What Is Your Professional Opinion On "Undercutting?"

For me the line of demarcation is whether my opinion is asked for. I never interject myself into another trainer's client-trainer relationship; in my opinion that's just bad business and lacks professionalism. We trainers consider ourselves professionals, and so I always try to analogize what we do, and how we interact with the public, both our own and other trainers' clients to how other professionals manage those interactions. I don't think you'd ever see another physician talking with a patient about how that patient's doctor is treating them, unless they are engaged in a doctor-patient relationship, ditto for lawyers, accountants... I recognize that some of these other professions have codes of conduct and ethical codes, however the idea is that if we are, and want to be, viewed as professionals, we need to begin to respect the professionalism of our colleagues, even when we disagree with something they are doing.

If I'm asked my opinion, I will give it - no problem. I will not interfere with another trainer's client unsolicited base on ethics, professionalism, and quite frankly also liability.

I hope this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

It all depends on the situation. I know a lot of new trainers want to jump right in and let everyone know that they know something about training the body, etc. My rule of thumb is that almost every person in the gym is going to be getting advice from someone. When I first started exercising at Holiday Health Spa (Now Bally's) in the mid to late 1980's, everyone in their mother was telling me something different and I tried it. After a lot of trial and error, going to college and learning about bio-mechanics and anatomical kinesiology and certifications, I finally learned. If a trainer is with their client, then I do not step in because that is their client. If you know that trainer and the client knows you, I still will not say anything. If the trainer asks me a question in front of the client and it is a rapport between all three of us, then it is okay, but only if I am asked my opinion.
On the flip side, if I someone is training by themselves and they are doing something that is either doing to hurt them in the short-term or will eventually cause where and tear on their body, I will sometimes mention something.
Thanks,
Kisar

As Wendy said...when you're a Group Fitness Instructor and a Personal Trainer - people tend to ask you questions because they know you from Group. I recently had this issue...a class participant told me her Trainer told her that cardio classes were "worthless"...her friend chimed in..."yeah, what do you think". It was so hard to hold my tongue...but I had to stop and think and realize I was hearing only one side of the conversation - AND more than likely he didn't say useless the way she did (or perhaps not at all). I prefer to use the "do unto others" rule - to maintain my integrity and ensure that no one can speak ill of my professionalism.

My response was that since I am not her Trainer and don't know her goals or the training program he has her on, I cannot speak to that comment. I suggested she talk to her Trainer to get clafication, tell him of her concerns and perhaps he'll create a plan that incorporates some classes into her program since she's gonna do them anyway. Classes are not just about the workout for most women, and she needs to speak with him about why she "needs" the classes.

But of course, if she's not satisfied with her trainer or the answers he provides to an honest question, its within her rights to look for another one.

*oh, one last point - be careful to whom you offer advice about their current trainer. That same person who is so "sincerely" seeing your advice because he/she doesn't like what his/her trainer said - could be the same person who will run to another trainer when YOU say something he/she doesn't like.

Hi Marlan,

I am in the very happy circumstance of having my own studio with only my husband and myself as trainers. I also work out there myself because I just do not enjoy 'normal' gyms. Thus I have removed myself from situations like the ones you are describing.

But I was at gyms long enough to remember well how often I was biting my tongue and forced myself to look into a different direction. I made it a principle not to initiate a conversation.

What I may have tried was to start a conversation with the other trainer and, as best as I could, lead the conversation towards a subject that I may have overheard.

When people asked me directly, I'd answer as well as I could. When asked to comment on somebody else's answer, I always stated that I may not know the whole story but would give my personal opinion. This I would not consider undercutting. I never solicited somebody else's business.

Well, I can certainly identify with your situation. Although my initial certification was a personal trainer, I was hired as a group fitness instructor. When I decided to do both group ex and PT I found myself in the situation you described. Sure, I talk to people out on the floor when I'm at the gym because the regulars know I work there.

It's hard because at the same time, there may not be any trainers on the floor and I can't hand the person off to a trainer I trust (my preferred method if it's an in depth question). I don't mind clarifying things, but I don't ever say "your trainer was wrong" or things like that. I say something like, "Maybe what your trainer meant was..." That way I don't feel like I'm undermining what the trainer is doing, just clarifying.

I did get tired of holding my tongue and that was part of the reason I went back to group ex. I cannot wait for when I have my own business up and going!

If somebody has a question I answer it or refer them to somebody who can..doesn't matter if who their trainer is. I find it unethical to know something and not speak up. How we approach it is a whole other topic though.

Good discussion! To summarize a few of the good points others made: -wait for the right opportunity to give advice-don't be a trainer to another trainer's client
-don't point fingers
-encourage clients to ask their trainer questions and find a voice for their own needs without being rude
-provide friendly, casual advice that does not conflict with their trainer's program

Anything other ideas?

Always answer questions for which you can present yourself as a certified expert. Answering questions is never "undercutting". If the client's trainer confronts you simply present your answer to them. You may have a perspective on a subject they never thought of and your conversation about the topic can only serve to enhance both of your knowledge.

On the other hand, tread very lightly if the client of another trainer asks you advice on exercise technique or other health related questions specific to that individual. You don't know their history, their abilities or their contraindications enough to give them a reasonable suggestion on altered technique, diet, or similar subject. In this circumstance you can give some ideas but always refer them back to their own trainer for direct advice.

Incidentally, the only true undercutting I've seen never works out well for the offender because they are quickly shunned by staff and members - ruining their business.

I believe if you are asked a question and it is within your professional scope of knowledge, there is no reason to not answer it with complete honesty. As other have mentioned, it is important to obtain as much information regarding the nature of the question as possible. It could be that the other trainer offered sound advice, however it was simply misunderstood by the client.

If you are truly concerned about undercutting another trainer and taking his/her business, the simply way to avoid that is to not take on that particular client. That way you can answer any questions she/he may have, but you are unavailable to take them on as a client.