Answering a PHONE CALL – this is by far, the most disrespectful habit a Personal Trainer can have – but sadly, it is also one of the most common things I spot among Personal Trainers, especially at the health clubs.
You name it, I’ve seen it.
Clients waving their hands in the air waiting for the dumbbells to be placed in their hands – but dear trainer, you are on the phone!
Clients who are in the midst of performing an exercise – but dear trainer, you just stepped AWAY to take a phone call!
Clients who need that extra push to crank out those last few repetitions – but dear trainer, you are engrossed with your phone call rather than with your client!
Clients who save up their hard earned cash to pay for a personal training session so that they can learn proper technique when they exercise – but dear trainer, you are on the phone… so how can you be watching/correcting your client!
Clients who are performing exercises that require supervision/spotting – but dear trainer, you are more aware of the vibrations of your phone!
If you’re a Personal Trainer, and you’re feeling offended – then hey, you must be guilty of the above?
But if you’re a CLIENT of a Personal Trainer and you’re ANGRY – you have every right to feel that way.
What does it mean when your Personal Trainer answers a phone call during your Personal Training session?
Unless it is a matter of LIFE & DEATH, when your Personal Trainer shows disrespect by answering his/her phone during your session, it simple means that your Personal Trainer:
1. Has no respect for your time.
2. Is more interested in his social life than the interests of his/her client.
3. Has no concern over your safety and the effectiveness of his/her program.
4. Is not giving you 100%.
5. Is more interested to get your sessions done than for you to see real results.
6. Does not deserve to be one.
7. Should be shot – really!
Think I’m being harsh? Well, honestly – I’m not.
How would you feel if you went to the Emergency Room of a hospital but the Doctor in charge at that moment was more interested in his phone call than the pain you’re experiencing?
How would you feel if you went to the dentist for a wisdom tooth extraction – and the dentist kept answering his/her phone in the midst of your surgery?
How would you feel if you went for music lessons but your teacher kept answering her phone during your 60 minute class which costs you a bomb?
Do you see what I’m trying to say?
So, if your Personal Trainer answers his phone during your next session – take your shoe off, and hit him/her in the face with it. Then, make an official complaint to the Club Manager – express your concern and your dissatisfaction with the level of service you are getting.
Believe me… YOU can make a difference.
As for me, I practice what I preach. Ask ANY client of mine – not only is my phone on ‘silent mode’, but it remains in my waist pouch, which is kept aside during my sessions with my clients. Not only does this help my client stay focused – but it even prevents ME from getting distracted by a vibrating mobile phone.
Stay tuned for my next post – “Why is my Personal Trainer making me do circus tricks when all I want is to lose weight.”
Sounds juicy? Well that’s cos it is!
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This post was written by...
Noel Chelliah, ACE-CPT, ACE-LWMC, has been recognized as one of the Top Transformation Experts in Malaysia. No stranger to being overweight himself, Noel has gone through a life-changing transformation himself, from fat, to fit. In 2010, Noel founded the DailyMuscle Body Transformation Camp, which today helps hundreds of individuals exercise and practice healthier habits. In his spare time, Noel serves the community with various programs that promote a healthier lifestyle, and enjoys playing with his dogs.
My name is Noel Chelliah, and I’m a Transformation Specialist and founder of the 
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
actually in my gym, i see this almost everyday. And they also have this annoying habit of texting whenever they are training clients.
My first personal trainer was even worse! She forgot her appointments with me and have the audacity to ask me why I didn’t remind her of the appointment!
Hallo! Isn’t it supposed to be the other way round? Money down the drain with her. Sheesh. I’m still p*ssed until today because she missed appointments at least twice!
My second personal trainer was much better. Shows respect, always follows up and is not one of those pompous bast*rds who think they’re God’s gift to you. But he’s left the gym now, so I’m on my own again. At least for the time being.
circus trick? this i gotta read! can’t wait!!
It’s true DM. It’s a common scenario at the gym. They might tell u, as a client, politely saying,”Wait ah.” and go to answer his hp. We will just nod as a sign of “Go ahead and answer ur call”. Do u really want us to take our shoes off and hit his/her head? hehe…. I’ve seen 1 trainer who is so obsessed with texting that I can almost see the hp sticking to his face.
Now I know why u r still single. hehe…Any gfs/bfs of trainers surely have to really, really, extremely understanding of their nature of job. No wonder they always got relationship probs, even tho they might have the most perfect body in town. (I know it’s out of topic, but well… just a thought) :)
Man this is bad stuff…..can you imagine the client might end up with a serious injury! Horrible……I never seen a PT in the UK answering their phone while having a client…I think it only happens in Malaysia. Must be the culture. tsk tsk
Well my PT use to do the same.. He will answer his calls, go missing, forget about my appointments, or even have 2 clients @ the same time..
And thinking about all the $$ & getting such a lousy PT… haih…
I recently ‘stumbled’ upon your blog and after reading through most posts and comments by various people; I have to admit I must be damn lucky to have the PT that I do!
I joined FF after the dreaded ‘look at myself in the mirror and thought I desperately needed to take care of myself’. The past months have been fantastic up to the point that I really look forward to going to the gym to get my endorphines pumping. My PT is – to sum it up – amazing. None of this ‘pick up the phone while training’; is diligent; fun… Most of all, he understands the kind of person I am and incorporates various different ways of exercising to keep me interested and motivated – up to the point of not just weights and cardio but includes variety such as kick-boxing. He sets targets and goals for me. Sometimes we work out together which I enjoy coz it pushes me further – it is a huge difference just listening to someone tell you what to do compared to watching how it is actually done properly!
I’ve also got to know and have been friendly with a few of the trainers there and they have a pretty good work ethic. I’m no pushover and if I’m not happy, I will let it be known but thus far, I’m glad I haven’t had any of the nightmares most people have had.
DM,
I am with you on this one.
These so-called trainers are a plenty and guess what, they are there only for the job & $$, not for the client. Its very obvious.
p.s, i hv left FF! at last!!
Hi DM,
Seriously, this ought to be highlighted to the PTs. I’ve seen a lot of this nowadays and somewhat it looks like a fashion. When the client is busy counting reps, they are busy counting texts on the cellphone screen. Charming !
Some of the PTs said, “No worries, I’m watching you”, whenever the client giving faces when they are busy on the phone. All-rounder. Impressive. I don’t get it, of all the 24 hours they have a day for free, they choose to text friends/family during that PAID 1 hour with client. But of course, unless it involves a matter of life and death. But I think a matter of life and death won’t require smile on the face whenever texting them messages, yes?
Cheers,
Nina
seen it once too many times when i was still going to gym. already bad they are showing the wrong things and they are then either flirting….or answering call/sms…
no wonder the industry receive such bad vibes about trainers not walking the talk!
Columbia – you are fortunate indeed. Please do tell your trainer that you appreciate him/her for it. :)
Shazly: Yeah so I heard.. you’ve left. I don’t see your pic on the Manulife ‘wall of fame’ anymore. heh heh.
ladynina: Yeah.. it frustrates me. You guys should make a complaint to the club. Cos as long as the members don’t say anything… it will not really be a ‘problem’ for the club to look into. If I had a trainer who was more into his phone… I’d look into getting a replacement.
Wow, Columbia, any chance you can share with us your PT’s name.? Sounds like a dream PT. Which FF is he based at?
C’mon people…
If you think you don’t deserve a personal trainer and you know how to motivate yourself and so discipline, it would be better if you stop criticizing people. Instead, provide us with constructive arguments. Just in case if you need a reminder, read again The Trainer’s Creed.
If you think we’re lacking of qualified trainers, this is where you come into the picture where you train them, share your knowledge with them. This industry is still at its infancy, that’s the way I see it. The younger generation trainers need to be trained in order the gain experience. Definitely, you can’t expect the to be perfect trainer overnight. You tell me where on earth, can you meet such business that don’t have sales targets? If you running a business, would you want to see it go out of business? Can you find any human being living on earth keep themselves away from making a living? Talking about honesty, you can only find sincerity and honesty in yourself.
I am not a trainer or someone who involve directly in the fitness industry. I’ve been hiring personal trainer since January 2007 from two different gyms. So far, I have no problem with them although they’re young in their own industry. In fact, I’ve transformed tremendously over the years which I can now be proud of maintaining it. It is not about whether you get a good or bad trainer, it is a matter of ourselves how far do we put our effort, discipline and equipped ourselves with knowledge. Why must we rely so much on other people? Others (regardless of any job disciplines) can only provide us guidance and supports. For the betterment, one must push themselves as much as they able to. To be frank, I have zero knowledge about health & fitness and nutrition before I get to know gym. Both of my trainers (previous and current) approached me as they always do. I never consider getting one and did not have any goal, initially. But I think I should give a try although previously my physique wasn’t that bad though. After hiring a PT, I started to realize that I need to do something for myself which am think I shouldn’t rely 100% on other people or being spoon-feed by them. I started to read about health & fitness, weight training, muscles, nutrition through internet, subscribing magazines and buying books. I get to appreciate myself by grasping new knowledge. I also ask opinions and exchange knowledge, skills and ideas not just with my trainer but also others just to get different point of view before I could jump into any conclusion. We have to remember that we live with people of different school of thoughts. If you read books, you’ll find different authors with different theories/ approaches.
If any of the trainers is acting unethical or harassing their clients, it is the client responsibility to make complaints if he/she feels something goes wrong. You warned them first but if they’re still the same, you have the right to change your trainer or take further actions to their superior.
I don’t see any reasons why must we criticizing, pinpoint, find fault or put blame on others when you can open up your mouth and tell your trainer nicely to stop answer phone calls (heck! I’m sure your so-call-professional boss/manager or maybe yourself do answer their phones while in the board meetings), chatting with his colleagues or whatsoever. Sometimes those calls are from you to cancel or change your schedule/s. Why must you nagging like your children over simple things that you can solve it? Be professional client- not dogmatic. Don’t criticizing or complaint so much without giving solutions as it won’t solve any problems. Live with healthy minds by giving constructive arguments not criticizing others. Please read again The Trainer’s Creed just in case if you need a reminder. Don’t be so arrogant and think of yourself. There’s always be better people around you in your own field who might criticizing about you as bad too. So stop thinking that you’re so perfect. It’s is about YOU… ourselves!
I enjoy hiring PT as they could be your friends. Exercise/workouts are fun things to do after stressed out working whole day in the office. Personal Trainer could be your best companion at the gym if you get your attitude correctly. They’re human like you too, who need to earn a living like everyone else.
Why must issues like “Personal Trainer or Personal Time Waster?”, “Personal Training Sessions-Is It Worth My Money?”, “Becoming a Personal Trainer-What Is Expected From You”, “The Professional Personal Trainer-Answering a phone call during a session with a Client” to be raised? I think something must have happened. If not, you won’t raise such issue. We should discuss some constructive issues that everybody can benefit from healthy lifestyles. Not finding fault!
I’m sure everyone has heard of this quote: “SMALL MINDS DISCUSS PERSONS, BIG MINDS DISCUSS EVENTS, INTELLIGENT MINDS DISCUSS IDEAS”. till then Malaysians, think sensibly and grow up for God’s sake.
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