Danice Akiyoshi

A letter from J.C.

Q: I recently hired a personal trainer at the gym.  He is very helpful and I’ve learned a lot from him but I want to discontinue his services because he talks about politics all the time.  I don’t agree with his views and I just want to workout and not hear his opinion.  When I mentioned this in the past, he treats me differently in a bad way.  I’m not good at things like this, can you help me?

A: Please don’t be confused about this very important fact.  Your trainer works for you.  If you have become dissatisfied with his services, it’s time to move on.  If he treats you differently because you don’t share his views then he is very unprofessional, which you already know because he’s trying to cram his political views down your throat.  Let him know that this will be the last month that you retain his services.  Express your desire to branch out and try other interesting ways to stay fit that don’t require you to be “ON” and thinking about world events.  He will get the hint and hopefully clean up his behavior for future clients.  If he pressures you and you feel yourself weakening, just say one final time that you have made up your mind and then stop discussing the topic.  You do not have an obligation to explain yourself to your trainer when he’s already ignored your initial requests about discussing politics.