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TRAINERS » Client Training
men, I can joke with them about how to respond to these same women. I’ve always wanted people to know
they’re working with a professional, not someone who uses their body to sell fitness. I certainly understand that having a fit body is part of the sell, and I feel I have an ethical and moral obli- gation to walk the talk. So I wear com- fortable and well-fitting gear (but that is far from sexy). I want my clients to be focus on their workout, not on what I’m wearing. The greatest factor affecting my
communication style is what clients bring to the table. Male or female, if they have low self-esteem or low self- confidence, I find a way to let them know they are capable. All my clients deserve an hour of me communicating with them in a way that makes them want to come back and work out again.
Barb Cajas CORE Training & Therapy
Winnipeg
www.coretrainingandtherapy.ca
them and determine what their trig- gers are. Some women prefer to be
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adapt for each client I see, wheth- er they are male or female. It's im- portant to be able to relate to each client, determine what works for
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ith male clients, I am generally more business- like paying careful atten- tion to staying on task
and making good use of our time. The session is their appointment, and I’m not going to spend their time on any- thing else but training.
pushed as hard as the men, some like to be yelled at, some need gentle en- couragement, and others need to be made angry and told that they "can't do it." I don’t change my language with
any client because I don't want anyone to feel they are being coddled or treat- ed differently. Before touching any client I always
ask permission. For guys I might cue them by touching an area of the pec- toralis, gluteus, psoas or upper sarto- rious. With women I will not go any- where near those areas. While spotting women who are
large in the breast area, I avoid any physical contact and I am extremely aware of their personal space.
John Bouwman Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
www.JohnnyBFitt.ca
For female clients, in many cases I
have to allow time for them to vent at the beginning of a session; they need to unload what has gone on before we start. This is the trainer-as-therapist aspect to the job. But in some instanc- es, I find the reverse is true: a female client will be all business while a male client needs an opportunity to vent.
Devra Freedman personal trainer and group fitness instructor Toronto
seem to respond to how the exercis- es and the experience will transfer to their lives and enhance their well-be- ing. I relate on an emotional level to their needs. If life issues are causing lack of energy, motivation and physi- cal distress, I switch up their programs immediately without them really be- ing aware of it. They seem to enjoy the journey and be less focused on the end result. I might say to them, “Today I’m focusing on how you’re feeling with the movements. Let’s breathe and con- centrate on how good this is for your body and spirit.” Many men respond to this same ap-
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proach, but I do find that men typical- ly want a concrete, goal-based program that has a start and an end. I don’t have to involve a holistic approach with their programs. If I say, “The pro- gram will be 60 minutes – 20 min- utes each of cardio, interval strength training and core work/stretching,” it works. I also tell them why the func- tional exercises I have chosen will help them in their everyday lives.
Marjorie O'Connor Fit International
Edmonton
www.marjorieoconnor.com
be trained. I put all my energy into it and use inspirational language to help bring out the best in each person. I think that it’s best to just be yourself
I 26 Fitness Business Canada September/October 2013
don’t train women or men – I train athletes and people who want to be athletic. I treat my cli- ents the way that I would want to
tend to work with women on a more mind/body/spirit level and men on a more-technical level. For example, my female clients
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