Most trainers i see don’t keep a record of their client’s progress. Is this common?
I wonder if there is a difference in adherence rates for clients who have trainers that track progress and those that don’t? I think tracking is important ; a tool for trainers and clients. Tells me whether my prescription is effective, informs me about the clients progress and readiness for change or taking it to the next level, and provides me with details to give encouragement and feedback.
Just because you do not see them track their clients does not mean that they don’t. When I am with my clients I am busy focusing on them, their needs, their form, keeping them motivated, etc. Therefore, I do not take notes, or track them at that moment. It is before and after I see them that I do my tracking. Most trainers I know do the same thing. Maybe this is why you do not see trainers tracking.
Being in the field for almost 30 years, I don’t see enough trainers doing record keeping of their clients. They may write some notes after the session but to me that’s harder to be accurate. Harder if they have back to back clients. If they have easy forms, then they can quickly make notes on their client.
Keep in mind that if a trainer gets sued, he or she will need to prove that they were rightl. If if not in writing, it would look bad for the trainer. The Lawyer will come into court with their big suitcase on why you were wrong. Be ready for them JUST IN CASE with your big suitcase.
Take a lot of legal workshops for fitness professionals. Also, subscribe to some time of legal resource such as PRC Publishing – Exercise Malpractice Reporter.
Michele Blake, BS (kinesiology), AA (Law)
I think track should be done more, its not only lets the client know that they’re improving but it is a great marketing tool. But also remember tracking is usually a tangible thing, progression doesn’t always have to be weight loss, lifting more weight, etc. Progression can be mental, emotional, etc. Training is a very powerful industry.
All of my clients have a written workout every time I meet with them. I write what they do every session. I also keep a seperate measurement chart (weight, bodyfat, measurements, etc) which I update periodically (weight more frequently as it only takes 30 seconds). They also have a written plan that outlines where they are, where they want to go and the steps I am going to progress them through (I use NASM’s OPT model).
I am training my trainers to use this model also.
The written records allow us to easily pick up a file and give any cleint a great workout at the drop of a hat should another trainer have to cover. It also is great so you can show your client their progress!