Any Trainers Ever Hurt a Client?

[John Izzo]

This is geared to those fitness professionals that have clients under their care--reaching some sort of fitness goal. My Roundtable had a great discussion regarding this hot topc. I was wondering what you - trainers and trainees- think: "How much repsponsibility shoulda trainer take if a client is injured during a session?"

See the Roundtable said here.

~John

[GqArtguy]

I find that it is my responsibility to show someone how to do a lift properly, dispell myths about a lift, explain why we are doing the lift, how to save the lift should it fail, how to progress, and how to use safety measures to ensure minimal risk (i.e. pins, adequate rest, adjusting for individual leverages, etc).

It is also my responsibility to remind them of these things before they go lift on their own.

It may not be my responsibility, but I do assess my clients posture and imbalances so that I can prescribe the right movements to do in the first place.

Beyond that, I think everything is matter of application. If they dont do what I say, then they increase the chances of getting hurt. Thankfully Ive only healed injuries thus far and not create them.

[Steve-O-68]

As a trainee, I'd expect my trainer to develop a plan that's appropriate to my fitness level. He/she should show me proper warm up techniques, lifting techniques, cool down and stretching techniques. I'm putting my health in their hands, and expect them to be knowledgeable enough to develop a plan that will not result in injury. I also expect them to know what to do in case of an emergency or injury. All that said, it's still my responsibility to listen to my body and communicate any issues I'm having.

As a trainer (well, future trainer anyway) I expect the client to follow my instructions in the gym. I'll assess the client looking for possible posture issues, ROM restrictions, get history of any previous injuries, etc. It's my responsibility to develop plans that will help the client, not hinder. I expect open and honest communication, but I know how peoples egos are. I'll be watching how they act after an exercise... Is he limping, favoring an arm or shoulder, having mobility issues? Then it's my responsibility to check with them to make sure everythings OK before moving on. I will also expect my clients to follow my advice out of the gym. The whole teach them how to fish type thing...

In the even of an injury, it kinda depends on who's responsible. Was it poor exercise prescription? Did I not fully explain the exercise? Did I lose focus during the split second that the injury occured, and could I have prevented it? Did the client not tell me there was an issue, or left out something I needed to know? Were they doing something other than what I prescribed? Or was it just a simple accident? I think those issues would have to be addressed to find who's at fault... but emergency preparedness is the key.

Also... liability waiver forms... these will be a requirement for all of my clients.