Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Dump a Personal Trainer without Losing Your Gym

Not all relationships are built to last. And that includes your relationship with a personal trainer.

But not unlike trying to untangle yourself from an office relationship, saying goodbye to a trainer without also giving up your favorite gym can seem impossibly complicated.

We get it: You don't want it to be awkward the next time you both reach for the same dumbbell. (And if you're awkward in general, might we suggest you read 13 Insanely Easy Ways to Make People Like You.)

Soften the blow of the breakup by choosing your words carefully: "Give what's called a positive-feedback sandwich, " says Susan Rudnicki, Ph.D., a psychologist and personal trainer based in Georgia.

That means starting and ending with a compliment. "Say something like, ‘I really appreciate everything you've done for me. But I want to try a different approach to meet my goals,'" suggests Rudnicki. Then finish with "I wouldn't have made it this far without you."

And don't worry about any hard feelings: You're not dealing with an ex who's sobbing over what might have been--it's a business decision, says Dean Somerset

"This isn't really as big of a deal as most people think it is," says Somerset. "Trainers have clients quit all the time, so we don't think much of it as long as the person is honest with us."

Personal trainers are taught to do what's best for their clients, says Rudnicki. If you do decide to try another trainer, tell the gym manager what you want in terms of motivational style and long-term gains.

Still having issues? Maybe you don't even need a gym. Check out the Anarchy Workout, a fat scorching, muscle-building routine designed by fitness expert Andy Spear that you can do from home.

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