Tips for screening and hiring a trainer to do weight training

Posted by trixiegirl @trixiegirl, Dec 4 11:59am

I live in St. Petersburg Florida. I would like to hire a trainer to work with me on an Onero inspired program. I know there are excellent videos to watch. I especially like Brick House Bones. However, when the work outs are more challenging I fear I could do more damage without someone right there to guide me, especially in the beginning. There are plenty of gyms and physical therapists around but I haven’t found one who has heard of Onero and most are fearful of the more challenging heavy weight lifting with osteoporosis. When I first got diagnosed I asked for a referral to physical therapy/gym hoping for something that might overlap with Onero. It was all very tame and the director was shocked when I sent her the link about Onero and what the women were doing in that program. Has anyone worked with a trainer who was willing to learn about Onero perhaps by reading the studies and information online? If so, could you share your experience. Do you have any tips for screening/hiring? I’ve never worked with a trainer and know nothing about weight lifting. Thank you for any thoughts/suggestions.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 4 6:57pm

@trixiegirl I had osteoporosis but with medication (Evenity for one year and just had a Reclast infusion I have gained enough bone density that I’m now in the mild to moderate osteopenia range.

I’ve been going to the gym on my own and weightlifting for over 30 years. I started working with a personal trainer four years ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. I’m wondering, though, why you want a trainer to specifically follow the Onero program? I work with trainers who do a lot of work with older adults like me (I’m 72 years old). My trainers (I’ve had 2 in the last 4 years) are both certified athletic trainers who have master’s degrees in exercise physiology.

I guess I’m confused on why you want a trainer to follow the Onero program. Is this something you could do on your own at a gym?

osteoresearch | @osteoresearch | Dec 5 8:05am

I can recommend Starting Strength. Never sore and never injured but then because I had to find a new trainer temporarily due to location, I got injured very 1st session. Not all trainers or programs are created equal!! Starting strength lifts are very similar to Onero and many older people are at this place. I would also get injured if doing it on my own. Find a great trainer and one that listens! It is worth it but also listen to your body. You’ll be excited to advance when done safely and properly.

yogalisac | @yogalisac | Dec 5 5:30pm

Sorry but what is Onero? Thanks!

oopsiedaisy | @oopsiedaisy | Dec 5 7:08pm

Onero is the program started by Belinda Beck that is based on the
LIFTMOR study which researched whether a program of lifting heavy weights and doing jumping exercises improved bone density in women with osteoporosis.

The program is available in Australia where Dr. Beck resides and there are a few locations in the US where it is offered. It’s supervised by physiotherapists who are trained in the program to ensure safety.

oopsiedaisy | @oopsiedaisy | Dec 6 12:11pm

I've been lifting weights for 12 years. I started before my osteoporosis diagnosis so I can't provide any insight on how to find a trainer who is experienced in training people with osteoporosis. The one thing I can recommend is to find a trainer who will ensure that your technique is perfect (not just OK) and who will start you at very low weights.

One thing I've learned through my own experience is that it also takes your tendons and ligaments time to adjust. If you jump in and start lifting heavier weights before they've acclimated you'll injure yourself and that will slow your progress.