Personal Trainers Can’t Police Clients

As a certified personal trainer, I had to respond to the “How I Did It” (Nov. 29) column written by Heidi Myer Wong. Heidi stated that for the first four months of her nine-month weight-loss regimen, she worked with a personal trainer but quit because she didn’t like gyms and it bothered her that none of the trainer’s longtime clients were thin.

Most clients have the notion that the total responsibility for their results lies solely with the trainer. Nothing could be further from the truth. I see my clients anywhere from one to three hours per week. However, there are another 165 to 167 hours in the week that I don’t see my clients, where it is their responsibility to do what I advise to lose weight and keep fit and healthy.

Trainers obviously cannot police their clients 24 hours a day, and it gets frustrating to give advice that just goes in one ear and out the other.

Working with a personal trainer will yield wonderful results when used in addition to a complete fitness program that involves dietary and lifestyle changes, and daily commitment. Results will vary based upon the commitment level of each individual. I hope Heidi’s article will not discourage others who are considering hiring a trainer for more complete physical fitness.

JESSICA SACKMAN

Los Angeles