Hey Gang:
This is a interesting topic in the training biz and one that I am sure MOST trainers have encountered:
having to discontinue or stop training a client because of the multiple reasons my Roundtable trainers listed. One response from Vince Burke, MS, MPT, CSCS is awesome and I wanted to share with you guys. Maybe you know people that fall into his points listed?
See what the rest of the panelists had to say regarding this topic:
standAPART's Roundtable Discussion
(From Vince's response...)
PUSHERS: It is
EXTREMELY important to find out who is behind all of it. Often a parent may want their child to be trained yet, the child wants no part of it.
Interest is something that needs to be screened for. Interest is pretty easy to detect however, it may take some time for the rookie trainer to get the idea. The best signs of interest are given at during the interview process when meeting the trainee.
TAKE NOTICE OF....
Over Bearing Parent Comments: "this is something I know that would be best for him whether he likes it or not, he really needs training...."; "he is not playing any sports so he has to at least train..."; "she is gaining too much weight so she has to train..." "all her friends have trainers".
A Very Quiet, Shy: child, that never gets a word in during the interview process. The parent not only answers the questions but undermines the child, never allowing a him or her to speak.
Unhappy Actions: a mask/stone face look that does not want to be there. No eye contact nor manners toward you or the parents.
Poor Posture/Body Language: ones overall posture and a hand shake can tell a trainer quite a bit. It gives you information about Attitude and Respect that can be used as an indicator whether or not to train someone. Do you want to train someone who does not look you in the eye? How can you teach them? How will they communicate with you during the sessions? Do you want to train a person who CAN not grip a hand never mind a bar?
Everyone Else Syndrome: Often one may come to you because all of the athletes on the team have a trainer. It is important to make sure that all parties are committed NOT because everyone else is doing it. The trainer can detect the intension of the trainee(s) with good screening questions such as, how did you here about me? why are you seeking me out?
Over Booked and Busy Schedules: a clientbeing committed to too many things can not only add stress to the body and mind but open the door to illness and injury. We as trainers need to understand that as much as we can assist a person achieve fitness and wellness goals; we can also assist them into illness and injury. Usually if the client is struggling to make the first appointment it is a good indicator that he/she is too booked. This type of client will NOT only work with respect to achieving fitness goals but will add stress to your day.
NO Grades, NO Training: if you don't hit the books you don't hit the weights. Encouraging and reinforcing good grades needs to part of the training. Your training policy should be like any other academic sports policy in school.
Medical Issues/Injuries: unfortunately their will be times when a client would want you to train them but you need to defer. Whether it be from an injury, disease or the accommodations in your facility such as handicap bathrooms or being on the second floor. You must practice with the utmost professionalism and refer it out or make other arrangements to train this person.
YOU ONLY KNOW, WHAT YOU KNOW, DOES NOT STAND UP IN COURT!!!!
(when in doubt sub it!)
Trainer Comfort Zone: if you
Don't feel right about training someone refer it to someone else. You can usually tell when a certain personality will not hit it off with yours. You should inform them that you are booked and can refer them to someone else. It is best to be upfront in the beginning so no one gets hurt.
Age Appropriate: often one wants you to train their child at the age of 5, 6, 7. It is such a sad thing but these children don't need you, they need their parents to play with them. We need to encourage parents to interact and play with their children. We as trainers can make a huge difference in the overall epidemics among our youth such as with diabetes, hypertension and obesity if we encourage parents to play and NOT pay people like us.
Gender Appropriate: for whatever the reason, you as the trainer do not feel comfortable training the same and/or opposite sex than they should be up front and sub it out.
Parent Observing Sessions for a Minor: training is NOT a drop off baby sitting session. The trainer should have stated within his/her manual that at least one guardian must attend each and every session.
Burn Out: it can happen to the trainer or trainee. This is important to take notice of your client and see if fatigue or injury has taking place. These are two of the cardinal signs of OVER doing it. As for the trainer the same must apply. It you as a trainer are going through the motions to collect a pay than you must also take time to reflect on what is best not only for you but your clients.
Non- compliance with the policy and procedures: All clients should comply with the rules and regulations of your office. If one does not follow the policy for
respect of other clients and/or private property, they should be cancelled as a client. Our standards of practice should be high at all times.
No Payment, No Training: it is a great thing to give but we to have to pay bills. Many times trainees feel that trainers can wait several sessions without payment. I never went to a restaurant and ate than told the owner,I will pay you next week. Have them pay up front, it shows better commitment. 
Why Do Trainers Stop Training a Client?
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