They Not Like Us.
Me:
“How many trainers have you worked with before me?”
Client:
“I had a couple. One at Valley View Mall with Zach. I trained with some girls from Atlanta, but we didn’t mesh well. Another group in downtown Arlington. I’ve had others too, but I didn’t re-sign.”
Me:
“That worries me a little. When I see a client jump from trainer to trainer, I start to wonder… is it the trainer? Or is it the client? What’s going on that makes you switch so often?”
Client:
“I had a great trainer when I lived in Dallas, but I moved. Driving that far wasn’t realistic. Also, some trainers didn’t engage. I like how you stay in my ear the whole session. Other trainers would walk off, be on their phone, or even eat meals mid-session. I’ve been searching for a trainer that actually stays present. That works best for me.”
Me:
“Man, I’m glad you said that. Engagement. Not enough trainers value it because they don’t charge their worth. That’s why they can’t give full attention—they’re undervalued and distracted. But I know what you’re paying for: attention, experience, not just time. I show up fully. That’s my signature. A lot of trainers don’t realize that the same client paying $25 can and will pay $160—if the value is there. I know my worth. And I honor it.”
Client:
“Yup! Gotta know your worth—and you’re worth it.”
Me:
“Engagement will be my next blog. Thanks for sparking it.”
Rules of Engagement (How I Coach)
My standards as a trainer are higher than the standards I place on my clients. That’s not ego—that’s leadership.
Here’s what I live by:
If I cancel, I owe you a free session—plus the one I missed.
If I’m late, I make it up by giving up my break.
If I expect you to be present, I’ll be the most consistent person in your life.
If I want you satisfied and loyal, I under-promise yet overdeliver.
Rule 1: Be Present
Nothing else matters when a client is in front of me. Not my phone (unless I’m recording a set). Not my problems. Not the gym business. Just you.
I scan posture constantly—feet, ankles, hips, spine, neck, elbows, everything. I don’t wait for injuries to fix form. I correct before it breaks.
One new client told me last week, “Bro, my chest has never been this sore—and I’ve been through army boot camp.”
That’s not a flex on reps. That’s the power of presence. I manage what I expect.
Fit Tip: Not all trainers are created equal. Some don’t even realize they’re sleepwalking through sessions.
Rule 2: Communicate Clearly
Clients set the tone. I follow up with structure.
During onboarding, I send a document outlining expectations. If I ever have friction with a client, 100% of the time it’s because I forgot to send it.
Here’s a snippet of what I expect from every athlete:
Be consistent.
Show up ready.
Own your growth.
Communicate honestly.
Train with intent.
Respect the space.
And I ask: What do you expect from me in return?
It becomes a win-win. No guessing. No confusion. Just clarity.
Fit Tip: If your clients “don’t get it,” you probably didn’t communicate it.
Rule 3: Listen Deeply
Most clients don’t come to get shredded.
They come to feel something. Or to stop feeling everything.
80% of my clients?
They come for stress relief.
They come to vent.
To cry.
To unload.
To feel human again.
They call me trainer, coach, therapist, big bro. And I wear it all with pride.
Some tell me, “This is better than therapy.”
And I get it. We’ve laughed. We’ve cried. We’ve saved lives in this gym.
If you think coaching is only about macros and mechanics—you missed the bigger assignment.
Fit Tip: If your client doesn’t feel safe, they won’t grow. Build that first.
Rule 4: Personalize the Experience
This starts before they walk in.
I ask real questions:
What kind of changes do you want to make in your life?
What’s the best thing that could happen if you started this journey?
What’s inconsistent with your values—and how do we fix that?
What are you hiring me for?
Most trainers only assess physical ability.
I assess emotional commitment. Because I can’t teach someone to care.
And I’ve learned: if I care more than they do—I burn out.
Fit Tip: You’re not here to push. You’re here to hold space. Be the bridge, not the barrier.
Energy Is Contagious
You bring presence, care, clarity, and consistency—and your clients will rise to it.
They won’t want to let you down.
They’ll start showing up for themselves.
You build trust.
And trust builds results.
Before long, it’s no longer just coach and client—it’s family.
Call to Action
Trainers:
Act like someone’s always watching.
Give every session your best.
One day, someone will be ready to sign up—and they’ll pick you based on how you carried yourself when you didn’t know they were watching.
Clients:
Don’t choose the cheapest option.
Choose the experience that transforms you.
Your fitness journey should feel like falling back in love with yourself.
Understand: A trainer changes your body. A coach changes your life.
