As I was working out at the gym today, watching and observing how some trainers were with their clients… I felt very strongly to write this post… so, enjoy! (both trainers, and everyone else).
1. What’s that in your Mouth?
During your Personal Training sessions… it would be best if you weren’t busy chewing away on some gum or sucking on some sweets - it’s just plain rude.
2. Be on Time
Respect your client’s time… you’re not the only one with things to do. If you ARE going to be late… then have the courtesy to inform them beforehand.
3. Be less of a Distraction
When spotting, or in the midst of an exercise… try not to be smack right in front of your client’s face - that is the ultimate distraction. Stand to the side, or behind your client.
4. Be an Educator
Don’t hesitate to ‘teach’ your clients something new every time - you shouldn’t withhold information/techniques/facts just so that your clients have to keep coming back to you.
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime” —Author unknown
5. Be well Groomed
Scruffy haircuts, unfolded collars, tucked-out uniforms - you’ve got issues if you think they make you look cool. Uphold a professional image by dressing appropriately. Do you see your Physician dressed/behaving like that? No right?
And last… but CERTAINLY not the least…
6. Smell Good!
Your client does not need to pay X amount of dollars only to smell your armpits for a whole hour when they can stick their noses in the dustbin for free. Accept the fact that you’ve got body odour and spray on some deodorant if you must.
Anyone has more to add? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
To add,
1.) There are more people out there with bad breaths than body odor. Don’t use ‘quickfixes’ like a chewing gum but instead, gargle with Listerine in the morning and brush the tongue. Practice good oral hygiene which will last you for as long as it can.
2.) Never ever get too physical with your clients, especially with the ladies. If you’re in a situation where you need to have close bodily contact with a lady, ask for ‘permission’, politely.
3.) Never forget your clients, even if he has only gone through one training session with you.
Don’t expect the client to remind the trainer of appointments. It should be the other way round.
Don’t go MIA on said appointment date and leave the client waiting around for ages for a trainer who never bothered to show up.
The client’s money doesn ‘t grown on trees nor does the client have a magical wallet which sprouts 50 ringgit notes every morning. Give the best of what you have to offer. The client will reward you by promoting you to his/her friends.
I think some of the PT just stand there to wait for their client to finish the reps… I also see some PT just have their eyes somewhere but the client… so disappointed. Improvement needed for these PT.
Anyway, i think i do see quick a numbers of PT really educate their client on different posture and take care of their client very well… Good Job! Please continue…
hehehe… I did have a PT myself in the past… My PT is good :)
I can contribute a few based on my observations at the gym.
1) Be yourself! - Some trainers like to act very ‘macho’ and they get a bit over excited when they hear their favourite music being played at the gym - then they start prancing around like they’re clubbing even though their client is huffing away trying to lift weights.
2) I know this trainer whom I find very immature and acts as though he’s got big balls and all. When your trainer friend is having a PT session with a client or spotting, don’t go interrupt and ask that trainer: ‘Eh, so where are we partying this Friday? Got chicks anot?’ — Hello? can’t you ask when both of you do not have clients?
3) I have to agree with TZ on the point about the trainer’s eye being elsewhere - this is so common! Especially when some hawt chick walks in, they’ll start signalling to all the other trainers in the gym.
4) Go easy on the testosterone boys. This is quite amusing. Some trainers when they score this really good looking chick to train with them, every training move/reps seem as if he’s ready to make out with the girl. Sometimes the trainer will even make grunting sounds :P
just thought I’d share also about being well groomed. I know of one trainer who’s hair resembles shaggy the dog and I kid you not. I don’t know how he trains with hair all over his face but he does it. Maybe it’s just me but whatever happened to first impression?
Btw, DM, just wondering whether have you blogged about your daily diet in previous entries before. Do you keep a strict diet? If so, do you have any cheat foods? Would love to know what your diet consists of =)
Wow thanks guys - seriously, all your comments deserve to be added on to my simple 5 easy steps.
As you can see.. it’s really easy to be professional about the job - so it’s really mind boggling when there are people out there (trainers) who just don’t get it.
Then of course, there will be those who will read this and get upset, and start to throw a tantrum (trust me, it happens - I get all sorts of feedback/negative emails whenever I bring up issues with PTs). Until we trainers realise that there is a need to buck up - we won’t be able to be the best out there. So don’t grumble - but listen, and see how you can improve.
Kev: I tried to before… but my diet is really inconsistent (not in a bad way), but in the sense that it changes, and I don’t stick to any particular foods, etc - because I eat based on certain principles, rather than follow a ‘diet’. Perhaps I’ll write about it next. Thanks for the feedback.
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