If you train clients in-home, how do you gently let them know that their home doesn’t work for you in its current state?
Hi Lisa. I’d like to add my “late two-cents” to this discussion. What I try to always do with my in-home clients is before we ever have their first session, I ask them to give me an inventory of the equipment they have, the space that we will work out in, and my “rule” that even though we are working out at their home, this is THEIR hour, and interruptions should be kept at a minimum (hint to them: keep the children out, no answering non-emergency phone calls, no pets). With this as our backdrop, this usually takes care of things. If for some reason it doesn’t, then I remind them of those requirements as soon as they start to waver (this reinforces the idea that those “rules” are solid and should be adhered to).
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
I ignore it, I’m not there to analyze how they keep house, I’m there to train them.
As professionals we must be able to adapt, think on the spot, respect our clients homes, deal with the pets that they love, the grandchildren they hug and still be able to provide an exceptional workout regardless of how small, cramped, messy or dirty an area may be.
Thanx everyone!
I think everyone who has trained clients in-home has a horror story or two but my was about animal urine/poop in the area. I did ask if I could open the door as it was a beautiful day…and stopped at that.
I did learn to take a benadryl prior to arriving as it helped with the allergies as the client was so awesome and it wasn’t her fault that as much as I love cats and dogs I’m really allergic to them!
I love all animals (working on loving rats) and luckily for me my clients pets love me too…sometimes too much. I would never think to ask them to clean to my pet standards as I have a free-range cockatiel and he’s a messy little bird.
I say, adapt and overcome. It isn’t about you. It’s about your client. If it is working for your client, then it is working for them. Boy could I share some stories. 🙂 But low and behold, my clients all benefitted when I was there. Also, many clients don’t have the financial means or mental means to live in a way that you prefer. So don’t hold that against them. When you chose to go into the houses of clients, you also chose to accept the environment that they chose to create. Anyway, I wouldn’t know how you would tell someone about a cleanliness issue. Eeek. As far as telling them you need them to be more focussed during the workout, this is easy. Good luck.