3 CHAPTER 42 COMMUNICATION AND TEACHING TECHNIQUES IN THIS CHAPTER:
Stages of the Client–Trainer Relationship
Rapport Stage Investigation Stage Planning Stage Action Stage
Strategies for Effective Communication
Cultural Competence Increases Empathy and Rapport
Difficult Clients May Require More Effort
Empathy and Rapport Enhance Adherence
Professional Boundaries Enhance the Effectiveness of Personal Trainers
Stages of Learning and Their Application to the Client–Trainer Relationship
Summary BARBARA A. BREHM
SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL TRAINERS CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATE excellent communication and teaching techniques while working closely with their clients to understand their concerns, formulate health and fitness goals, design effective fitness programs, and teach exercise skills. Health and fitness professionals who excel in exercise science and understand the intricacies of training principles will still lack effectiveness if they cannot establish positive and productive working relationships with their clients. These relationships are based on good communication and teaching techniques.
BARBARA A. BREHM, ED.D., is a professor of exercise and sport studies at Smith College, Northampton, Mass., where she teaches courses in stress management, nutrition, and health behavior. She is also the director of the Smith Fitness Program for Faculty and Staff. Dr. Brehm writes extensively for fitness professionals, and is the author of several books, including Psychology of Health and Fitness and Successful Fitness Motivation Strategies.
