Why do I see trainers pushing supplements on people fresh off the couch?

Pianomahnn · 01-18-2007, 06:50 PM

All too often I see the "personal trainers" at my local gym (X-Sport Fitness) leading the hot-of-the-couch trainee through all the supplements they should be buying.

Why? I see absolutely no reason for this. The reason, I'm certain, is because they get a cut of what they sell. That makes me angry.

Please, someone prove to me that I'm ignorant and everyone needs supplements, regardless of their current fitness state or goals. Otherwise, I'm going to throw stuff next time I'm in there.

min0 lee · 01-18-2007, 07:15 PM

Greed.
One man's sin is another man's profit.

John69 · 01-18-2007, 08:11 PM

agreed with Min0

. Profits!

**P-funk** · 01-18-2007, 08:19 PM

because they are stupid.

machinehead · 01-19-2007, 06:16 AM

You have to understand, new trainee are recruit in this business, so their knowledge is zero, the trainers recognize these people and makes money on them.

In my country(Israel) it's popular in the famous gyms like holmes place, the trainers gets some percentages from the gym, the main supplements they sell is the Ultimate Nutrition line, like the Prostar whey. (in israel the Prostar whey cost about 70$ for 5lb jar, because of that, trainers sell to the trainee the supplements without any problem(the "sell" them crap things how it's good and etc).

Pianomahnn · 01-19-2007, 07:50 AM

It's just wrong! From a business perspective, I understand the premise of profit margins and the affect supplements can have on that. But selling people into something they, without a doubt, have no need for is wrong, possibly even dangerous.

More and more I feel the need to work a business plan, get investors, and start my own gym. I may not be certified in personal training, or diet & nutrition, but I'm well informed enough to know when gyms are doing things wrong.

Well...at least I've never let a PT talk me into anything. Hell, I've never used a PT let alone the peops on here and my been-lifting-for-decades dad.

machinehead · 01-19-2007, 09:24 AM

Hi,

Well you right that it's wrong, but sometimes money is the first things for people and they have to find the easiest way to do money, and sometimes they make money on the trainee and sometimes they even makes money on their best friends.

In my country the supplement business is not so well, stores sell the supplement in high price (compare to USA the price is double and sometimes x3), some trainers import personally supplement and sell them to their trainee in double price(compare to the price that they bought).

They sell them junk supplements like uneffective fat burners and cheap whey proteins like ultimate nutrition prostar whey. the problem is also that the gym club encourge them to do it because they profit without do anything.

Double D · 01-19-2007, 09:32 AM

Well probably because the gyms are selling sups there at the gym and they are told to try and ush the sups onto their clients. But yeah total stupidity, theres nothing a guy fresh off the couch needs other than a good solid diet along with some rest and recovery.

fufu · 01-19-2007, 11:35 AM

money money money!

**Prince** · 01-19-2007, 11:39 AM

it depends on what supps though, there are a few that I have no problem recommending to a beginner adult:

multi-vitamin
whey protein
EFA's

zombul · 01-19-2007, 11:49 AM

Maybe they hire part time GNC employees.

John69 · 01-19-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombul

Maybe they hire part time GNC employees.

slip · 01-20-2007, 01:39 AM

comission + if it gets them better results this reflects very favourably on the trainer for their training and their recommendation of the supplement.

**I Are Baboon** · 01-20-2007, 07:10 AM

When I was a member at Bally's, it always frustrated me to see an obvious newbie in a salesperson's office having supplements pushed on them. The trainers there are such used car salesmen. Someone trying to get into shape needs a good workout and diet plan before they should start getting into supplements.

**P-funk** · 01-20-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

When I was a member at Bally's, it always frustrated me to see an obvious newbie in a salesperson's office having supplements pushed on them. The trainers there are such used car salesmen. Someone trying to get into shape needs a good workout and diet plan before they should start getting into supplements.

this is true. I think a lot of people have become "desensitized" to personal trainers because of this. They think that everytime they walk in the gym, a trainer will try and sell them something. I hate that hard sell bullshit.

Freighter · 01-20-2007, 10:40 AM

Another gripe I have with beginners using supplements is that even if they get halfway decent reults they wont know if it was their hard work that got them there or if it was the supplements. They will never learn what their body is capable of.

Consequently, when they want to try a new program, the won't have the confidence that it will work unless they have a truck load of supplements to assist them.

ABCs · 01-20-2007, 04:42 PM

The fact is, trainers want money and they don't TRULY give a shit about the health of thweir clients. Now this is not everyone, I am sure we still have some honest, caring people on this planet. As the old saying says "Money makes the world go round."

Pianomahnn · 01-20-2007, 08:34 PM

So this wonderful gym I've mentioned a few times has semi-frequent job fairs for trainers (if offered a job, training and "education" are included). I've honestly thought about giving it a shot to see if I actually enjoyed being a PT. Then I think about all the horseshit selling I would have to do. I couldn't. There is no way I could try and sell a guy who is 30 lbs over weight a 5lb jug of protein. *sigh*

**P-funk** · 01-20-2007, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianomahnn

So this wonderful gym I've mentioned a few times has semi-frequent job fairs for trainers (if offered a job, training and "education" are included). I've honestly thought about giving it a shot to see if I actually enjoyed being a PT. Then I think about all the horseshit selling I would have to do. I couldn't. There is no way I could try and sell a guy who is 30 lbs over weight a 5lb jug of protein. *sigh*

So just don't sell it to him.

The money you make will be lower because you are getting commision off of those supplement sales though.

ABCs · 01-20-2007, 08:59 PM

Isn't it good to take protein even on a cut?

**nni** · 01-20-2007, 09:06 PM

yes it is.

Pianomahnn · 01-21-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

So just don't sell it to him.

The money you make will be lower because you are getting commission off of those supplement sales though.

My assumption is that this company has certain...requirements (*wink* *wink*)...for employment. Hell, they even commission goals for the cute little girls working behind the counter.

**P-funk** · 01-21-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianomahnn

My assumption is that this company has certain...requirements (*wink* *wink*)...for employment. Hell, they even commission goals for the cute little girls working behind the counter.

big gyms (especially chain gyms) don't give a shit about anything except driving revenue. They will sell anything to anyone to make a buck. It isn't about being genuine or helping people. It is about taking their money. If the general manager of the place tells you otherwise, then you call him a fucking liar right to his face.

Steed77 · 01-21-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

this is true. I think a lot of people have become "desensitized" to personal trainers because of this. They think that everytime they walk in the gym, a trainer will try and sell them something. I hate that hard sell bullshit.

I totally agree. When I was young and..well...dumb...I became a trainer at Bally's at about 20 years old. While I was in college at the time getting my degree in Kinesiology...I was hired as a trainer at Bally's. LOL...I was probably one of the more "educated" members on staff..LOL. Anyway...I ended up quiting because I got into training thinking I would be helping people change their body's and lives. Instead...I found myself trying to MEET sales goals each month. Absolutely pathetic. I could not stand the sales part of the job.

That said...I don't think there is anything wrong with recommending Multi's to a "new" member, because I think everyone should be taking them. However...promoting and pushing bottle after bottle of Supps is ridiculous.

**P-funk** · 01-21-2007, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steed77

I totally agree. When I was young and..well...dumb...I became a trainer at Bally's at about 20 years old. While I was in college at the time getting my degree in Kinesiology...I was hired as a trainer at Bally's. LOL...I was probably one of the more "educated" members on staff..LOL. Anyway...I ended up quiting because I got into training thinking I would be helping people change their body's and lives. Instead...I found myself trying to MEET sales goals each month. Absolutely pathetic. I could not stand the sales part of the job.

That said...I don't think there is anything wrong with recommending Multi's to a "new" member, because I think everyone should be taking them. However...promoting and pushing bottle after bottle of Supps is ridiculous.

exactly. that is why you need to work for yourself. it is a lot easier to develop a program based on your passion and love for what you do. people will see that you have an interest in helping them and you wont ever have to sell anything. they will come to you.

Pianomahnn · 01-21-2007, 12:29 PM

I was thinking about using a shite gym such as my own as a stepping stone to working on my own. My roommate used to use a PT that started off at the same gym, built some clients, then went out on his own. No sales goals other than building and retaining a client list. Something tells me people appreciate that business honesty and ethic much more than being sold shit they don't need.

**P-funk** · 01-21-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianomahnn

I was thinking about using a shite gym such as my own as a stepping stone to working on my own. My roommate used to use a PT that started off at the same gym, built some clients, then went out on his own. No sales goals other than building and retaining a client list. Something tells me people appreciate that business honesty and ethic much more than being sold shit they don't need.

you own a gym?

People appreciate value. They appreciate knowing that you are honest and that you can do something for them.

01-18-2007, 06:50 PM	#1
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	Why do I see trainers pushing supplements on people fresh off the couch? BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com All too often I see the "personal trainers" at my local gym (X-Sport Fitness) leading the hot-of-the-couch trainee through all the supplements they should be buying. Why? I see absolutely no reason for this. The reason, I'm certain, is because they get a cut of what they sell. That makes me angry. Please, someone prove to me that I'm ignorant and everyone needs supplements, regardless of their current fitness state or goals. Otherwise, I'm going to throw stuff next time I'm in there.

01-18-2007, 07:15 PM	#2
min0 lee I See© Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Bronx, NYC Posts: 30,683 Blog Entries: 3 Photos: 542	Greed. One man's sin is another man's profit.
	How To Do The Perfect Bench Press Rep Bodybuilding and Lifting Weights, the Difference ironmagazine-frapper KEFE '08

01-18-2007, 08:11 PM	#3
John69 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 143	agreed with Min0 . Profits!
John69 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 143

01-18-2007, 08:19 PM	#4
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,223	because they are stupid.
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

01-19-2007, 09:32 AM	#8
Double D Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 9,850	Well probably because the gyms are selling sups there at the gym and they are told to try and ush the sups onto their clients. But yeah total stupidity, theres nothing a guy fresh off the couch needs other than a good solid diet along with some rest and recovery.
	www.crossfit.com

01-19-2007, 06:16 AM	#5
machinehead Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Petah Tikva,Israel Posts: 153	You have to understand, new trainee are recruit in this business, so their knowledge is zero, the trainers recognize these people and makes money on them. In my country(Israel) it's popular in the famous gyms like holmes place, the trainers gets some percentages from the gym, the main supplements they sell is the Ultimate Nutrition line, like the Prostar whey. (in israel the Prostar whey cost about 70$ for 5lb jar, because of that, trainers sell to the trainee the supplements without any problem(the "sell" them crap things how it's good and etc).

01-19-2007, 07:50 AM	#6
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	It's just wrong! From a business perspective, I understand the premise of profit margins and the affect supplements can have on that. But selling people into something they, without a doubt, have no need for is wrong, possibly even dangerous. More and more I feel the need to work a business plan, get investors, and start my own gym. I may not be certified in personal training, or diet & nutrition, but I'm well informed enough to know when gyms are doing things wrong. Well...at least I've never let a PT talk me into anything. Hell, I've never used a PT let alone the peops on here and my been-lifting-for-decades dad.

01-19-2007, 09:24 AM	#7
machinehead Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Petah Tikva,Israel Posts: 153	Hi, Well you right that it's wrong, but sometimes money is the first things for people and they have to find the easiest way to do money, and sometimes they make money on the trainee and sometimes they even makes money on their best friends. In my country the supplement business is not so well, stores sell the supplement in high price (compare to USA the price is double and sometimes x3), some trainers import personally supplement and sell them to their trainee in double price(compare to the price that they bought). They sell them junk supplements like uneffective fat burners and cheap whey proteins like ultimate nutrition prostar whey. the problem is also that the gym club encourge them to do it because they profit without do anything.

01-19-2007, 11:35 AM	#9
fufu fiendish thingy Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 15,631 Photos: 3	money money money!
	fufu's 1337 Journal Your diet will set you free.

01-19-2007, 11:39 AM	#10
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,188 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	it depends on what supps though, there are a few that I have no problem recommending to a beginner adult: multi-vitamin whey protein EFA's
	Support the Board Sponsors: SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements AtLargeNutrition - Optimize Your Body MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal IronMagazine Nutrition Warehouse - discount bodybuilding supplements

01-19-2007, 11:49 AM	#11
zombul SB MUSCLE REP Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Branson Posts: 1,589	Maybe they hire part time GNC employees.

01-20-2007, 01:39 AM	#13
slip Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 346	comission + if it gets them better results this reflects very favourably on the trainer for their training and their recommendation of the supplement.
slip Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 346

01-20-2007, 07:10 AM	#14
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,699 Photos: 10	When I was a member at Bally's, it always frustrated me to see an obvious newbie in a salesperson's office having supplements pushed on them. The trainers there are such used car salesmen. Someone trying to get into shape needs a good workout and diet plan before they should start getting into supplements.

01-20-2007, 10:40 AM	#16
Freighter Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 26	Another gripe I have with beginners using supplements is that even if they get halfway decent reults they wont know if it was their hard work that got them there or if it was the supplements. They will never learn what their body is capable of. Consequently, when they want to try a new program, the won't have the confidence that it will work unless they have a truck load of supplements to assist them.
Freighter Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 26

01-20-2007, 04:42 PM	#17
ABCs Audios Envy Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: My Mind Posts: 1,155	The fact is, trainers want money and they don't TRULY give a shit about the health of thweir clients. Now this is not everyone, I am sure we still have some honest, caring people on this planet. As the old saying says "Money makes the world go round."
	After almost 2 weeks... I am back and better than ever.

01-20-2007, 09:06 PM	#21
nni Designer Supplements Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,111 Blog Entries: 1	yes it is.
	www.DesignerSupps.com www.intelligentdesignmag.com Lean Xtreme 2.0 now available.

01-20-2007, 08:34 PM	#18
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	So this wonderful gym I've mentioned a few times has semi-frequent job fairs for trainers (if offered a job, training and "education" are included). I've honestly thought about giving it a shot to see if I actually enjoyed being a PT. Then I think about all the horseshit selling I would have to do. I couldn't. There is no way I could try and sell a guy who is 30 lbs over weight a 5lb jug of protein. sigh

01-20-2007, 08:59 PM	#20
ABCs Audios Envy Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: My Mind Posts: 1,155	Isn't it good to take protein even on a cut?
	After almost 2 weeks... I am back and better than ever.

01-21-2007, 12:29 PM	#26
Pianomahnn I bike to work. Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,224 Photos: 6	I was thinking about using a shite gym such as my own as a stepping stone to working on my own. My roommate used to use a PT that started off at the same gym, built some clients, then went out on his own. No sales goals other than building and retaining a client list. Something tells me people appreciate that business honesty and ethic much more than being sold shit they don't need.