What can you do when a client is believing false or potentially harmful fitness advice from someone else over your word?
Whether they’re believing a bodybuilder, or a celebrity, or a known person associated with fitness (to clarify I’m not talking about the leaders in the fitness industry (or similar), think The Biggest Loser personal trainers intensely working out 350 pound people for 5 hours straight and they’re not even getting proper nutrition intake (may be an exaggeration but I think you can get the point I’m making) , celebrity fads/workout advice, a guy they know they always looked up to for fitness advice (guy giving out really bad advice on TV(Like Doctor Oz saying there’s a natural miracle diet pill/product, or the fitness version of that), bodybuilder friend, or similar), etc. That’s more or less what I’m talking about.), they’ll hear something from them that’s a either a common trend that’s a myth, something that has no evidence to back it up, or/and can even be harmful. And they’ll believe them over me.
The thing is, I’m in good shape but I’m skinny, even though I’m really toned I don’t have big muscles, I feel like it affects my credibility to client’s and athletes when it’s something like my word vs a bodybuilder’s or celebrity.
So how can I handle this, what are the best strategies?
Thanks in advance.
The most important thing here is to stay focused and unaffected. We cannot make everyone see the light. When clients are following bad advice, I clearly tell them that the advice is inaccurate and/or potentially harmful. A few have chosen to believe what they want to believe. It is difficult to accept sometimes, but it is life. If the cient wants me to train them in using bad information, I tell them I can’t teach what I don’t believe in. It is unfortunate, but I do see many of these people later when the need to undo the consequences of bad advice. A fitness professional needs to be confident and know their limitations. Stay within your knowledge base. Work to increase your skills and abilities. And listen to your conscience.