You hired a trainer on January 1st and got to work. Well, it's been a couple of months, the holiday weight has fallen off, and your personal trainer's routines are getting a little stale. You think it may be time to move on. But, you have a good thing going with your personal trainer and aren't quite ready to break things off yet, or aren't sure how. Don't fret! We've got four surefire ways to help you break up with your personal trainer and successfully continue your fitness journey.
READ: How To Pick The Right Personal Trainer
Avoid them.
You know their schedule better than anybody. Figure out when your trainer is most likely to have a client or not be at the gym and go during those times. If you happen to bump into them while they're training a client, speak but let them know that you don't want to intrude on their client's time and you'll contact them later. About two months in, they'll get the hint and stop asking you when you're going to schedule your next session.
Playas gotta play!
Nothing says I'm over you like finding a new boo, or, in this case, a new trainer. Find a new trainer in the same establishment and begin training with them. When your trainer sees you working with a new trainer, they'll know what's up.
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Keep it moving.
If that doesn't work, join a new gym. Nothing says a fresh start like a new elliptical and no sight of your personal trainer. Just be sure not to hire another trainer and have to move again in 12 weeks.
Don't do any of the above.
These are all common and incredibly inconsiderate ways to end things with your personal trainer. Don't be that person.
Here's the real advice:
1. Give them enough notice.
It's important to consider whether or not you plan to continue working with your personal trainer as early as possible. If you plan to discontinue your fitness journey without them, try to mention it at least two weeks in advance. “Give a trainer notice as you would an employer. This is their income,” said Monique Hayes, a professional athlete and personal trainer.
READ: Celebrity Fitness Trainer Dawn Strozier: "You'll Win If You Don't Quit"
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2. Give up your time slot.
It may be hard to break up with your trainer, but you should respect their time by letting them know it's ok to begin scheduling new clients in the time that is usually reserved for you. If your trainer is any good, they'll have no problem filling that spot right away. “This isn’t really as big of a deal as most people think it is... Trainers have clients quit all the time, so we don’t think much of it as long as the person is honest with us,” Dean Somerset, a personal trainer and exercise psychologist, told Men's Health.
3. Be honest about why you're ending it.
If you don't want to continue your training sessions because you can't afford it, explain to your trainer that you would like to continue training with them but you can no longer afford the extra expense. They may be willing to work with you. If your trainer works independently (not employed by the gym) they may be more flexible with payment options.
4. Part as friends.
If you don't feel comfortable with breaking up with your trainer because you've developed a friendship with them, let them know that they have taught you well enough to continue on your own. Invite them to workout with you and grab something to eat afterward. You can still maintain the friendship without paying them. Side note: Be careful. You just might learn the differece between being friends and (as any trainer is expected to be) being friendly. “Trainers become attached to clients, too, and notice of a client’s departure is always better if there is time to plan for it. A strong trainer will make sure you have all the tools you need to move on and be successful,” said Joanne Blackerby, a fitness coach.
READ: "The Biggest Loser" Celebrity Trainer Dolvett Quince Gets To The Core Of Weight Loss
It's normal to experience feelings of guilt when you decide to part from your trainer. This is someone you've developed a relationship with and have possibly confided in on a personal level. But, keep in mind that your trainer got into this profession because they wanted to help people. “I don't train people to be dependent on me. So, I have a sense of accomplishment [when they move on],” said Hayes.
