There are a lot of things to consider when planning a weight loss program, and as I plan to launch one soon, I am trying to anticipate all the possible glitches. Not possible, right? I am trying to present the program as though it is a “beta” version that needs to be tested so I can get all the kinks out before January!
The promotional materials are on display and there is a sign-in sheet for members to request more info. So far, the questions are fairly typical as to the what, where, when and how of the program. But two particular questions have popped up repeatedly concerning the coaches. First, prospective participants want to be sure that someone will be available at a time that is convenient for them. And second, some people have requested a coach by gender.
In my program, I have trained a select group of Personal Trainers to act as coaches. There are so many advantages to this procedure, primarily that since I can’t be in the club 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there will be someone available to suit most schedules. So that should take care of convenience.
As far as having a coach that is male or female, I am not surprised to get requests stating a gender preference. This is really no different than when a Personal Trainer is being matched with a client. It is always important to try to honor such requests. The weight loss coach is connecting with someone on a very personal level when discussing their nutrition, so it is really necessary to match the participant up with a coach with whom they feel most comfortable.
I had one member talk to me about the program, and she was being referred by her trainer who will be her coach. But she did not want him, her male trainer, to do her circumference measurements! Possibly, she was too shy. In that case, I will do the measurements or have another female step in.
These are very significant issues to consider when designing your weight loss program. Most people are self-conscious about their weight to some degree, and it can be a very difficult and even painful step to come forward and participate in a program. I believe it is our job to make them as comfortable as possible.
We need to remove as many obstacles as we can anticipate that would inhibit a member from fully participating. Whether it is time or place, or the gender of the person with whom they directly interact, it is our responsibility to help them achieve their goal and feel successful at every step.
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
