I was a 17-year-old high school kid when the owner of the Nautilus gym I was going to asked me if I wanted to become a trainer.
Because I trained HARD and was intense, I suppose I made a good impression on this fella.
I told him that I'd relish the opportunity, but I had NO IDEA what I was doing. I only knew how to work myself to a point of failure (that was the training protocol back then) and embrace the suck.
He assured me that he could teach me how to set people up in each of the pieces of equipment, how to make sure no one got injured, and when to know when enough was enough for the different people in the program.
However, the most important piece of information from not only a business standpoint but from a HUMANFUCKINGBEING standpoint was to "Say hello and goodbye to everyBODY. Do it by name if you can, and if you can't remember their name, give them a really cool nickname."
48 years later I am still doing that!
It doesn't matter if they are in MY program or my partner's, or the Crossfit section, or the Combat section. I smile at everyone and give them a quick and hardy "Hey, how's it goin'?" or as most know me now, I embrace folk with the traditional Hawaiian hug. (Not that I'm Hawaiian but I dig the tradition)
I'm not sure if it helps the other person, but I know it helps ME! Since I set the tone on the gym floor, I set an encouraging atmosphere where EVERYONE feels welcome.
I think it's good for business (everyone's) and It's good for everyone's attitude as well.
Now you don't have to give out those "Harry Hawaiian Hugs" unless you become comfortable with it, but saying "Hello" and "Goodbye" will change the atmosphere by which you function.
Give THAT ONE a GO!
Today's Training:
Shoulder Reliever
Cycle: Commute
Concept II Row: 10 mins steady; 12x15/45
Blast Strap Row: 50 reps
Pushups: 50 reps
45-degree Back Extension: 3x8
Dynamic Squat: 10x2x50%
GHR: 4x12
24" Box Jump: 10x2
Suspended Knees to Elbow: 3x12
Fat Bar Dead Hang: 30 seconds
Cycle: Commute