How not to communicate to your overweight, sensitive, client...Personal Trainer Dont's

It is true that staying with a program aimed to change one's lifestyle to a more healthier one is challenging. Many make resolutions that do not make it past month 1. Many more keep the resolution as a thought only. It's difficult enough as it is, without we personal trainers making it harder by shredding you to pieces when you cannot perform that last rep. Shame on us. 

Motivation is over half our work. Our knowledge, experience and attention to you does not matter as much as keeping you interested and inspired to continue with your program. 

Seeing the TV trainers do their thing, you would be mistaken to think that this is a day to day in our lives. Shouting at the contestants in those shows meant to inspire you into changing your own lives - Never mind that the contestants are cocooned and given all the tools they need...and have signed contracts. This is not the same in real life. Real life needs some empathy, real life needs you to consider your revenue streams and whether putting a person who is already down into the pits will give you a positive revenue stream...chances are it will not.

Motivational strategies for each client differ, here are some things I have observed, sometimes to my disgust, during sessions with clients.

1. Comments meant to insult and that impune on poor character on the part of the client when the client states that they are tired, sore, or feel beaten by life, the workout...anything. What about this will spur the person into action? Especially when dealing with fragile egos, this is more likely to make one a little or a lot depressed and not follow through with their program.

2. Walking away, taking more interest in your phone, leaving the training area numerous times, making every exercise seem like an afterthought....you're just not interested in your client! You're also giving them an excuse to say that you do not make an effort and thus they are not seeing any changes...no other factors will be taken into account.

3. Not imparting knowledge. Personal training today has become a life coaching job. Nothing can be done in isolation. I take pride in explaining to my clients exactly why I prescribe something to them and why proper form is important e.t.c. I also never design a program that does not include some tips on eating. There is always a caveat, I am not a nutritionist, but when I want results for myself I do this. That is enough.

4. Asking...so what did we do last time....Really?

5. Calling your client fat. - Yes it happens. There are some who believe that using such terms will make your client realise that they need to make a change. They are with you, they already know that. Rubbing it in their face will not make them affirm this decision, it only benefits you the trainer, and how that is, I am not sure.

I actually wrote this post after a close friend who used to be a client confessed she felt demeaned by treatment she received from a trainer. So much so that she chose to continue her journey at home as she waits for my calendar to clear up so that we could begin training together again.

Shame on you for putting her down....I wonder how far up the ladder that has taken you. In my books, you're lower than a worm.

Have an active day!