Help with first client
I recently obtained my ACSM CPT certification in an effort to gain experience while I’m still in school. I had just been hired at a local gym, and because other trainers there will be coaching sports I will be picking up some of their clients in their absence. As an aspiring strength and conditioning coach, I currently intern with a strength coach in my area who has been guiding and helping me prepare to sit for the CSCS exam. I decided to pursue personal training to become a better communicator, build relationships with those in my field, and pick up some verbal cues to help training of athletes and general population alike. Having said that, I was asked to train a client who I was told I can “do anything at all with”. With endless possibilities of workout structure and movement selection I’m having trouble deciding what direction I should go in. I have been leaning toward a total body circuit style workout with a cardiorespiratory fitness emphasis. Because the experience I have is with program design and instruction for athletic performance, I unsure as to what does and does not translate to the general population. Any advice for a beginner?
Michael,
Based on your story it sounds like this is a client who will be new to you but has worked out with at least one other trainer at this gym before. The other trainer is now out coaching a team sport so you are filling in for him. As others have mentioned you should sit down and talk with this client first before you start to work with him. Find out his fitness goals, workout history, his personality if he has past or current injuries, etc. In addition,the gym should have a file on this client which should include a health history questionnaire, or a PAR-Q form. There should also be records of the workouts the other trainer has done with him. Review these records to get a feel for what type of workload the client is capable of doing. If possible you could also talk with the other trainer to get his advice on what direction to take as you develop a workout program for the client.
Denny Pinch