How to handle a client who thinks they know more than you?
I recently aquired two new clients, both overweight, and spent over 2 hours assessing them, calculating their BMRs, and recommending a caloric range for both.
For one of them I recommended between 1500 and 1750 calories for an average weight loss of 1-2 lbs a week if she exercises. She changed her caloric intake to 1200 in the program, chose to eat 600 calories for a few days, then stopped logging her meals altogether. The other client was staying within his caloric range but ate very low ND foods such as white pasta, pancakes, and processed meats. I asked him to incorporate one fruit, vegetable, or side salad a day. He chose to ignore me for 3 weeks and then his calories jumped way above his recommended intake. I know you can’t win every battle, but I feel like I am losing these two and maybe it is not my battle to fight. How would you handle these two situations?
Linda,
I found this information in the ACE Personal Trainer Manual particularly helpful. It’s in the chapter entitled “Principles of Adherence and Motivation” under the subtitle “Role Clarity.”
It states:
“From the beginning of the relationship with each client, a personal trainer should clarify his or her role, as well as that of the client, as part of the written agreement. What are the responsibilities and expectations of both parties? What does each person need to do to hold up to his or her end of the deal? This information should be written down and agreed upon. If there are any issues or questions about the expectations, they should be discussed and modified from the start. This task is not difficult or time-consuming, but it is something that will help the client be vested in the program and feel supported, as well as maximize the client’s experience and likelihood for adherence.”
I hope that gives you some food for thought.
Hi Linda. Putting the whole issue of nutrition and dietary recommendations by personal trainers, I see the bigger question being how to deal with a trainer-client situation where the client is not following the trainer’s advice? Whenever I’ve run into this situation, I am very candid with my client (it really doesn’t serve anyone well to tip-toe around the issue in my opinion). I would have a conversation about their failure to follow my recommendations and ask “why.” Their response “could” have nothing to do with “thinking that they know more than you” (unless of course they have come right out and said as much). I would, at least initially, give them the benefit of the doubt by giving them an opportunity to “explain.” Based on what I hear from my client as to the “why,” I will decide then how to deal with the situation.
The options are varied, anything from simply shrugging your shoulders in an “oh well” posture (which I wouldn’t do, and don’t recommend) up to deciding that you simply can’t continue to work with a client who chooses not to follow your recommendations. Each situation is different, so only you will know what your next steps are based on what they say.
I know that this may not be “the answer” that you want, but I truly believe that since you are the one facing these clients, you are truly the only one who will be able to choose from a list of possible responses AND outcomes. Some trainers might be accepting of this “challenge” to their professional recommendations, others would be taken aback. You will know where you fit in that continuum.
Good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
Hello Linda,
I commend you for hanging in there for over three weeks. Your help and knowledge can only go so far…the rest is up to the both of them and what they do on their own time is out of your control.
You can only set forth the rules, advice and goals in your assesment/s and stick to them whether they choose to do it or not.
At this point I would reasses each client and find out why your advice, journal logging and the goals set forth are not a priority in their lifestyle change.
As a Fitness Professional you have a choice for whom you wish to take on as a client and their success is your success.
I have had a client/s in a similar situation and I simply stated that I have failed them as their Personal Trainer and referred them to another trainer and stated all of the reasons why.
Remarkably, they had a change of heart knowing how serious I was about their health. Looking back.. they “thanked” me for my commitment to them.
Keep us posted on your outcome.
Sincerely,
Michael
I have to say that most people I train think of themselves as well-informed, especially when it comes to the food that’s right for them. More than once clients have justified their poor decisions by citing diet plans, folks on tv, or something they heard from a friend. Calorie restriction is very common in my experience- people think that if “less is more” then “even less” must be “even more”. This can be a tough nut to crack for some clients.
The best advice I can give you is not to give up on these folks! By being honest with you about their respective eating issues, they’re letting you know that they trust you on some level. Changing a lifestyle does not come easy and, after all, aren’t we all works in progress? They’ve made it to the point that they realize they need help, and they’ve implemented some changes (by changing their exercise habits, at the very least). Also, you now have the documentation that may convince them that the cycle they’re on is NOT benefiting them- the first client is (most likely) too ashamed to even write down her eating habits, the second client has proven that the choices he’s making aren’t sustainable because his calories have jumped again after a short hiatus. Having them include the way they feel before/after each meal in their food diary may also help them “see the light”.
I would try to be a safe place for these clients to turn. Help them to focus on improving their future habits and to learn from the past without dwelling on it. They are the only ones that can change their behavior, and you can only continue, as you have been, to keep them informed of a best-case scenario. You can certainly refer them to a nutritionist or lifestyle management professional if it seems to be necessary, as they’ll probably back up what you’ve already recommended. Ultimately, the battle is theirs so try not to take their shortcomings as any reflection on yourself. Good luck!
It is extremely heartbreaking for a trainer to put the work in preparing a diet and fitness plan for clients who do not put in their part of the effort. As hard is it may be, you must come to terms with the fact that you are doing the best you can but it is their responsibility to put the work in – you can’t lose the weight for them. The fact that you posted this question shows that you care very much for your clients – you should feel proud!! Think of all the successful clients you have had, perhaps once these two see that they are not getting results they will come around. They have to want it as much as you.