In this episode of The Elite Trainer Podcast, Kyle sits down with Sal DiStefano to tackle one of the biggest challenges in personal training—how to build strong relationships with clients who aren’t following your advice. Sal shares hard-earned insights on how to approach difficult clients, when to push vs. pull back, and why trust, empathy, and consistency are more powerful than any meal plan or macro target. You’ll learn how to build long-term buy-in, avoid the shame spiral, and coach in a way that helps clients create lasting change—on their own terms.If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to The Elite Trainer Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a friend, client, or fellow trainer who could benefit, share it with them — it’s the best way to support the show and help more coaches level up.Thanks for listening — we’re just getting started.
How to Handle Difficult Clients (00:00)
Why Most Clients Don’t Follow Advice (00:28)
Build the Relationship Before the Results (01:15)
The Long Game: Coaching Over Forcing (03:27)
What to Say When Clients Don’t See Progress (05:16)
How to Prioritize Client Habits (07:04)
Real Coaching Example: From Hot Pockets to Health (08:21)
Creating a Lasting Relationship with Fitness (11:19)
Should You Have Clients Track Their Food? (12:36)
When NOT to Track (14:22)
How to Build Nutrition Awareness Without Tracking (17:03)
How to Reverse Diet Without Freaking Clients Out (19:00)
Building Trust Early & Often (23:07)
How to Keep Clients Accountable Without Shame (25:18)
Why Likability Beats Perfect Programming (30:09)
The Trainer's Real Goal: 2 Workouts a Week for Life (31:28)
You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Keep Learning (32:06)
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