How to deal w/ clients who talk non-stop during sessions (even if you get them out of breaths)?
Hi Fabian,
people have different ways of interacting with each other. Some are talkers, others are silent.
It appears to me that it is you who is bothered by it, and that is where I would start looking. Is there a physiological reason why they should not talk (so much)? Do you feel that they are not paying attention? Is it not safe?
Remember that personal training is a very complex interaction with a client, and the exercise is only one part of it. Many clients lean on us for emotional support, knowing that they are heard without being interrupted. Desperately trying to get them out of breath just so that they stop talking may not be a wise strategy.
Karin Singleton
www.KarinSingleton.com
Fabian,
As long as it is not un-safe for your client to talk, let him/her talk. It will ensure they are breathing, rather than holding his/her breath.
If they are getting out of breath, I would recommend (although you may have tried this already) you stop them. A Firm, “stop conversing for a moment, please.” and use it as a test – not a bad idea anyway.
“Let’s have you stop talking for a moment and see how quickly you recover, this will give us an indication of your fitness level.” “OK, let us take a moment to concentrate on tempo and breathing; when to breath in, when to exhale to get the most of your workout”
You will need to allow them to go back into their pattern, but if you get them to disengage from talking regularly, it will be a new part of your session.
Finally, the last piece of advice I have is to come to your sessions with talk topics of your own. If they are a talker, it usually doesn’t matter what the topic, so you might as well enjoy the exchange.
Kris
Hi Fabian,
First, I really like Karin’s answer. There is a reason your client talks so much, and that is because she is comfortable with you. As long as your client is performing the exercises correctly and safely, then I would lend an ear and let her talk (sometimes I feel like we are part trainers and part therapists in some ways!).
Trying to make her breathless to stop her talking would not be the best strategy, but you could always mention to her that you’d like her to focus on the exercise/breath/ form for a minute. That may at least get her to pay attention to the task at hand. Bottom line is that clients seek trainers for many different reasons, and your connection with the client is just as important as the workout program itself.
Best to you and enjoy!
Christine
Hello Fabian Ganji,
They can’t be out of breath if they are talking. There is nothing to deal with when everyone is safe; look at it as a compliment that they are comfortable around you, as the others explain, and you are the best trainer who improves their cardio system to optimize the Talk Test.
What you can try is deep breathing to feel the relaxation flood your body and imagine watching this episode on your favorite entertainment program. Life is so much better than a movie or sitcom, right?
Good luck to you and enjoy every moment,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Why is this a problem?
Does it conflict with your clients’ goals? If so, then explain how their talking conflicts with them achieving their goals, i.e. they’re not working at the capacity they need to. If they’re achieving their goals and working hard, is it merely your preference? Or are they distracting others?
Knowing why this bothers you is the key to determining how to handle it tactfully.