How to deal with flirtatious clients?

by Matthew Constantino
(Farmington, NY)

This is a tricky topic to address, in that some trainer and clients can let this get to far out of hand, so the following are some guidelines to follow:

1. Set up ground rules right off the bat. Let them know what your purpose is and find out what their expectations are. Explain to them what you will be doing and how you will be instructing them. Make sure that they know there will be some form of touching but not in a flirtatious way. And that if the feel uncomfortable they need to state that. But remember that you need to make them feel comfortable and relaxed so that they don’t feel that the training is a job. Try to keep things light and fun. Again this is the ground rules they will come in handy to help keep both you and your client aware of the boundaries.

2. Always stay professional, meaning remember what you are there for. It is okay to have fun but keep it clean and in perspective. Because you never know who may be watching and listening. You don’t want to turn someone off from hiring you as a trainer because you acted unprofessional.

3. Address any situation that arise right away, don’t wait. Here the idea is to nip any unprofessional and/or uncomfortable situation in the bud. This can affect future trainings sessions.

4. Be aware of the signals you are sending out and how they may be received. This goes hand and hand with number three. Watch your tone, mannerisms and how the client responds to them. Furthermore, watch eye contact, body language, and changes in conversations.

5. If you feel uncomfortable try to encourage them to get a partner. You can play this idea off as a cost saving for them. With the partner it can help keep the atmosphere in that professional arena were it belongs. How you may ask, by having the second client, the main client is not the main focus. You need to spend the same amount of time with both. Moreover, the second partner can help keep the first clients perceptions of how you are acting in perspective and you as the trainer can do the same.

6. If all else fails refer them to another trainer. As trainers we have to get over the fear of losing a client. As trainers if we lose our integrity, credibility, and professionalism then we might as well hand up the closed for business sign and find another job. It is better to have one extra spot then to be totally out of business, if you are honest, and know you craft, filling your vacant spot will take no time.

We owe it to our clients and families to be professional in all aspects of our business. It is okay to have fun and joke around but don’t go overboard and/or let things get out of hand. Just like a client who feels uncomfortable with you as a trainer will dismiss you. You should not feel that you have to take or keep every client if they display inappropriate behavior for the sake of your business.