Being realistic - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[scott8941]

Just like to say hi to everybody.

Heres my issue for today, how to tell a client the truth, and yet move forward with them at the same time.

I work with a client who only see me every 4-6 weeks for a review. She's late forties/early fifties, no major health concerns other than weight.

Now everything has been going swimmingly, but she has arrived at the point of no return, either increase the intensity of her sessions, or, as I have suggested, frequency.

Nothing major, just want to get her heart rate up for 30mins 5 times a week. Now, when i told her, the look on her face was an absolute classic! Like I had just told her I want her to swim the channel!

Now, i am due to see her in 4 weeks, and, unless she really takes the bull by the horns, I am guessing she will sit down and tell me she couldnt train that often.

So, my question is, what do you do?

I only like to train people fully committed to their goals, and I am fortunate to be in a position where I can be choosy.

But whats the best way of telling somebody they need to get their ass into gear who isnt that committed? Is there such a way?

[Christina]

Hi Scott and welcome. I just remind clients that they get out of it what they put into it. This morning a client said to me, "I should have lost a ton of weight by now." I said, "I'm doing my part. You've got to do your part." She immediately said, "I know, I know. I need to quit eating so much." Sometimes people just need honesty along with a kick in the pants.

You could also explain to her that if she doesn't want to follow your suggestions then perhaps it's time to part ways. This will sometimes light the fire under them.

[freetimefitness]

At the end of the day its your reputation on the line, you need to advise her when to train not just what training to do. I would say unless you train/ see her at least once per week you cannot honestly put your reputation on the line and garuntee her results.

On the other hand it depends how results driven she is, she may just be using you to keep her coming to the gym and preventing her from getting bored, so she would just be a 'Programming' client. but again be cautious garunteeing results because with you absent effort and intensity levels drop.

Tom