The Learning Curve

In working with many walks of life over the last two years of working here at The Way HPI, I've learned a lot. One thing that is up there on the list of importance, second only to your knowledge of the field and how you apply that knowledge to training your clients, is the relationships you build with clients. The one reason I've been so successful in this business so quickly, is that I am able to connect with just about anyone. From 70 year old retirees, to youth sport athletes, and everywhere in between. Rule #1 when it comes to client relationships is this:  People want to know how much you care, before they care about how much you know.

It's through these relationships that you are able to retain what we call "clients," but realistically what these people become are a second family. You see many of these people at least twice a week, if not more. You learn about their lives, they learn about yours. These connections are what helps motivate me to continue to do my job, and do it well.  You take on the lives of some of these clients in the hour or so you have with them. You feel for what they're trying to accomplish, and it becomes your goal in that hour, to help that person reach theirs.

BUT there's so much more to it than that. You have to be able to read people. How are they responding to the type of training I'm giving them? Do I need to switch up training modes and experiment? Does this person need a "You're doing great!" a "You can do it!" or a swift kick in the ass. All of those have vastly different effects on a person's psyche depending on their personality type. Building this positive rapport is crucial to success in the fitness industry, but it's also crucial to your client's success as well. They have to trust in what you're doing and the process you have in order to commit long enough to see results.

So, at the base of the job of a Strength & Conditioning coach or a Personal Trainer, you have to be able to make these personal connections with people. Do they also care how much you know and how you can apply your vast knowledge? Of course. Remember, you're the expert. But always remember that if you rub someone the wrong way, push too hard/too little, or have the occasional "mismatching" personalities, your client retention numbers won't be good. Just like everything else in life, it's all about how well you can balance all of these different elements. There will be failures, but turn them into lessons and never make the same mistake twice. Work hard, and success will find you.

Eric Fish, BS, CSCS
Strength & Conditioning Coach
The Way HPI
Email: EFISH@THEWAYHPI.COM
Twitter: Efish_TheWayHPI
401-467-6701