client refusing to set goals
In prep for 2015, I am setting goals with my clients. I approached a client and she said she does that in her personal life. She was very rude about it, like I was asking her something inappropriate, when in reality I am just doing my job. I asked her again, “are you sure you don’t want to set any fitness goals in here?” And explained that setting specific goals can help me, help her reach her goals. And she rudely responded no, I think you know what my goals are. I left it as is.
I work in a private 1 on 1 studio. She came to our studio for weight loss and has been making progress. I’m just so appalled at how rude and put off she was about me reevaluating her goals
Hi Hillary,
There are a couple of ways you can handle this:
-refuse to train her and/or pass her to a different trainer.
or
-Every few weeks do an assessment on her to see if the program you have in place is working (assuming she wants to lose weight and improve her overall fitness level) and adjust it if needed. Eventually she will start feeling better and be more open to your suggestions. Sometimes if you want to work with a client and really want to help, you have to find different ways of approaching them. Give it some time until she becomes more trusting of you and open her mind. Direct approach is not always the best strategy with some people, but there are other ways to have them follow your lead. Time is your best ally here.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Harris
Hi Hillary,
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Asking people to do anything extra these days in like pulling teeth, but there’s no reason for her to be rude. What you’re trying to do for her is a good thing & would benefit her. Some people don’t get it & she obviously doesn’t. If you need her as a client, I would just keep working with her & let her make her steady progress and leave it at that. And if she starts complaining down the road about not being happy with her progress for whatever reason, I would be quick to remind her of this conversation. However, if she’s a toxic client who drags you down in any way, this is a good opportunity to cut bait. Good luck Hillary!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
Hi Hillary,
There are a few different ways you can go with this, but based on her response to you, I would simply respect her decision at this time. Try not to take her comment so personally. Since she is a weight loss client that has been making progress–she IS on the right track to achieving her goals (without knowing any of her specifics).
I would point out her accomplishments and just continue to encourage her efforts. Continuing to lose weight–and sustaining it–can be a challenge for many overweight clients. So, since you already know she is making progress, I would work on making a strong and supportive connection with her. Make sure her training sessions leave her feeling good about her abilities. Include some components of exercise that she really likes. She needs the positive feedback and encouragement. This will help to build her trust, then perhaps you can revisit more specifics goals another time.
Good luck!
Hi Hillary,
sometimes, we have to take ‘no’ for an answer. After she had told you that she was setting goals in her personal life, you should have ended the conversation with a polite “If you want me to assist you with any fitness goals, I’l be here to help” and then not pursue this subject any further. Her answer made it clear that she does not view you as a part of her personal life.
She viewed your insistence as an imposition, and it does not matter how well-intentioned you have been.
It happens that we overstep boundaries of whose existence we are unaware. When you see her the next time, just move forward as if this conversation never took place unless she brings it up. If she does and it seems appropriate, apologize and tell her that you had the best of intentions.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com