How do you let someone know when it is time to retire? I have been training a figure competitor the past several years. She is injured to the point that it is hard for her to work as hard as she needs to in the gym to get the fat off that she gained since her last show. She won't eat as much as I ask her to because she insists that less is better, and when she doesn't do well at a show she blames it on me. What should I do?

FitDevil

Isn't it kind of odd they way she blames you for the result of the show, but then still comes back to you after that to tarin with you again??

She does not even follow your guidelines in terms of calories, so who's fault is it??

You have the control of who you want to train or don't want to train?? Its seems like its time for you to break the ties of this client, especially if this is your training studio, and of not, then you can speak to your boss about the situation, and i am sure he/she will back you up!

FD,

Before you drop her as a client, have you really sat her down, and explained what you just told us?

If she has been doing this for a while she has to know that starving one's self is not the answer to the look she is going for. Moreover, she has to realize her limitations. I personally have an injury that prevents me from training as heavy as I would like. It limits the size I can now put on. I realize this, and moved forward.

My point is she needs to realize that if she wants to compete her results may not be what they once were due to her limitations. Either accept that, or compete for the fun of it, and ease up a bit.

She cant blame you for her shortcomings, if she does not follow your advice to the T. I think she realizes this or she would not keep coming back to you.

Tough call.

Jay and fitdevil,
I can't believe I forgot to mention Jay's 1sdt point about sitting her down 1st then you could follow the rest of what I said, if she does not want to follow your guidelines and put the blame on you!!

All you can do is put your guidelines and instructions out there, but if they are unwilling to follow those, then the problem is in their ballpark!!

Thanks guys. I forgot to mention another point. The company that I work for pays me salary to train whoever comes into the gym to ask me for help. In other words my services are free to her. I have suggested that she find another trainer but she wants me to keep doing it. I am going to follow your advice and have a heart to heart with her tomorrow.

Thanks again, you are the best!

FitDevil