Patrick

As a Personal Trainer you will have all types of clients and hopefully you will at least like most of them. But there are those clients that stand out and insert themselves into your heart without you looking, Patrick is one of those clients for me. Patrick is a tall, gangling young man who happens to be Autistic. His observations on Life and weight loss are simple and direct. I call them: The Patrick Rules- Eating too much candy will Kill you, especially chocolate. Now mind you, Patrick loves chocolate.
Rated R movies shouldn't be watched, because you never know what you are going to get. His words exactly. Don't be mean or grouchy, it will steal smiles. Patrick works hard and he is steadfast. He never complains! And I love how he will say to me, when something is new for him and a little bit difficult " Dawn, this is challenging, but I have faith in Me, I can do it." Wow. Patrick is also his own "hype man" whenever he does well, he will say to himself, "Well done Patrick!" or "Patrick, you are working hard!" I think he should give a class on how to build self-esteem. Patrick has taught me how to be a better Trainer, more patient, more clear and expressive. When I first met Patrick, and for awhile, he wouldn't initiate conversation. Now, he talks to me and looks me in the eye and will also tell me the truth when the weight is too light! When I add extra weight he says "Dawn, I like this." I have created a monster. It is a wonderful thing knowing him and as he said to me "I like coming to the gym with you Dawn, I think this is a good place." I agree and it doesn't get any better than that. 

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