My trainer is letting me go because my time slot is inconvenient after a year of training; what do i say to him?
I have trained with this trainer since last Dec. I have gone 2x a week, and rarely, if ever cancel. I follow his program, eat right, treat him very respectfully, and thought that we had a very good relationship. My timeslot is 7 – 8PM, and he is moving an hour away from the gym in Jan. His first client is at 5AM. I understand that it is inconvenient to be his only evening client, but I would think that he would try to offer some sort of solution to continue the relationship. He has done nothing, and I am really annoyed.
Hi,
I totally understand what you are going through, after being in the industry for nearly 2 decades, personally have come across lot of clients & trainers .
Sorry for being blunt with my answer kindly take it good spirit.As with the clients discontinuing a trainer for variety of reasons, trainers too will come to point in their career, that some clients are difficult to handle/get motivated etc due to trainers location, other commitments etc. Training to progress there should be mutual good energy and PR , however as professional he should refer you to another trainer ,after your approval he can discuss your previous plans with the new trainer so you can continue the progress.
Eg: I have to let go of clients who I’ve trained for more than 10years 3-4 times a week and refer them to other trainers, and also clients who got really good results for years have stopped taking sessions coz they didn’t feel the same energy/ since they have reach the results they don’t see the point in investing etc..etcc. is a 2 two way street
Be thankful to the positive changes he made in your life , keep moving forward
I completely understand your feelings. This is an unfortunate situation. And it sounds like your trainer is in need of some sensitivity and professionalism training. Not that he should drive the hour to work with you. But he should be at least helping you find a replacement trainer or working with you to find some middle ground.
Perhaps he doesn’t realize how this appears to you or others. I would recommend that you try to let it go. I know it is insulting and that it stings. But you can be the bigger person here and just move on. I am sure that you could find an excellent trainer in your area. And you should talk to someone who understands this type of situation and can help you get past it. A close friend, your clergy person, or anyone you trust and respect. I wish you all the best.
I would see if you could maybe meet him at the same time slot somewhere half way in between or maybe pick a different time during the week.
This is a tough situation. He probably does not want to leave you but feels like in terms of logistics, he cannot do it. I am sure you will find another great trainer
Please do not take it personally. Remember that what you see is a trainer at the gym, but he is also a person with a life outside the gym. He isn’t saying…. I don’t want to work with you because of something you did…. he is saying “I don’t want to pull 12 hour days and have to take a 2 hour commute twice a day”. If there is any flexibility in your schedule you could ask about moving to a weekend or an early morning. If not you could ask for a recommendation for another trainer.
When my favorite instructor went to law school and moved all her classes there was quite a bit of grumbling. She had students who got mad if she went on vacation, and tended to show up 20 minutes early to get a front space. It is really hard to move from working with someone you really click with. But you can be happy that you have such great fitness habits.
If I’m understanding you correctly, Ellen, you mean your trainer didn’t even leave the door open to working with you at another time (more convenient for them), but just said “Thanks. We’re done.” Right?
If so, I’d propose another time (if one would work for you). If they don’t accept that then I’m thinking it’s something else. Either they are changing their focus (maybe only older clients, or only pro athletes, or…), or just cutting back on the number of clients, or something else you can’t do anything about. It does sound like you’re a great client. You’d think they’d be happy to keep you if you could adjust to their new schedule/location.
You’re not in the San Diego area, are you? I’m setting up my schedule now, and am planning to work mostly afternoons and evenings (possibly quite late, like 9-11). So this is a timely (forgive the pun) topic for me. I led a bunch of morning group things over the summer, thankfully temporary, and learned that was not a good long-term strategy for me. Soooo not a morning person. I’m hoping to be able to connect with folks who get off work or school late, and need to hit the gym afterward.
In any case, good luck. I hope you find a great new trainer if it doesn’t work out with your old one.