Regardless of the results my client is always disappointed
What did she want to lose?
that is actually too much too soon so I hope she knows that her weight loss will not continue at that pace!
i would have her write out her goals- make sure they are very specific, time line included.
We can’t control our clients responses, we can however provide education, inspiration and reality checks!
It is a bit sad that many times people have difficulty being in the moment and appreciating every acheivement. You may want to research topics like “finding happiness in everyday life” and adding a bit of mindfulness practice at the end of your sessions. Who knows? It might even help you in dealing with this type of client and this type of reaction.
From the little bit you provided us, I would tell you to be positive. You are doing a great job. I make an effort to end ever session with a positive thought and express my sincere appreciation for the time the client and I have shared.
Hi Kelly,
every reasonable person would consider this to be excellent progress but you have many people who believe that, once they have lost 10 lbs (or whatever), the clouds will part and they will be happy. In cases like that, even the most perfect of bodies won’t suffice. You mention that ‘she is always disappointed’, and that’s why I believe that there are issues below the surface that have nothing to do with your training.
Just keep encouraging her and try not to link your approval only to her weight loss.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Kelly,
It sounds like you’re doing a great job with her, but one of the things that we as trainers have to deal with these days is the whole “biggest loser” mentality. People are getting conditioned to think that losing 7 to 10 lbs per week is not an unrealistic expectation because they see it on TV. There also could be something else going on there, like others have suggested. All you can do is explain to her about what’s realistic & what’s not as far as training goals go. She’s actually losing more weight per week than I would want to see – I’m a big fan of 1 lb per week. But these days, that’s a tough sale. I’d tell her that there’s a right way to accomplish her goals & an unhealthy way, and for her to get another trainer if she insisted on the latter. Good luck Kelly – you might need it with this one!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com