Some time ago 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. A sexual assault charge is not only career suicide it could be a legal nightmare!
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.
On a related note, Fitness Trainers must be extremely careful about what comes out of their mouth! Save the jokes for a locker room but not the one in the fitness center where you work. Sexual and racial comments are verboten. Politics and religion can be trap laden conversation topics as well. A comment that may seem benign can blow up in your face easily. Remember many of your clients may have issues that don't show up in a fitness appraisal.
The moral of this story -cover your ass and keep your hands off everyone else's !!!!
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| I can sense the potential for trouble ahead! Brother, what are you thinking? |
Until next time,.........keep fit!
and keep your mitts to yourself!!!!!
Little Bobby Strong!
Links:
www.fitnwell.com
