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?
Hi Mary! Great question. Keeping it simple, you are not responsible for what your clients actually do or don’t do (you are not responsible for their action/inactions). However, I do feel strongly that as a fitness professional we are responsible for educating our clients on exactly what it will take for them to reach their desired goals, getting their mutual committment and buy in, and then providing them the tools to do so. This may mean creating and teaching them independent workouts that they can do on their own. It may also require some form of formal accountability system with their exercise and nutrition.
All of this should be somehow figured into the price of your services. You should always be paid for the time you spend working!
Jeff