Do you reprimand your clients when they chew gum while they exercise?

There may be a different side to this story. I train a gentleman with Parkinson's, and chewing gum alleviates for him the sensation of a dry mouth which is medication-induced. I know that other medications may have the same effect.

Never. If doing a specific activity where it is interfering with breathing I might make a "suggestion" about gum. People w/medical conditions, on meds, trying not to smoke, older often chew gum.
In the water, I'd suggest spitting it out for safety. One senior I work with CONSTANTLY eats gum or hard candy, and he's a retired dentist. If this makes the guy happy...and his breath is pleasant...at 85 who am I to reprimand or tell him don't. I'm more concerned with the quality of his exercise/work out anyway.

I agree with LaRue.

I think the word "reprimand" might be a little strong.

I would let my client know about the danger of chewing gum while training and leave the choice up to them.

Some folks are aware that they might have a distinctive aroma in their mouth that they would like to proactively manage.

Thanks for your question, Debbie.

I agree with both colleagues above...reprimand is rather harsh. I simply state the risk of choking and that it interferes with the proper breathing patterns necessary for cardio and strength training.
Thanks

Hi Debbie
All above responses are valuable. Yet, I wonder, what bothers you about the gum chewing, because essentially it is not about what we think, or do with our clients, but what brought you to question this behavior? Perhaps, the answer for you lies in your own personal interests.
Danielle

I too agree that reprimanding a client/member may be too harsh.

As I pointed out, a fellow trainer brought this to my attention, and when I admitted that I personally chew gum at times when I work out she basically told me I should stop and that I shouldn't due to all the reasons cited by some of you.

Thanks for your replies!

I suggest they spit it out so they don't choke. Focusing on the safety of it helps clients comply.

nothing to repremand...its not allowed.

I agree to a point with all the Fit Pros especially with the word "reprimand" as they are adults and it's not my place to treat my clients as children (especially as some of my ladies are in their 80's). While I don't necessary approve of chewing gum, I do think that it is a personal decision. People "chew" or hold gum in their mouths for various reasons from oral hyigenes to dry mouth and everything in between. I would be more incline to ask someone not to workout while eating a mint/tic-tac/hard candy, more than a piece of gum.

Now that's not to say I'm perfect as I've personally walked 2 marathons, (3) 1/2 marathons and as well weekend walks up to 12 miles "holding" a 1/4 stick of trident sugarless gum (yes, it's a tiny piece), but it keeps me happy. :D

There are, however, Fit Pros that emmulate drill sergeants! Perhaps it because of those reality fitness shows on TV .... not every client wants a Jillian Michael's barking orders at them while they are workout out. And yet there are some folks that are looking for a tough love trainer! Go figure!

Funny, this has never been an issue for me (neither myself or my clients chew gum...just worked out that way).

I think it depends on what kind of workout/activity you have planned for your client. Tell a major league pitcher not to chew gum (or whatever!) and pitch and you'll be laughed out of the park. I do think that in general the risks of choking outweigh the benefits of chewing gum in a typical fitness workout. You're the trainer, you're in charge.

As a general rule I would say no gum chewing during a workout. Just drink plenty of water!

I may suggest that it could create a choking hazard, but it's their hour. I work for them, and while I guide the day, simple choices like chewing gum are left to the client!

Scott