May I text my clients and ask them how they are progressing with respect to their aerobic workouts?
I believe texts are a good instrument to keep track of what your clients are doing when you cant be with them. It gives them a sense of responsability of the homework you give them and know they have to be accountable because youll be giving a follow up. Always deal with respect and try to refer only to training matters and I believe you wont have any problems.
I would not do it. Even though texting has become the communication vehicle for many, it intrudes into personal space. Asking your client’s permisison puts them into an awkward position of not wanting to say no.
The only exception would be if a client specifically asks to be taken to task, and then it may be an appropriate way to do it.
John, please heed my words.
At the outset, I always ask my clients for their contact information and include texting capabilities. If they resond “yes”, I make sure they are comfortable being contacted that way (many people don’t have unlimited texting) and then only use it as a means to respond to texts I receive from them, normally announcing tardiness.
Once you make a personal contact (I speak from experience here) with it, you open a can of barrier worms. Rarely did anyone have a problem with me contacting them but, my inbox EXPLODED!!! Some got the impression that my text inbox was their personal blog posting site, and were giving me every little update (sometime I got over 200 texts a day) and querry they could. I have since found that a phone call is not only more personable but, re-initiated those boudaries I had lost.
Please don’t make the mistake I did. Make phone calls and leave voicemails, send e-mails, and open a Facebook account to communicate with clientele. Texting WILL be a nightmare! I promise.
If you’ve assessed their stage of readiness, and they’ve indicated that they are ready, confident and willing to change, is it unnecessary to text.
I have to concur Karin. Just ask yourself…
Would a doctor text his patients to make sure they are taking their medicine? For me it is a resounding no.
