Most trainers i see don't keep a record of their client's progress. Is this common?

I think it is more common not to track. I track everything I do. I also see that they don't actually design programs or have plans before they are standing in a session with a client.

Just because you do not see them track their clients does not mean that they don't. When I am with my clients I am busy focusing on them, their needs, their form, keeping them motivated, etc. Therefore, I do not take notes, or track them at that moment. It is before and after I see them that I do my tracking. Most trainers I know do the same thing. Maybe this is why you do not see trainers tracking.

I believe this is very common.

I think it is because many personal trainers don't know how to write an exercise prescription nor do they know how to progress it. Take the time to ask a personal trainer what are the principles of writing an exercise prescription and listen for the response. If you can't write an exercise prescription, then there is no need to keep records.

Keeping an exercise log is important to see clients progress and to show them how far they have come. When you have more than a few clients you can go back to see where is your client and avoid mixing up their workouts.

A sad SAD TRUTH about this industry is almost anybody can obtain a PT certification very easily b/c of all the different programs that are offered. Personally, I feel we should have education time relatable to what Dr's go through, including clinicals. Think about it...we are a major factor in preventative method's for avoiding sickness/disease & the question has to be asked if it's common for PT's to NOT track a clients progress...WOW! It is our mission to keep the health of an individual so they can refrain from putting poisons, toxins & harmful/dangerous chemicals called medicine, so-called legal drugs into their body. If I'm seeing a professional who is supposedly helping me obtain & maintain health, yet they aren't tracking my progress so we both are informed on where I am not only in my journey to & in health, but also if my original goals are being met...that is a BIG problem! If you are working w/ a trainer that is not recording your progress you should find a new trainer!

I wonder if there is a difference in adherence rates for clients who have trainers that track progress and those that don't? I think tracking is important ; a tool for trainers and clients. Tells me whether my prescription is effective, informs me about the clients progress and readiness for change or taking it to the next level, and provides me with details to give encouragement and feedback.

Being in the field for almost 30 years, I don't see enough trainers doing record keeping of their clients. They may write some notes after the session but to me that's harder to be accurate. Harder if they have back to back clients. If they have easy forms, then they can quickly make notes on their client.

Keep in mind that if a trainer gets sued, he or she will need to prove that they were rightl. If if not in writing, it would look bad for the trainer. The Lawyer will come into court with their big suitcase on why you were wrong. Be ready for them JUST IN CASE with your big suitcase.

Take a lot of legal workshops for fitness professionals. Also, subscribe to some time of legal resource such as PRC Publishing - Exercise Malpractice Reporter.

Michele Blake, BS (kinesiology), AA (Law)

I think track should be done more, its not only lets the client know that they're improving but it is a great marketing tool. But also remember tracking is usually a tangible thing, progression doesn't always have to be weight loss, lifting more weight, etc. Progression can be mental, emotional, etc. Training is a very powerful industry.

All of my clients have a written workout every time I meet with them. I write what they do every session. I also keep a seperate measurement chart (weight, bodyfat, measurements, etc) which I update periodically (weight more frequently as it only takes 30 seconds). They also have a written plan that outlines where they are, where they want to go and the steps I am going to progress them through (I use NASM's OPT model).

I am training my trainers to use this model also.

The written records allow us to easily pick up a file and give any cleint a great workout at the drop of a hat should another trainer have to cover. It also is great so you can show your client their progress!

I like it when the client keeps track. It allows them to see how far they have come.

It's easy with email or a really basic log: besides, tracking is key for them.....


As for standing with a clip board while I'm training and writing everything down? I can't do that and pay close attention to my clients form etc. I take time when I'm done to review and write cryptic notes to myself.

I don't know how you can't track progress if you are writing out programs. It is not common amongst quality trainers.

Hi Nancy,

The key words are "from what you see". I know many that take/make notes (keep records) - but not during the session time.

I believe it also is a matter of what the client wants. Many clients live in a paper paper (computer - too much paper, fax, email) world. And when coming to workout - do so with the hopes of a "break" from their day to day and stress of it all; and so to see more paperwork is not necessarily inviting. Therefore, how you originally present your paperwork is important and you can then adjust your tracking to what kind of client they are.

I do know for a fact (and I use to be one)...that some clients do not want all the paperwork. I had enough of it at work; I wanted fun during my sessions.

BUT....there is a need to protect yourself as a trainer, and therefore a Waiver of Liability, a Cancellation Policy and a Health History is a MUST! I also believe a "lifestyle" info sheet is helpful. I assess what the client needs are (from lifestyle info which has goals on it) and feel them out during the initial assessment....I then make my notes accordingly.

I have other forms, but rarely use them these days....as it was not conducive to my business. And I only work part time though so I am able to do my write-ups after their sessions.

I hope this helps in seeing the "other" side.

Best, Joy