Why I’m Not A Guru

I was talking to Garry and Scott the other day, and the word ‘Guru’ came up. The internet is filled with self proclaimed ‘Gurus’. People who perhaps fall into the category of ‘Those who can’t do, teach.’

In rare cases though there are some people who genuinely do have the experience, knowledge and teaching skills to be a real asset to people online.

Garry and Scott have been starting, running and selling bootcamps for years. While Guru might not be the best word to describe them, I would call them both ‘masters’ in the area of fitness.

This all got me thinking about my own experience. Guru’s are often writing things like ‘If you don’t do this your business will fail.’ and ‘If you don’t have this, you will never achieve that.’. It can make running a business and trying to help people pretty overwhelming. I guess it is the strong message they convey that gives them such authority (a point to remember when talking to your own clients).

It was when I got to this point in my train of thoughts that I suddenly realised something.

I had just written a Guru, pushy, no-way-out style post myself a few weeks ago.

But you must understand, I am not a Guru. Just like you, I am still working it all out.

So with the New Year coming, which is always a time of reflection, I thought I would share with you a few of my flaws which make me just a regular trainer like you.

10 Reasons I’m a Terrible Trainer

1. I am a really awful salesman. When I try to sell it comes off as disingenuous and pushy. I always feel a bit guilty and dirty afterwards. Even though I know this could be improved by practicing, I tend to shy away from selling at all.
2. After I have been training a client for a while, I get used to their some of the bad exercise habits (eg. saggy head/hips when doing push ups) and as a result I stop picking them up on their technique.
3. I rarely do cardiovascular work in my own training. As a result I don’t run further then 100 metres with my fast clients. Luckily they challenge each other.
4. I don’t take new bootcampers blood pressure before their first session. Even though the Bootcamp Alliance told me I should. I feel bad about that.
5. Sometimes when new clients start with me, they stop coming after a few weeks and I never call them to follow up. I feel pretty bad about that too.
6. Early in my career this guy emailed me once asking about Personal Training and I never emailed him back. Never. I am terrible.
7. I offer no nutritional option, just fitness. As a result I don’t get many weight loss clients. Most of my clients are just trying to get fitter so that works out fine.
8. I try to please everyone rather than just focus on one niche which is the current advice of most fitness professionals.
9. My park permit strictly limits us to 20 people per session. I regularly exceed this during Summer. I don’t feel so bad about that.
10. I have been known to take my clients to the pub for a few drinks. Granted, it was Christmas time.

I hope these 10 points make you feel not so bad about your own shortcomings (and give you a chuckle).

The curious thing is, that so far none of these points have stopped me from making a great business and getting some Mums and Dads and 30-somethings seriously fit. We all have weak points in our business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help a lot of people, have fun and make some money along the way.

Really, you should spend most of your time improving your Strengths rather than trying to bring up your weaknesses. Find someone else to help you who has your weaknesses as their strengths instead. (I highly recommend this book if you are unsure what your strengths are)

That leaves me to ask the question, how about you? Where do you fall short in your business/training?

Christmas Sale

Before you go, I just wanted you to know that my friend Garry is holding a first time ever sale on his ebooks. The sale starts in a few hours and will be only be running for 5 days (until the 31st December).

Yes, this also includes his new book Bootcamp Workout Ideas Volume II which contains 50 brand new workouts (fun, challenging workouts like the workouts on this site), 10 new warm up ideas and a new 3 month workout calender to use with your planning.

To read more about his books, to download a sample workout or buy yourself some belated Christmas gifts; use this link to view the special sale page (aff link).

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Image: black vanilla

Kyle Wood

Kyle Wood created Bootcamp Ideas in 2010 when he was hunting around on the internet for workout ideas. He ran a successful bootcamp in Victoria, Australia and spends his spare time managing this site, adventuring (or lazying) with his wife and find new ways to make bootcamps even better.