Should I Date My Personal Trainer?

The sweet smell of pumping iron or running miles on the treadmill hits the air and all you can think about is the tight curves of your 2:00 appointment. In this day and age, it is not unusual for personal trainer client dating issues to arise in the workplace. While some trainers make it an absolute rule not to cross the line into personal trainer client dating territory, others toy with the idea of mixing business with pleasure.

But, at what cost? Can a budding romance at the weight bench cause controversy, scandal, and the possibility of losing your job? Are there legal issues to consider?

When a personal trainer is concerned with the passionate flame that burns for one of their "hot" clients, one of the first thoughts that may come to mind is: "will I get in trouble for acting on my attraction to a client?" Legally, there are no restrictions that prevent personal trainer client dating from taking place.

Instead, the real issues surface after advances have been made and gestures accepted…or rejected. If you come on too strong, a client may feel offended, violated, or embarrassed. They may request a different trainer or submit a formal complaint to your employer.

If you engage in what you believe is harmless flirting with the hopes of possibly striking a relationship, you could find yourself treading on very thin ice when it comes to the freedom to perform your duties as a personal trainer with others. You never know when a client will turn into a jealous admirer filled with insecurity, as you work with another they may label as competition.

Depending on your place of employment, it is usually inappropriate to make such public exhibitions as an employee of a gym. Company policy most often prohibits blatant displays of affection between a personal trainer and their patrons, and may even institute a regulation that forbids personal trainer client dating. When crossing the line with a client, you may face job loss or receive reprimand for your actions. While there are plenty of fish in the sea, is the one you're helping to build muscle tone worth your career?

On an ethical standpoint, some discourage personal trainer client dating because they view the act as taking advantage of a job position that sometimes places participants in vulnerable situations. When demonstrating a new strength-training exercise or spotting an increase in weight lifting, physical contact may occur. It is quite easy to misinterpret the signals that both the trainer and client may send.

For some, personal trainer client dating is a practice that may also open the floodgates of suspicion if any accusations should arise. A personal trainer with a reputation for dating clients may become a prime candidate for sexual harassment allegations. This is one of the only times that legal concerns present themselves regarding this type of relationship building on the job.

The best personal policy to abide by when developing feelings for a client is to pursue a relationship when they are no longer under your care or altogether avoid mingling with clients. You never know when the right man or woman turns out to be the one that will take your career in the wrong direction.