Why Men and Women Avoid Personal Training With the Opposite Sex

All fitness centers are a place for many types of gym goers, this does not include bodybuilding gyms and women’s only fitness centers. All fitness centers provide personal training. There has always been some separation with male and female personal trainers. The big question here is why males and females avoid personal training with the opposite sex?

From a female personal trainer perspective, I see this male and female personal trainer avoidance quite often. First, most personal trainers are willing to work with anyone and everyone. Some may prefer older adults, men, women, children, or just athletes. In my own personal experience some older women tend to avoid male personal trainers because they feel as though they are only into body building which reduces the chances of training with a male trainer. Some women think male trainers are the “Arrogant” type. A good majority of women only want to train with female trainers because they are uncomfortable with training with men. Most women are seeking trainers that are understanding and knowledgeable. Some look for trainers that specialize in certain aspect of training such as weight-loss, corrective exercise, strength training, and do not have a preference in male or female.

The other day I encountered a gym goer while training some clients. Lets call her “Connie.” She spoke with some of my clients both male and female. She asked them about my ability as a personal trainer as well as my personality. My clients then discussed my training methods and personality. When I walked over and introduced myself she said she has been looking for a personal trainer for a while now and that I seemed like the type of trainer she wanted to work with. Of course I had to ask her why. Hearing some frustration in her voice stated she felt intimidated by the male Personal Trainers that she has seen in this particular fitness center. She needed to be trained by someone more “like her”, meaning a female personal trainer.

On very rare occasions men have come to me seeking advice on reaching goals. Granted I am always willing to assist anyone with any questions fitness related whether they are male, female, young, and old. I have had men deliberately avoid me like the plague at the gym even though they have seen me training for several months. Do the letters on the back of my uniform not state “Personal Trainer”? Am I intimidating? Do you think my years of experience and knowledge are inadequate? Am I not strong enough to spot you? “Do you think you will offend me while speaking to me?”

A few years ago while at the gym with my husband. I was spotting him on his last set on the bench press. There was a guy on the chest press clearly needing some assistance. He waited until my husband was finished and walked right past me without a word and asked my husband for a spot. I was disappointed. I may not be 6 foot and weighing in at 200lbs but I can clearly spot a grown man lifting over 200lbs. I was deliberately ignored. The question is why? Is it a testosterone thing? Do you not feel comfortable asking a female personal trainer for assistance? Is it the male ego?

According to an anonymous source I successfully received some answers to my previous questions. Most men prefer train with male personal trainers because of body type or physique. Training with another male that is fit, or “in shape” will ultimately result in the same fitness results. Many men believe female trainers are not knowledgeable or have no way to relate to them. Others see female trainers as a distraction, may have an attitude, or bad personality. Some men could care less as long as their fitness goals are met. In some cases men prefer a female trainer because training with a male personal trainer makes them feel out of shape. There is definitely a pattern with both sides. Everyone wants personal training with someone they can relate to whether it is a male or female trainer. The choice is ultimately up to you.

While researching this particular topic I have found little to no detailed information about why men avoid personal training from the women.