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The Episode: When Clients Want to Go Off Plan
From time to time, clients will come to you with a question or request regarding something they saw or heard about elsewhere. This can be a new fitness fad or a recommendation from a magazine or celebrity trainer, but it might not fit in with your current plan. What should you do in these situations? There are two broad ways to respond to these scenarios, the first is around sticking strictly to the plan and asserting your authority as the coach. The other way you can tackle this issue is to adopt a more supportive and explorative tact. You can allow your client to try something, with your guidance, and perhaps you can both learn something! The main thing is to use the advantage you have, which is the personal credibility you have as their trainer.
In This Episode
- The question that sparked today's topic about adherence
- What a distracted client shows about your training
- Ways to deal with requests to go off plan
- Supportive versus strict coaching
- The inevitable occurrence of these kinds of interactions
- Lessons we can learn from client requests and questioning
- The strengths of a personalized approach to fitness programs
“Part of coaching women is remembering and understanding that women have complete and full autonomy over their body. They can do and not do, with their body, whatever the heck that they want.” — Carolina Belmares
The Ups and Downs of Fitness Trends
It can be quite tricky to deal with the influence of current trends and changes in the fitness landscape. Clients can get shiny object syndrome very easily, so it is important to stay focused on the personal connection you have as a personal trainer! Questions and doubts do not have to lead to losing a client and can actually lead to learning and present opportunities to grow and assist someone in new ways.
Responses to Client Requests
A small tip that can be very helpful is to always celebrate a client's engagement and interest in their fitness and health. You should let the nature of your relationship with them lead the way in terms of how you deal with things too, certain people can be pushed a little harder while others might need a more gentle approach. Being present in the process of a client's learning is a plus, so if you can keep them safe while staying within your scope and expertise, that is usually a good thing.
The Two Methodologies
Dealing with these scenarios is somewhat inevitable at some point, so having your responses in order is advised. Whichever way to you chose to go, taking your ego out of it and making their health and fitness journey the priority will always be best! There is also the added dimension of what these kinds of queries can signify, and if you can keep in mind the idea of helping them in ways you might have been missing, you can strengthen your coaching relationship rather than undermine it.
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