Do you discuss politics with your clients?

Yes, I discuss politics with some clients. I approach it like any other professional situation- sometimes it's appropriate & sometimes it's not. I don't include personal beliefs about anything until I've gotten to know a person, so newer clients are usually a no-go. Many of my long-term clients know me better than my extended family members so I figure politics, religion & the like are just par for the course. If it seems like it could get someone upset then I keep it to myself, but why shouldn't adults discuss these things openly? I like to exercise my freedom of speech as well as my muscles!

It's probably best to only discuss politics in a bipartisan manner. There's nothing offensive about discussing the political atmosphere and the current polictical affairs but expressing how you feel regarding any particular subject could be a huge gamble because your client my not share your beliefs.

Hi Karin. I tend NOT to talk about such controversial (or at least passionate) subjects as politics or religion DURING a client's session. I am a strong proponent of talking with my client during their sessions, however I try to keep the subject matter light (e.g. a movie they've recently seen or book read, or something about fitness etc.). I think that there are certain subjects that are just TOO HEAVY to carry on a conversation about during their workout, but love having these debates with my clients when we are not working out (I think it's important to sometimes engage our clients in that type of back in forth as a way to show that we as trainers are multi-dimensional and learned beyond just exercise and fitness).

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

Hi Karin,

I generally prefer not to engage my clients in any political discussion. Sometimes, I listen to their opinions about politics and I stay neutral. I am a professional and I like to talk about fitness and how I can help them improve their lives through healthy living. The danger of engaging into political conversations (among other things) is that you might upset clients if you don't agree with their views, which could result in you losing clients. Furthermore, they may tell other people they know and you may lose potential clients as well. I like to keep things simple.

My clents are aware of my political interests. I am not interested in controversy.

I respect the viewpoints of people and expect the same in return.

Ha, great question! I try not to talk politics with my clients, but since I have known some of them over 20 years (and most over 10), it has come up. I try to remain neutral as much as possible. When directly asked I will tell my opinion. I have made some factual corrections, especially when they pertain to women's health which unfortunately is a political issue these days.

No, this usually leads to a discussion that has nothing to do with the training or the clients well being.
No politics, no discussion about religion or on how to raise your children for that matter.

I listen to clients talk about politics, then tell them how right they are.

Unless I can share how the politician/party is an advocate for health and fitness (endorsing health programs, fighting childhood obesity, etc.), then I just listen if the client brings it up. This helps to establish credibility in my role as a fitness professional, while showing a healthy respect for everyone's viewpoints.

Ultimately, no matter the relationship, conversation topics should eventually tie into 'all things fitness.' When sharing ideas in newsletters or on social sites, the same guidelines should apply.