Answers (11)
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I try to take my annual leave when most of my clients are away. For clients who are going on holiday as well, I ensure that they have a written and sketched program of brisk walking, jogging, ball and band training and stretching exercises. For those clients who are not going on holiday, I give them a basic program of light cardiovascular activities and general circuit training. I prefer they not do any heavier resistance training, as I like to assist them to help prevent injuries. When I am sick, I try to give each client a specific program to do for the day. My apprentice trainer, who knows my routine and manner of training, some- times works with my clients when I go out of town for business or lecturing. When I know I am going to be away, I give my clients the option of working with my apprentice, on their own or with a partner. If a client wants to train with my apprentice, I make sure that my apprentice is well aware of any problems the client may have, and then I usually call her in to shadow me during three sessions before I go. Also, sometimes before I go out of town I may bring together a few of my clients to do some group training. I encourage them to continue in this man- ner or to find a training partner to work with while I am gone. This plan motivates them for a short period. By the time they have run out of ideas, I am back. I find it is always a very good strategy to keep each client's program in a place accessible to the client in an emergency. Also, clients should be familiar with their programs so they are not lost when they are on their own. I always give at least two weeks notice when I will be away. While away, I stay in touch with my apprentice as much as possible to ensure that all is going well. If necessary, I give my clients a call to motivate them. At the end of my trip I thank them for being understanding. To date, I have not had any problems nor lost any clients.
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Recently I've been pondering the question of how to help my clients when I am unavailable. By the time this response is published, my wife and I will have had our first child and I predict this situation will repeatedly arise. Also, because of my position as education director, I attend many conferences either as a presenter or an attendee. I track via the Internet some clients who have had thorough assessments and mastered the form of most exercises. If they have not yet mastered the form, then I put less complex exercises in the workouts they perform without me. I am conservative in set, rep and load recommendations with “type A” clients knowing they will try to do more than their program recommends. Before I take time off, I make sure my clients commit to working out at specific times and reporting back to me via e-mail in a level of detail we both agree on. One of my most effective investments was a digital camera, which allows me to take pictures of my clients doing each exercise in their routine. Digital photos allow me to quickly prepare a personalized program with detailed descriptions, workout variables and individualized notes (e.g., “Keep your wrists neutral.”), along with pictures of them performing each exercise. I also include notes like, “When we work together again, we'll add a subtle varia- tion to exercise X.” This reaffirms that we are still making progress, I do have a plan for them, I am coming back and I plan on them coming back, too.
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I believe that as personal trainers we do not serve to motivate our clients, but rather to provide the environment (in my case, my studio) where they can motivate themselves. I feel that I have done my job when clients want to do their programs rather than being “guilted” into doing them. Therefore, I do not check on clients when I am on vacation. I give clients their own “home pro- gram” and they follow this when they are not with me due to vacations, storm days, sickness or family emergencies. This personal guide is a binder of various sections, including a client's program illustrated through pictures and descriptions of each exercise, a calendar to record workouts, a progress chart and various IDEA handouts. I also include photos of me doing various exercises in my living room so my clients can better visualize doing the exercises in their homes. These exercises are done with equipment that is “home friendly” such as tubing and stability balls. I usually ask my clients how they made out with their programs when I see them next. If a client had problems sticking to it, we explore the reasons why and strategize what can be done differently the next time he or she needs a home program. I also encourage clients to exercise at health clubs and take classes, if they are comfortable doing so. This system works quite successfully for me. My clients like feeling empowered, but are quick to point out, “Don't go away for too long. We need you!”
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When I'm unavailable, I can serve my clients in many different ways. Clients I usually see one to three times per week are given the option of working with a trainer who works out of my studio and has the same philosophy I do. I give very specific advice on how to train the client and ensure that the client meets the trainer prior to his or her first appointment. However, I've found that because personal training is so relationship-based, only about 20 percent of my clients accept that option. Male clients will quite readily work with another trainer, but my female clients are far more reluctant! In this case, if they are active members of a fitness center, they will go there and do the program I've designed for them. If they are not gym members, I will give them a free home- based program. (I give them a written program from software, which has graphics and instruction for all types of exercises and equipment.) Sometimes I form a buddy system by having two or three clients who are already working together in a group session go power walking together and do a home-based muscle conditioning program at each other's homes for the period I am unavailable. To encourage them to exercise while I'm away, I offer a free session to the client who completes the most sessions during that period. I assume they will be honest! Another option is to let clients exercise on their own at the studio during their usual appointment times. Clients who choose this option pay 25 percent of their usual rate. I give rehabilitation clients specific exercises to do at home or a gym. While away, I e-mail or phone clients once to ensure that all is well. If I have been on holiday overseas, I always bring each client a small gift.
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My main priority is to not cancel training sessions. However, I have three young children and every so often one has an ear infection, flu, chicken pox or some other ailment. If possible I get a baby sitter to cover the time that I am training. If I need to cancel a session, I try to find another time slot to accommodate my client. Even if I am not successful, it shows willingness on my part. With regard to longer cancellations for a vacation or maternity leave, I give my clients the option of training with another experienced personal trainer. I work closely with a few trainers and from time to time we have all asked each other to cover client sessions. Clients feel they are being “looked after” and know their progress will be carefully monitored by a trainer with whom I am in close contact.
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If I have to cancel a training session I give the client a free session to add onto their contract. If its a planned leave then I set them up with a workout that they can do and some homework to turn into me when I am back.
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I feel strongly that one of the best compliments my clients can give me is being able to workout on their own. It is up to us as fitness professionals to promote self-efficacy.
As a fitness professional, I am trying to help my clients appreciate that wellness is a lifestyle that they must own.
At the end of each session, I always ask, "what did you learn today?" Whatever they've learned I ask them to put it into practice. They should be able to do something on their own.
As a fitness professional, I am trying to help my clients appreciate that wellness is a lifestyle that they must own.
At the end of each session, I always ask, "what did you learn today?" Whatever they've learned I ask them to put it into practice. They should be able to do something on their own.
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If it's a 'planned' absence, and if I'm comfortable with my client's level of skill and knowledge with our workouts, I will give them a workout plan to do on their own until I'm once again available. I will also ask them to keep a record of what they've done in my absence.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
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I always create or help a client with their program during my planned absence. I always ask them if I can set them up with another trainer who I trust to work appropriately with them.
Mac Dodds M.A., CSCS
Goodlifefitness.biz
mac@goodlifefitness.biz
Mac Dodds M.A., CSCS
Goodlifefitness.biz
mac@goodlifefitness.biz
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Really the only time I am not available is if they are out of town or sick
I always do my best to work them into my schedule as my first option, if I can't see them we will either email, phone talk or pre plan the plan.
There is always something they can do do remain and continue reaching their goals.
I always do my best to work them into my schedule as my first option, if I can't see them we will either email, phone talk or pre plan the plan.
There is always something they can do do remain and continue reaching their goals.
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I rarely miss any of my appointments. If for whatever reason I can't make it to my appointment, then I either reschedule or I give my client a workout routine to do for that day or do a Skype workout.
Best,
Harris
Best,
Harris
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