Answers (18)
4
I would say the most frustrating thing for me is when a client doesnt realize their own potential, they discount themselves before ever trying.
1
The one thing that really frustrated me: a client had a program to do on her own at the gym. She saw somebody doing 'something', tried it herself and got hurt as a result. If she had described the exercise to me, I could have dissuaded her from trying (hopefully), because I could have anticipated the resulting problem.
This happened a few times; we parted company amicably. I had to console myself that I had done the best I could.
This happened a few times; we parted company amicably. I had to console myself that I had done the best I could.
1
Frustration= a client having have had a massage and telling me that the massage therapist told her to tell me, that her muscles were "tight", what?
1
Excuses;
Constantly being late;
Know it all(s) - trying to dictate to me
No shows - with all the reasons why after the fact when a mere before the session call or email would have been respectful to my time (even if the session is still being paid for...tis just not courteous);
Not treating my phone calls/emails with "business" professionalism (as in responding in due time which they would probably due to any other "appointment").
These are all "frustrating" BUT I find it rewarding to learn and grow from them...not only as a fitness professional but as a human being...
...an exercise in how to respond and what will I let consume my energies (positive vs. negative). I try for personal growth in response.
Best, Joy
Constantly being late;
Know it all(s) - trying to dictate to me
No shows - with all the reasons why after the fact when a mere before the session call or email would have been respectful to my time (even if the session is still being paid for...tis just not courteous);
Not treating my phone calls/emails with "business" professionalism (as in responding in due time which they would probably due to any other "appointment").
These are all "frustrating" BUT I find it rewarding to learn and grow from them...not only as a fitness professional but as a human being...
...an exercise in how to respond and what will I let consume my energies (positive vs. negative). I try for personal growth in response.
Best, Joy
1
For me, the two most frustrating client behaviors are not following through on their promises to themselves and continually saying I can't.
1
What is frustrating to me is when I take the time to help a client design a vision of their best self, break it down into three month goals and then weekly goals, assess their readiness and commitment to make a change (either a thinking or doing behavior change) and they do nothing.
Frustrating to me. It is like it is in one ear and out the other.
Frustrating to me. It is like it is in one ear and out the other.
1
Frustration = Clients who "accidently" slept in, canceled at the last minute or "forgot" to tell me they were not coming in that day. I totally understand but please respect me as your trainer as well as my time. SOLUTION = If they have a cell, I will teach them to text me whenever they need/have to cancel. Common curtsey/common respect keeps your trainer happy!
FRUSTRATION = Negativity. I have had clients that are always negative/critical on everything and everybody. Although I love them I will tell them that they are drainging my energy and happy trainer mood...and we can't have that...can we? :D
FRUSTRATION = Negativity. I have had clients that are always negative/critical on everything and everybody. Although I love them I will tell them that they are drainging my energy and happy trainer mood...and we can't have that...can we? :D
1
I guess any frustration I feel toward clients stems from those who occasionally let their negative self-talk become audible to me. I think it's human nature (unfortunately) for others to see the best in us, before we do. So, if a client makes a remark that is disrespectful to herself, I try to not make a big deal of it, but also make it clear that we will have none of that nonsense in our training session:)
1
One frustration I have is when clients tell me all about their personal (non-exercise) life problems. I am not a therapist or a counselor, and it's not really my place to try to solve their (non-exercise) problems. I try my best to steer the conversation back to the exercise, how they feel, their exercise goals, etc.
1
Telling me "I can't do that" seriously people, I wouldn't try to have you do it if I thought you weren't capable.
Probably the biggest one in the gym is when the client just won't put in the effort no matter how you try to motivate them.
My biggest frustration outside of the gym is when someone tells me "I'm not fit enough to join a gym"
I don't really find it annoying when the client tells me something hurts, that may be a sign or symptom of an injury and as a trainer I WANT to know about that before we start. Ad for them telling me about personal or non-exercise problems, hey, we all need to vent once in a while and I've used that a few times to motivate the client. If nothing else, it shows that we are compassionate and understanding.
Probably the biggest one in the gym is when the client just won't put in the effort no matter how you try to motivate them.
My biggest frustration outside of the gym is when someone tells me "I'm not fit enough to join a gym"
I don't really find it annoying when the client tells me something hurts, that may be a sign or symptom of an injury and as a trainer I WANT to know about that before we start. Ad for them telling me about personal or non-exercise problems, hey, we all need to vent once in a while and I've used that a few times to motivate the client. If nothing else, it shows that we are compassionate and understanding.
1
One additional one.
You ask the client if they have any health or other issues/problems that would affect their ability to exercise, they tell you they don't have any, only to tell you they can't do something in the middle of a workout because of such an issue.
You ask the client if they have any health or other issues/problems that would affect their ability to exercise, they tell you they don't have any, only to tell you they can't do something in the middle of a workout because of such an issue.
0
All of the above along with:
Not being able to train because of a hair cut appointment
Not being able to train because her husband wants to meet for lunch
Not being able to train because "somethings come up"
Not being able to train because "it's the only time my therapist could see me"
Not being able to train because they're too sore from their hike
Not being able to train because they have a facial scheduled
Good thing I charge in advance and good thing these excuses don't happen very often!!
Not being able to train because of a hair cut appointment
Not being able to train because her husband wants to meet for lunch
Not being able to train because "somethings come up"
Not being able to train because "it's the only time my therapist could see me"
Not being able to train because they're too sore from their hike
Not being able to train because they have a facial scheduled
Good thing I charge in advance and good thing these excuses don't happen very often!!
0
One thing that "concerns" (not necessarily "frustrates") me is when my client cannot get out of their own way because they don't see the potential and power that they hold within themselves to make positive changes. Negative self-talk and doubt seems to be rampant in our society, and so overcoming that very high hurdle can sometimes be difficult. That being said, it's still very much worth the effort because it is so very satisfying to see a client finally "get it!"
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
