JP Fitness Forums - View Single Post - Thoughts on "basic" vs. "cute" exercises?

Dan Fanelli · 09-24-2008, 02:15 PM

Thanks for the replies, there were a lot of good points your brought up.

I think part of my problem has been with communication. This all came up because one client was not happy with the program that I gave them. I was not aware of this, so I was unable to make any changes.

I think I need to explain my philosophy to my clients, and that I do what I do because:

1. It will lead to their goals
2. It is going to be safe
3. And there is a way to continue progressing for further results

This client that was not happy, felt that my programs were not intense enough. There seems to be another notion out there, that more is better, and you have to be exhausted after a workout to get results. I was told by a manager to "destroy her during her workout". I have a problem with this, because it goes against my philosophy in every way, and if she gets injured, its going to come down on me. Im not a drill sargeant, im a personal trainer.

I think what it comes down to IMO, is that I am the professional, and the client is coming to me because im supposed to know what im doing. Theres a difference sometimes between what the client wants, and what they need. I can understand that they are paying me and they feel I should do what they want, but in some cases like the one mentioned this might not happen. I would rather not train a client that doesn't trust me, and thinks they know what is right for them. But I agree that lack of communication is probably the reason im in this situation, and i'll adress the problem.

Thanks again.

09-24-2008, 02:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
Dan Fanelli Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 33	Thanks for the replies, there were a lot of good points your brought up. I think part of my problem has been with communication. This all came up because one client was not happy with the program that I gave them. I was not aware of this, so I was unable to make any changes. I think I need to explain my philosophy to my clients, and that I do what I do because: 1. It will lead to their goals 2. It is going to be safe 3. And there is a way to continue progressing for further results This client that was not happy, felt that my programs were not intense enough. There seems to be another notion out there, that more is better, and you have to be exhausted after a workout to get results. I was told by a manager to "destroy her during her workout". I have a problem with this, because it goes against my philosophy in every way, and if she gets injured, its going to come down on me. Im not a drill sargeant, im a personal trainer. I think what it comes down to IMO, is that I am the professional, and the client is coming to me because im supposed to know what im doing. Theres a difference sometimes between what the client wants, and what they need. I can understand that they are paying me and they feel I should do what they want, but in some cases like the one mentioned this might not happen. I would rather not train a client that doesn't trust me, and thinks they know what is right for them. But I agree that lack of communication is probably the reason im in this situation, and i'll adress the problem. Thanks again.