Anti-Social Exercise?

Many people look for a social component when it comes to physical activity. Without question human beings are social animals, and we were not meant to live life in a bubble. There are many different ways to scratch the social itch - some that involve physical activity and some that do not. Going to happy hour for a beer with coworkers would qualify as social, as would attending a sporting event with friends. Participating in recreational sports, such as golf, pickleball, and group cycling can serve as a social outlet. Folks often join gyms, ostensibly in the pursuit of fitness, but also to obtain a social experience. They typically do more talking than exercising, and I propose that these individuals are not interested in a serious workout. If they happen to work with a "personal trainer", that individual could be more accurately described as a "workout caddy" - someone who holds an iPad and goes from machine to machine with you while chit chatting about any number of inane subjects. On the other side of the spectrum is Total Results; our exercise studio is not a social club.

Our clients are interesting and successful people who have worked in a variety of industries over the course of their professional lives. A number of trainees are now retired but still live productive and meaningful lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to talk with and learn from them. Hearing about their experiences has given me perspective that I likely would not have gained if I had gone to work in another field. We have had some fascinating conversations on a wide range of subjects outside of exercise. However, these discussions take place before or after a workout, but almost never during a session. The relationship between a Total Results instructor and a client should, above all else, be professional. At the same time, it is important for me to connect with the client on a personal level so that the experience can be transformational rather than simply transactional. Clients must know that we care about them - this is essential for helping them to achieve something meaningful.

High-intensity exercise requires complete concentration. There is a reason why our studio does not have TVs, music, mirrors, plants, or bright colors on the wall. All of these objects are distractions, and the main reason you come to Total Results is to have the best possible workout experience. Conversation can distract you from your primary purpose, and it can also compromise your safety. If you are talking with your instructor you are not paying attention to your speed of movement, turnaround technique, or your breathing, which can pose a hazard. Some clients over the years have remarked that they like to multitask. I find that typically means they do two things poorly at the same time. Total Results workouts last only twenty minutes; surely you can remain focused for that small length of time.

Exercise instruction should be a monologue, not a dialogue. There are times when I may need to ask a question in the middle of an exercise. For example, if I see that a client is experiencing pain in a joint or suffering from an exercise-induced headache, I may ask them if they need to stop. If that scenario occurs, the client should give as brief an answer as possible so that we can take the necessary action. I mostly discourage talking between exercises as well, although that is preferable to talking during an exercise. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, it can disrupt the flow of the workout. Two, it creates a delay, which diminishes metabolic conditioning and systemic inroad, but also slows down my record-keeping. Finally, conversation distracts me as an instructor. I need to be in a certain head space in order to instruct to my personal standard, and I believe it is my duty to give each client my very best. I am up front about this when I conduct an initial consultation, but most people are accustomed to being in a more social environment when exercising. Occasionally I am curt when clients feel the need to talk. Please understand that I am not purposely being rude, it is just that I am attempting to send a subtle message that the time for talking is over. I am always happy to chat with clients for a few minutes before or after a session to discuss their progress, the College Football Playoff, or any number of other topics.

The Total Results mission is to help you to achieve your goals safely and efficiently, so that you can get more out of life. The workouts themselves aren't particularly fun, but the fun comes with the results. Reducing reliance on medication, staying out of the doctor's office, and remaining injury free are all within your grasp. And that would be something worth talking about.