The Client-Trainer Relationship
The relationship between trainer and client can be quite intense. You are working closely with people for what can end up being many years. During this time, they will experience numerous ups and downs in their lives, many of which they will share with you: marriage, pregnancy, job changes, loss of loved ones, and so on. The nature of the trainer-client relationship is physical, mental, and emotional. You are being placed in a position of trust, and must take great care to respect that position.
Fact
The National Council on Strength and Fitness produces an extensive code of ethics for the client-trainer relationship, including professional ethics, societal responsibilities, conflicts of interests, and trainer conduct and practices. See the entire NCSF code of conduct online.
Building Rapport
Rapport can be defined as a relationship of mutual trust and understanding between two people. The nature of personal training requires trainers to establish rapport with their clients in order to be successful. Gaining the confidence of your clients is of the utmost importance. If they do not trust you, they will not confide in you, and you will not be able to help them completely. You must prove yourself to be honest, trustworthy, and reliable before people will share with you their hopes, fears, successes, and shortcomings. Establishing these types of relationships takes time, patience, and consideration.
Another aspect of building rapport is working to understand where your client is coming from. If you can see life through your clients' eyes, you will have a better idea how to guide them toward success. Be mentally present during every session. Really listen when clients share things with you, and read between the lines when necessary.
Essential
Know when to ask questions and when to stay quiet. There is a fine line between being interested and being nosy. Many times clients will vent to relieve stress. During these times, show them you are concerned and that you understand, but for the most part remain quiet and let them do the talking.
Know How to Listen
Listening to your clients will help you understand what makes them tick. When you understand what drives them, you can help them achieve success. Unless the issues are directly related to personal training, be cautious about offering advice. Keep your opinions to yourself unless you are asked. Most people can work out their own problems by talking about them, and if your clients wish to hear your opinion, they will say so.
Personal Training Gets Personal
The longer you work with your clients, the more intimately you will get to know them. As you build trust and rapport, they will begin to divulge information about their personal lives. You will be amazed at the things your clients choose to share with you.
In order to help people achieve their physical goals you will likely have to address some mental and emotional issues.
Alert
It is not unusual for clients to develop crushes on their trainers. Most personal trainers take good care of themselves and are physically fit. They are also charismatic and personable. People are drawn to them because of it, and these qualities contribute to their success. However, to allow a crush to be acted upon is unwise and unprofessional.
Recognizing and Respecting Boundaries
As a personal trainer, you are in a trusted position. You are a coach and mentor, and your clients will look up to you. Avoid taking advantage of your position. It is only natural that at some point, physical attraction may occur between trainer and client. It may or may not be mutual, but it should be taken seriously. Becoming romantically involved with a client is bad for business. You will not only lose that client, you will mar your reputation.
This is even more of an issue if one or both parties are married or in committed relationships. This sends a negative message about your character and ethics, and is simply a disaster waiting to happen. If you are employed by a health club, they will likely have a strict policy pertaining to these situations. Trainers are often prohibited from becoming romantically involved with members, as it can lead to loss of business if the relationship ends badly.
