Answers (8)
2
Wow, I know that's a touchy subject. I struggled with anorexia and I know it was hard for anyone to approach me about it for a long time.
What we're looking at is the health of the client. Here is a link to a coach's toolkit courtesy of the National Eating Disorders Association to help create a safe environment and how to approach an athlete you suspect of having an eating disorder: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/NEDA-Toolkit-Coaches....
One of the most important tips is to speak with them privately in a way that in positive, but lets them know you are there to help. Regardless of the age of the client, if they truly have an eating disorder, you have to find a way to suspend their training while they initially seek help. Keep in contact with their help team to know when it's safe for them to return.
Remember also to constantly create an environment that is body image friendly. That is what I try to show through my coaching and my blog at http://teenfaithandbeauty.com.
What we're looking at is the health of the client. Here is a link to a coach's toolkit courtesy of the National Eating Disorders Association to help create a safe environment and how to approach an athlete you suspect of having an eating disorder: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/NEDA-Toolkit-Coaches....
One of the most important tips is to speak with them privately in a way that in positive, but lets them know you are there to help. Regardless of the age of the client, if they truly have an eating disorder, you have to find a way to suspend their training while they initially seek help. Keep in contact with their help team to know when it's safe for them to return.
Remember also to constantly create an environment that is body image friendly. That is what I try to show through my coaching and my blog at http://teenfaithandbeauty.com.
2
Hi Laura. The approach that I use depends a lot on the relationship that we have developed between us. As with many other issues, some clients are better with the direct approach, while others need a somewhat 'softer' method. In addition to depending on the type of relationship that we've built between us, the urgency of the situation may also dictate what you say, and the approach used. As another poster mentions, because of the seriousness of the situation, all niceties may have to be thrown out the window and you may need to mention your professional observations (without accusing) and INSIST that the client see their physician for a clearance to continue.
I hope that this is useful, not just for this situation but for others requiring our professional intervention. Good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
I hope that this is useful, not just for this situation but for others requiring our professional intervention. Good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
1
Definitely confront them about it. After all admitting your problem is the first step to finding a solution for it. Just make sure to let them know everything between you is confidential. Possibly recommend them to seek a physician's help. Good luck!
1
When I am working with a client -- my approach depends on our relationship, how long we have been together & how open the client seems about themselves.
I generally like to have the clients tell me about their food consumption during each training session for the previous days since I have seen them last.
I also like to get a food diary -- if they are willing to write it.
And then I also inquire about their energy level, mood, mental focus -- how much water are they drinking, coffee, tea, etc.
And -- from there I will ask about their sleep -- and get them to discuss their general lifestyle habits. Which will open the door to the topic of 'lifestyle' & 'fitness' as a cohesive subject that go hand in hand. How important it is to be 'healthy' -- which includes:
R -- Rest -- daily, good quality sleep & quiet time is essential for optimum health & vitality
E -- Exercise -- a balanced combination of Cardio, Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Function
S -- Spiritual -- a healthy spiritual life -- a belief in something bigger than the self to rely on
P -- Prayer -- and meditation add a quality of calmness and mindfulness to life
E -- Eating -- we all need good quality food to fuel our bodies & lives
C -- Community -- family & friends are important sources of support in our lives
T -- Time -- make time for yourself & your healthy -- everyday
I generally like to have the clients tell me about their food consumption during each training session for the previous days since I have seen them last.
I also like to get a food diary -- if they are willing to write it.
And then I also inquire about their energy level, mood, mental focus -- how much water are they drinking, coffee, tea, etc.
And -- from there I will ask about their sleep -- and get them to discuss their general lifestyle habits. Which will open the door to the topic of 'lifestyle' & 'fitness' as a cohesive subject that go hand in hand. How important it is to be 'healthy' -- which includes:
R -- Rest -- daily, good quality sleep & quiet time is essential for optimum health & vitality
E -- Exercise -- a balanced combination of Cardio, Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Function
S -- Spiritual -- a healthy spiritual life -- a belief in something bigger than the self to rely on
P -- Prayer -- and meditation add a quality of calmness and mindfulness to life
E -- Eating -- we all need good quality food to fuel our bodies & lives
C -- Community -- family & friends are important sources of support in our lives
T -- Time -- make time for yourself & your healthy -- everyday
1
I would confront them privately. Begin by saying that you are concerned about their health and have been wondering if they have picked up some ways of eating, or dealing with food, that may not be the healthiest. Ask them if they would like to share anything and also, if they would like to get referrals for specialists that work with disordered eating.
It is helpful to have a list of people that you can refer to. They, in turn, will refer their clients to you... IF they know that your way of speaking about food and body does not cause more harm than it does good.
It is helpful to have a list of people that you can refer to. They, in turn, will refer their clients to you... IF they know that your way of speaking about food and body does not cause more harm than it does good.
0
I would tell them the very same thing I would tell a client who has a diagnosed disease. Get a release from their doctor.
An eating disorder is high risk.
An eating disorder is high risk.
0
Anorexia can be fatal. It's a serious disorder. I would agree with Joanne, and I have asked clients to get a medical evaluation along with a doctors release. Sometimes that's what it takes to wake them up but most likely they'll just find another trainer.
If you are really concerned, express it and kindly but firmly ask them to see a Physician.
If you are really concerned, express it and kindly but firmly ask them to see a Physician.
0
The answers given are all excellent. As Wendy suggests, it's hard to approach. Unless you are a clinical practioner, it may be out of your scope of practice to attempt to develop a program. I agree with Susan, if your client acknowledges the situation, work with the clinical practioner to develop and implement the best program for your client. Given appropriate meds and clinical assesment and control, the program may well be like with any of your other clients.
Take care.
Take care.
