Stop burnout before it stops you - CEU Corner™ - Cover Story

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2001 by Debra Atkinson

You just passed your personal trainer exam, have business cards hot off the press and landed your first clients--burnout is the furthest thing from your mind. Unfortunately, because you are so passionate, you may also be the most vulnerable to burnout. You want to jump in and get to work, but you need to generate income and establish yourself first. However, as many veteran trainers will tell you, now is the best time to take steps to prevent your bright light from burning out.

Today, new trainers can benefit from the experiences of fitness pioneers. Following, you'll read common errors made by new trainers, their rationale and the reality of their thinking. As industry veterans share how they maintain their enthusiasm for personal training, you will learn how to reframe your thoughts, share your passion and keep it fueled for longevity in your fitness career.

Error: Taking any and all clients at their convenience, including early mornings and late evenings.

Rationale: You count the hours, total number of clients and conclude that you are working a normal length workday.

Reality: You are giving up any real time to yourself when you have to prepare or be "on" all the time. Sherri McMillan, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, recalls how worn out she was when she filled her schedule with early and late appointments. She recommends trainers set a strict schedule for themselves. For example, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays could be early days, but go home early as well. Sleep-in and work late on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Saturdays, work half day or take both Saturday and Sunday off, McMillan suggests.

Set your boundaries based on what it takes to rejuvenate yourself. If you need to go to bed early, have time after work for family or your personal workout, set your boundaries accordingly. Learn to say "no" to people whose schedules infringe on your boundaries.

Error: Being "on call" all the time. Giving out your e-mail address, cell phone or voicemail number gives the impression that you are always available. One trainer actually moved next door to the health club to be more accessible to clients whenever they needed her.

Rationale: You want to provide the best possible service to prevent losing clients.

Reality: You never feel like you are "off work." Set boundaries for receiving and returning messages. For example, check messages twice a day or return messages within 24 hours. Whatever time boundaries you set, be sure to include returning calls in your total work time.

Error: Completely filling your workdays with client contact hours.

Rationale: More clients, more money.

Reality: Service-oriented work, 40 hours a week, is tough. Meeting everyone's needs with positive, creative motivation and exercise design requires you to stay fresh. Frequent training can result in monotonous workouts, running late all the time and forgetfulness--telltale signs you're overloaded.

"The constant giving of training is mentally tiring and you become less effective as a trainer," says Keli Roberts, a personal trainer in Los Angeles and media spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

There is little balance in life when your days completely revolve around servicing others. Finding other ways of contributing can actually strengthen your ability as a trainer and add credibility to your business. Roberts and McMillan agree that better balance can be found by lessening the amount training hours and adding other projects within the fitness industry, like writing, presenting managing or administrative duties. Roberts, author of Fitness Hollywood and several SPRI manuals, currently has a lighter client load and spends her afternoons writing.

Error: Training clients regardless of their fitness profile. For exam trying to accommodate clients with a wide variety of goals, such as weight shoulder impingement, marathon training, osteoporosis or ACL rehabilitation.

Rationale: You feel the need to prove yourself and are greedy for the income, but are reluctant to admit you don't know it all.

Reality: No one knows it all! A new challenge can be stimulating, but too many clients that require researching and consulting therapists/physicians can overextend and stress you, not to mention pose a legal liability. You will actually gain more respect and clients by referring them to qualified professionals.

Roberts recommends that in addition to a client's physical needs, a trainer should assess whether a particular client is a good personality match for them. "If I suspect [an incompatible] match, I won't train them," says Roberts. How does she tactfully decline mismatches? She leaves an out by telling the client she has a full client load at the time, but would be willing to get them started and contact them if her schedule opens up.

Imagine your potential clients--who do you see yourself most effectively training? This image may be constantly evolving, but it will help you focus as you grow. You will not only become a more effective trainer, but you will avoid the drain on your energy from dreading that one hour a day.