Friday 26 July 2013

Hitting on Your Clients An Old Blog with New Relevance in an era of Sexual Accusation!

With all that is going on in the entertainment and political world lately regarding sexual impropriety and the Me#too backlash movement it might be a good time to revisit one of my blogs from a few years back.  It is now more relevant than ever. Fitness Trainers are not immune to scandal and litigation!     

   Just recently I was reading an article in the Saturday 'Life' section of a local newspaper. The article was about which professions are best for meeting potential partners for romance. Fitness Trainer was one of the listed occupations. I'm sure the article was meant more as light entertainment that as a piece of informative journalism. However, reading this raised some red flags and got my sleaze scanner going into overdrive. In fact, if you are thinking of becoming a Fitness Trainer because you are looking for such action, my advice is.....................Don't do it!    This is especially true for men but not exclusive to them.
   Nothing will make you look less professional than a reputation for hitting on your clients. 
Sure, some of your trainees may feel flattered and like the attention. But all it takes is one person to file a complaint! News can spread fast in a fitness center environment. Twenty years ago a Fitness Trainer might have gotten away with it. We are in a different era now. A harassment charge can put an abrupt end to a fitness career! Even a mere allegation of impropriety can haunt a Fitness trainer and drag him down like Jacob Marley's ghostly chains.
      Fitness Training often involves working one-on-one with an adult client. There must be a level of trust and comfort. There has to be a rapport which should remain appropriate. It is often necessary for a Fitness Trainer to have physical contact with a client in order to demonstrate proper technique.
   Always ask before touching! Another no-brainer is for a trainer to be sensible about where they lay hands on a client. I've seen some spotting technique that could have earned a well-deserved punch in the jaw if I'd have tried it on any of my protegees. .
   A woman Fitness Trainer doesn't get a free ride either. I don't know of many of my male cronies that would be offended by a flirtatious woman trainer but remember it only takes one complaint to cause a trainer grief! Women trainers may also have the instance of some poor love-starved sap who can't differentiate between friendly banter and a come-on. You want the training sessions to be fun but always tread carefully! Things can backfire fast!
   Okay, I don't want to be a complete killjoy for any single Fitness Trainers. There are only so many hours in the day and much of it is spent in a Fitness Center. Better that you should meet someone active like yourself than spend your time cruising some gin soaked den of iniquity seeking companionship.
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
Ask before touching a client -
 and it sure better be relevant to the exercise.
Just don't do it while you're on the clock. Try working out at another place that you don't train your clients. Work your magic there all you want. Just don't become the weight room pest!
   I have a Fitness Trainer colleague. He is one of the best in the business. He felt a reciprocal chemistry with a woman client. He did not start romancing her half way through a set of heavy bench presses. No way! He waited until her contract expired. They discussed the matter and then began dating. That's the professional way.

The moral of this story -cover your ass and keep your hands off anyone else's ass!!!!

Until next time,.........keep fit!

Little Bobby Strong!


Links:
www.fitnwell.com


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