When to End Your Fitness Training Relationship

N

Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 3 min read

Primary source Kenyan Digest archive

This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.

Breaking Up with Your Personal Trainer: A Guide

Ending a romantic relationship can be painful, but breaking up with your personal trainer can be just as difficult. When you invest time and money in a trainer, it's natural to feel a sense of attachment and loyalty. However, if the relationship isn't working for you, it's essential to know when to end it.

Published on August 1, 2019, by Emily Abbate, a certified fitness trainer and host of the podcast Hurdle, this article provides valuable insights on how to recognize the signs that it's time to move on from your personal trainer.

Before You Commit

Before signing up with a new trainer, it's crucial to have an open and honest conversation about your goals and expectations. This will help you determine if the trainer is a good fit for you.

"It's essential to establish a clear and candid dialogue with your trainer about your specific goals and their capabilities as a trainer," says Austin Lopez, C.S.C.S. and trainer at Diakadi Body in San Francisco. "If there's an obvious disconnect, such as a trainer not working on diet with clients who are seeking weight loss, then that needs to change right away."

"If the trainer needs to have a hard conversation with you because you have been slacking off or not putting in the work; or conversely, if the trainer is slacking and not responding to scheduling requests or something like that, then it is important to not let the personal relationship get in the way of a necessary discussion." — Austin Lopez, C.S.C.S. and trainer at Diakadi Body in San Francisco

Additionally, it's essential to sit down for an initial meeting and get a sense of the trainer's personality and habits. This will help you determine if you're compatible and can work well together.

"The relationship goes both ways," says Kenny Santucci, coach at Solace New York. "It's a personal training session, so it's bound to get personal. You have to jive, otherwise why would either of you want to spend an hour together? Like any good relationship, the more you share views, beliefs, and a sense of humor the longer that relationship will blossom and you can grow together."

"You're going to get along on a deeper level than you may with some of your friends, but it is important to keep separate the results side of things." — Kenny Santucci, coach at Solace New York

When to End the Relationship

So, when is it time to end the relationship with your personal trainer? Here are some clear signs that it's time to move on:

  • If you're not achieving your goals: The most obvious sign that it's time to move on is that you're not achieving your goals, whether that's weight loss, performance, or learning new skills.
  • Your trainer isn't focused during your time with them: If your trainer is distracted or not fully present during your sessions, it's a sign that they're not invested in your success.
  • This isn't fun anymore: If you're dreading your sessions or feeling unfulfilled, it's time to reevaluate the relationship.

Remember, ending a relationship with your personal trainer can be tough, but it's essential to prioritize your goals and well-being. Don't be afraid to have an honest conversation with your trainer and explore new options for achieving your fitness goals.

Next read

Sports Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim Exposed Over Refusal to Repay Ksh 2 Million Debt as Protest Looms at Talanta Plaza

24 July 2026 · 4 min read

Sports Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim has been exposed over his refusal to repay a KSh2 million debt to a young businessman, with a peaceful...