Being told what to do in the fitness and sports world makes sense from a training/client standpoint. That is, "if" the trainer’s expertise justifies it. Which means the trainer is knowledgeable and sophisticated enough to understand the proper and safe technique of complex movements as it pertains to each client.  In other words, the fitness trainer can "accurately" (key word), assess and adjust to each client’s physical limitations, such as age, coordination, fatigue, orthopedic symptoms, fitness level and goals. To have a fitness sports trainer/coach with all these qualities has a lot of value, especially when you consider how a person’s goals, fitness levels and new symptoms are constantly changing.

On the other hand, being told what to do in the diet and nutrition world is a different set of rules. There are many different ideas and recipes that are helpful to guide clients to their fitness goals.  But honestly, this is where it's a little weird to me: If the fitness goal is to get leaner, lose fat, then unless you're competing in a fitness show or triathlon, the fat loss diet/recipe comes down to discipline. Because I have a hard time believing adults don't know the difference between a pizza, fried foods, ice cream and salmon, salads, and brown rice. So remember, as important as it is to include smart eating as part of your fat loss goal, keep in mind it's probably more a result of the recipe of diet "discipline" than diet "education". So after your qualified trainer gives you dieting guidelines, a big part of your success will come down to your accountability of making a good eating choice. OK, that's enough fitness and diet psychology. Good luck.

-Max, B.S.ACSM

With 30 years of experience and 5,000+ clients training for every goal there is.  Period.