110kg Deadlift

Puma:
I didn't say that trainers weren't dodgy, I just know that the trainers at VDK's gym aren't.
I know just about everyone there, they're all good knowledgeable people, and usually based off previous encounters or from what they've heard, people jump to too many conclusions with the credibility of trainers. I don't think that's fair.

But with that being said, reading back on my post and yours, it's unfortunate that a lot of trainers don't know wtf they're doing.
That annoys the hell out of me. If you don't know what a row is then you should not be registered!!

Today I asked one of the RMIT trainers to actually check my torso as some of you may know, I have less flexibility in one shoulder which means it twists my torso slightly when I have the bar behind my back for the squat.

Anyway I had the position in a low-bar squat and he said it was too low. I explained that I was doing a low bar squat, and he replied that even for a powerlifter that's too low and then told me to readjust it. I'm pretty sure he made me adjust it to pretty much a high bar squat. This kinda annoyed me, lol...

Next thing I had my elbows as back as possible. He told me that I need to have them pointing towards the ground. I then explained that to have the bar locked onto the back, I need to push my elbows back so the bar is secure on my back. He disagreed and said something I can't quite remember. Anyway he said a few other things...and I was like hmmm...ok..although some of the things I did agree with.

Are there different kinds of trainers who specialize in working with different kinds of people?  At my YMCA all of the people I see being trained are inexperienced.  The trainers work with them using barbells and machines.  Based on the questions I've asked them and their responses I'm left with the impression that they know more about dealing with clients just starting out than with people at intermediate stages and beyond.  I'm pretty sure they would be hard pressed to help say a powerlifter with form and technique.  I'm not disparaging trainers.  I just wonder whether they specialize.  Or if you are certified, are you supposed to be able to help all comers?

I don't think the YMCA really does; maybe slightly as they have the female trainers that do the worthless typical female stuff and then at mine they have 2 male trainers that train the guys so maybe thats simply how they split it. At mine there is one decent guy as in he knows his SS, bill starr 5x5, texas and all that stuff but he doesn't know much about olympic lifts. He is good enough to help most members there though I guess.

I might have to look into that Jane. I'd really like to compete myself. Only recently turned 17 so i have a lot of time to work with still.