How responsible should I be for what my clients due in the time they are not training with me?
My clients are all over the map with what they are able to accomplish in fitness during the week between our sessions… with both injury prevention in mind and the clients’ desire for change and growth, it is paramount to keep the sessions challenging and yet safe. Are most trainers providing “home programs” for their clients? And if so, is this customarily a separate charge?
I see my role as a teacher more than a workout leader. Most of my clients (and CEC students) want to learn and grow, to be able to independently apply what they learn from me in their lifestyle and classes. These clients (and students) are required to demonstrate the ability to do so independently before I will approve them doing so. One thing that I have found is that the serious clients (and students) embrace this format.
I do charge a fee for printed materials when clients want me to provide this. Whether the material is for a CEC course or a client, there are no refunds once the material has been mailed or given to the client.
Hi Mary,
You really do not have control of what clients do outside of the sessions.
People agree to work with you for a specific time. Outside of that time they have responsibilities and interest that you may not agree with, but have to acknowledge.
Outside activities may interfere with your sessions and you can discuss this but if clients want to do this outside of the sessions it’s in their hands.
Just remember that you shouldn’t work harder at their program than they do, meaning you give 100% if they give 100% Also you mentioned “a week” between sessions. You might want to recommend that clients see you 2 or 3 times a week. Only my most conditioned clients are seeing me once a week, the rest (most) are seeing me 2-3 times a week.
I don’t think you should be responsible for what they do in their down time.
As fitness professionals we are obligated to share with our clients the relevant science that helps them achieve their goals, however it is up to them to decide whether they are going to apply what we’ve taught them. It’s called self-accountability.