How Do You Work With Difficult Personal Training Clients? Trial And Error That Helps You Grow As A Person!
You can’t win them all over! Did you put your best effort in? Then let go of the outcome.
“Perfection Is The Enemy Of Greatness”
Before you give up though, here are some strategies to try out:
Figure out what makes them tick - what do they want/like out of this process? What’s their personality? Once you find out, just give them what they want!
Instill Self-Determination Theory, Psychological Improvement Theory, a Positive Losada Ratio, and collaboration!
When you can afford to, and after you’ve put in your time in the “trenches” so to speak, don’t work with people like that! Refer them out to another trainer who would be a better match!
Difficult clients are an amazing learning experience! I’d try to encourage you to do your best to win them over, think of how much better you will be at handling a challenging situation the next time around! Although, always ensure you put up adequate boundaries so to make sure you are being treated with respect and dignity.
