Online etiquette: 5 rules of communication between fitness instructor and client

Due to the rapid development of social networks and messengers, communication between a trainer and his/her charges has gone beyond the fitness rooms. Both the distance and the time to get information have shortened.

Now in one click you can find out (change) things that not so long ago had to be discussed in person. For example, canceling a workout doesn’t even require a phone call to explain why. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? The question is philosophical, and the answer cannot be constructive. It is important to understand what to do about it. How to conduct online communication competently and for the benefit of all?

Business teacher, international expert on personal brand, speaker at Synergy University

The relationship between coach and client should begin with the articulation of the rules of behavior not only in the room, but also when communicating online. It is very important to establish understanding at all stages of communication. A soft approach is always needed. A person comes to a fitness instructor to solve specific problems, and he wants to achieve results. It is important to convey any information correctly.

Of course, there will be rules and exceptions in every case. Especially if you have been communicating with clients for a long time. Here the working relationship can move to a friendly level. If you are just getting acquainted with a person, try to strictly observe online etiquette. What does it involve?

What should not be done?

1. Give an assessment of physical fitness

You can not talk and write to the client about the figure, appearance and other data. The psyche is organized in such a way that if a person in the process of work to evaluate, correct, he will not reach the result. Ask exclusively about the tasks and plans, describe the training schedule and appoint a time to start classes.

2. Write on weekends and after 9 p.m. on weekdays

Everyone has things to do and their own routines. This is especially true on weekends. If you are mobile and ready to be on call always, it is worth discussing this point with the client. The addressee, on the contrary, may have a clear schedule of work and rest, and the beeping phone will cause terrible discomfort. Of course, this does not apply to emergency postponements of classes and other out-of-the-ordinary situations.

Important: It is better to arrange personal calls separately. Not everyone likes to talk on the phone.

3. send audio messages unnecessarily

A new format in messengers has made it possible to send short voice messages. A convenient way when you are busy and there is no opportunity to write a long message, and the person on the other end of the wire is waiting for clear explanations. Only in this case you can use an audio message.

Always clarify before sending, if the client does not mind, whether he has the opportunity to listen to the audio from you at the moment.

4. Change plans without warning

If you change your training schedule, give at least two to three hours’ notice. The best option is twenty-four hours in advance. It’s important to remove the word “sorry.” Say, “We are rescheduling the class for another time.” Try to keep your distance. Communicate all details of rescheduling or canceling in person.

5. Communicate on a first-name basis

“The golden rule of etiquette (not only online) is to use “you” when you first meet someone. The transition to “you” is made when the client is ready for informal communication. Age is not important here. The person may be younger than you. This is no reason to forget about subordination.