In-home training safety concern - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Christina]

I don't want to sound paranoid but this morning I was thinking about the in-home training business I want to launch and I began to wonder about safety. I know chances are nothing would ever happen to a female trainer but there is a small chance that something could. Also, what should I do if I get a male client who makes me uneasy? Perhaps I should only train women in their homes. (?) Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this type of situation?

Christina

[Sandy]

Hi Christina,

I once had a male client that I did Pilates with in his home. At first I was hesitant, then I found out that his wife not only would be there, but would also be working with a personal trainer during the same time. I knew the other trainer and I felt reassured.
Nowadays you can never be too careful. I would either have him checked out, or tell hime that you will be bringing an assistant with you. Anyone call call and say anything that they want to.
Nothing against male clients, just us women need to be extremely careful. I tell everyone to always make sure that your safe.

Sandy

[Christina]

Hi Sandy,

I think what I have decided to do is advertise to only train women in their homes. If they have a husband or friend I know I could trust then I could take them on as well. By the way, it's just not female trainers who need to worry! Male trainers who do in-home training need to be concerned about female clients making false accusations.

It's sad that we even have to worry about this kind of stuff.

Christina

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

While in Baltimore the past couple of days visitng with my family. I gave my mom and dad my "Keep Your Body Revvin in 2007" materials and letter to read over and my mom said, rather matter-of-factly (Which she's an expert at)

"Dave, do you think WOMEN will feel safe having a Male trainer, train them in their homes?"

I've truly never gave it a second thought. So there we have the opposite side of the same argument:

Female client being afraid of Male trainers
and Female Trainers being afraid of Male Clients.

In the female trainer case, I'd make sure someone knows who your are training and when, and definitely have a contingency plan if things get scary/iffy.

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

women personal trainers do face issues that men probably don’t think much of. that being said I would suggest that women trainers leave the names, #s and address of their clients in a place where they can be found. let somebody know where the info can be found also. If possible, call somebody when you arrive at a new clients home and tell them how long you will be there and that you will call them back at a specified time. set your watch alarm to go off to remind you to call (you wouldn’t want to the cops showing up if they didn’t need to!)

Food for thought for the men personal trainers... we have to think about sexual harrassment issues. make sure your liability insurance covers this.

This is actually a very good question Christina. I’m going to use it in the personal training book Im writing now!
Joe

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

While discussing business issues with a friend of mine in Baltimore, she recommended I get a background check done on myself, and make sure I have plenty of positive references (preferablly Female) to set potential female clients at ease.

I wasn't completely sure if you could get a background check on yourself, does someone else have to request this?

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

thats a pretty good idea and Ive never heard it before. Im not sure where you can get a background check on yourself either. Id imagine if you googled "background check" a bunch of sites would pop up. not sure of the cost. if you find anything out let me know Id be interested in learning more about this!
Joe

[Christina]

Erin,

I noticed in one of your posts that you do in home training. How do you handle safety concerns? Thanks for any input you can provide!

Christina