5 Simple Rules Regarding Client Interaction for Personal Trainers

What Are the Rules Regarding Client Interaction for Personal Trainers?

This may, perhaps, seem to be an extremely personal topic to be discussing, but the unfortunate truth of the matter is that many personal trainers have gotten a bad rep simply because their predecessors were unable to follow the rules regarding client interaction for personal trainers, both written and unwritten.

1)    Get close to your clients, but not too close. As a personal trainer it is important that you be able to maintain a professional relationship with your clients at all times, and this is not referring solely to any romantic entanglements which may arise. Often, there will be people who will simply rub you the wrong way and urge you to lash out at them and there will be clients who will want to get closer to you because they appreciate your unique personality and sense of humor. If there is any danger of your ability to be professional while working with your clients being compromised it is essential that your working relationship come to an end.

2)    Say what you mean and mean what you say. Do not flatter a client simply because you believe they need to be flattered, nor should you pander to their ego. Remember, these people come to you because they want your expertise, not the other way around. That said, do maintain an air of diplomacy. It is very easy to be overly blunt with an individual who is doing their level best to deceive themselves and send your career crashing down in flames.

3)    Always follow through on what you say you will do. This one is important, and requires no further explanation. Accompanying this is the old adage, “Never make a promise you can’t keep”. Be sure that whatever you promise your clients will happen will actually happen. This will serve to keep both them and you happy in your working relationship.

4)    Client confidentiality is a must. Your clients trust you to keep their secrets safe with the same fervency they would a priest or a doctor. It may not seem fair, but that’s how it is. Never gossip about the training sessions or personal life or a client with anyone, regardless of how tempting it may be.

5)    Listen, but not too closely. Do not allow yourself to become swept up in the drama of your clients’ personal lives. Many of them will take advantage of the uniquely personal relationship the two of you will develop to unburden themselves to you. Listen, and be a friend, but attempt to refrain from giving advice. Remember, you will ultimately be held responsible for the outcome of whatever suggestion it was that you made, and the last thing you want is to be held liable if it blows up in their face.

These five basic guidelines will give you the building blocks to a long and successful career in the field of personal training.