this? What a cock prick. I’ve been doing strength training on my off days of running. It has benefited me tremendously. Also for him to guess your weight is a so wrong . I love how you handled it. As a distance runner myself at 140 I have ran marathons and half marathons and I feel amazingly strong. I’d like to punch this dude in the face. keep doing what your doing girl And best of luck.

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 8:55 am

      Cock prick? That’s a new one Erin! I love it! Thanks for the support!

      • Erin April 10, 2015 / 11:28 am

        Damn my phone must have auto corrected seriously didn’t mean to say that. Meant to say prick but not cock lmao. oh well. Glad it was ententertaining

  30. megabrooke April 10, 2015 / 1:48 am

    Gosh, that just sucks that he said those things. I think in the moment, I would have been speechless, but like you, I would have been frustrated and pissed and ready to rip him a new one. Seriously? Telling you you can’t or shouldn’t do something based on a one minute conversation with you? Telling you that lifting is going to bulk you up? He can’t be that much of an informed and reliable trainer if he truly feels that way, and if he’s telling you that based on his arbitrary assessment of your weight, that you shouldn’t be running long distances.
    I would almost want to write him, or the gym a letter, complaining about his approach. But then again, that takes energy and I guess that energy would be better used on training for your awesome races and lifting whatever the fuck weight you want. I think you’re awesome- keep doing you, and screw him for making you feel even for a second that you’re anything but awesome!

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 8:54 am

      Thanks for your support Brooke! I am taking it up with management especially since it is a work sponsored gym.

  31. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero April 10, 2015 / 1:58 am

    Shut the front door! That dude is a jerk.
    First, of all you are gorgeous and look great and people of all shapes and sizes cross finish lines. My goal weight is actually 155.
    Until then I will be running my half marathon heavier than that, and he can kiss both of our asses!

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 8:34 am

      Thanks Abby! You’ll rock your half and we’ll both show HIM!

  32. Kate @KateMovingForward April 10, 2015 / 2:19 am

    DUDE!!!! I would have been pissed too! Clearly, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about–you look awesome and kudos to getting back to strength training!

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 8:34 am

      Thanks Kate! He’s a jerk and I’m thankful for so many supportive readers & friends!

  33. Karen April 10, 2015 / 3:00 am

    I started running in fifth grade. I was actually quite good in high school but on a team of great runners. I also was 5’4″ and 150. I definitely noticed I was one of the biggest girls on the starting line but I didn’t care much bc I beat those girls. Then, my coach told my mom that I was too heavy to ever really be competitive. I was so hurt and only around 16 years old. It really effected my love of running and competing. But, when I left to go to college and decided against joining the cross country team, I was able to run just for me again. I joined weight watchers, lost 20 pounds, doubled my age and I run far slower now. But I’m fine with that! You look amazing btw. Forget that guy!!

  34. Annie April 10, 2015 / 3:15 am

    Wow, I’m so sorry that happened to you!!! That’s just so not okay. Hope that guy gets fired…

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 8:33 am

      Thanks Annie! At least we all know he’s WRONG!

  35. Shannon April 10, 2015 / 6:32 am

    Wow. You handled this with such grace and poise. I would have completely lost my shit on this “trainer”. I am so glad that you know he is wrong and will not let him affect your training/lifting/running.

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 7:53 am

      Thank you Shannon! I have quite a bad temper so luckily I was advised by Bo to give it a few minutes. 🙂

  36. Lisa @ Exercise eat repeat April 10, 2015 / 8:01 am

    What a complete joke. I bet he has never ran a half marathon in his life! He clearly is not very well informed and just plain old mean.
    I am pleased that you are not letting him get to you.

  37. Brittany Lesser April 10, 2015 / 12:50 pm

    This trainer is an idiot. Lol I literally cannot stand when trainers give out false information. LIFT HEAVY!!! You will not get bulky!!! <3

    • ashleyd April 10, 2015 / 1:05 pm

      🙂 Thanks Brittany! Yes, luckily I know that!

  38. Traci April 10, 2015 / 1:24 pm

    UGH! This makes me so mad! I’m awful when it comes to handling things “in the moment”. I probably would’ve sat there, listened to what he said, not finish my workout & leave pissed which would’ve led to crying even though I know he was wrong. What’s so awful about this is that not that long ago if someone would’ve told me what he said I would’ve believed him & there are people out there that are just starting out that won’t know better either. I’ve ran 3 Halfs & I’m registered for 2 more. I’ve only been running for 4 years & recently after doing a lot of research I’ve started to make strength training a priority. There’s soooo much info out there it’s hard to figure it all out but I’m so glad that you set him straight!!

  39. Laura April 10, 2015 / 2:13 pm

    What an ignorant jerk. You are so fit and at a healthy weight for your body! Of course you can run any distance you want! I’m curious to know how the trainer responded when you went back and spoke to him letting him know he was wrong and out of line.

  40. Frank@The Fat Runner April 10, 2015 / 3:20 pm

    If you are too heavy to run Half Marathons, then please tell this guy to avoid reading my blog at all costs. He might have a heart attack. Jackass…

  41. Brittany April 10, 2015 / 3:49 pm

    Wow! That trainer is absolutely ridiculous. As a trainer, I hate that you had to experience this, but I’m glad your sharing the story because it just proves that we shouldn’t trust everything that “trainers” say. I once had a trainer tell me that in order to lose weight I should never eat carbs after 3:00PM. WTH?

  42. Laura April 10, 2015 / 4:40 pm

    I’m sorry that happened to you! I don’t know anything about running but I am a lifter, 6 days a week, and you’re definitely not going to bulk up. Everyone in the fitness industry knows that women can’t really bulk up. He clearly didn’t know what he’s talking about. Ignore him.

  43. Lauren @ sassy molassy April 10, 2015 / 5:09 pm

    Oh my word! I’m so glad you said something back to him and corrected him. He is definitely misinformed and speaking out of line. Clearly, you are strong and in great shape and he has no business telling you what you should and should not be doing, especially not knowing anything about your fitness background. Ugh. Onward and upward!

    • ashleyd April 13, 2015 / 8:20 pm

      Thanks Lauren! Of course, I have too much of a temper and am too strong willed to not say something. 🙂 Onward and upward for sure!

  44. Kourtney April 10, 2015 / 5:34 pm

    Wow. It amazes me that there are still such plain shitty and stupid trainers out there in the world. I am so glad that you had enough sense to realize that his “advice” was not valid and had no place in your world. Your weight has nothing to do with your running, and strength training twice a week to enhance your endurance training routine will not turn you into Arnold. Thanks for the post. It’s important to raise awareness that just because someone calls themselves a “trainer” doesn’t mean they have the necessary qualifications, or spend the time to educate themselves properly. Get after those weights, girl!

    • ashleyd April 13, 2015 / 8:19 pm

      Thanks Kourtney! You’re right and don’t worry, I’m strength training again tomorrow! BOOM! Luckily most trainers are AMAZING!

  45. Lauren April 10, 2015 / 8:12 pm

    I once had a trainer at NYSC tell me that she was surprised I liked to run, if I had to lug my big legs around! Like you said, not every trainer speaks the truth. Keep your head up! 🙂

    • ashleyd April 13, 2015 / 8:19 pm

      That’s crazy! But I hope you didn’t let her get in your way!! At least most trainers are great!

  46. Debbie @ Deb Runs April 10, 2015 / 8:53 pm

    I am so glad that you realized that the trainer had no idea what he was talking about. It’s people like that who give us a bad name. All the best with your continued cross-training and running!

    • ashleyd April 11, 2015 / 6:02 am

      Thanks Debbie! I definitely realize and will keep cross training!

  47. RunEatRepeat April 13, 2015 / 8:02 pm

    Holy shit. I don’t even know what to say.

    • ashleyd April 13, 2015 / 8:17 pm

      Basically that he’s an idiot! 🙂

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