Is There Such a Thing as a Good Breakup? Asking for a Trainer

My client is moving house.

It’s been a three-year build, and I honestly feel like I’ve been right there on site with her. Every brick, every slab of concrete, every delay, dodgy tradie, and blown-out quote . I’ve heard it all. I may have gotten a little too emotionally involved in the powder room tile selection. I still think a wallpapered feature wall would have given it the wow factor. But it’s been fun. Probably because my credit card wasn’t part of the process.

What I didn’t realise was that there’d be a cost to me after all.

This morning, I casually asked for an update on what I’ve come to think of as “our” project. Her reply?

“Yes… we need to talk about that.”

Odd. I thought we had been talking about it. For two and a half years, in fact - between deadlifts, squats, bicep curls, and the occasional rant about the tiler ghosting her again.

Turns out, a new house also means a new gym.

And a new gym means a new trainer.

And a new trainer means… a breakup.

I get it. I do. Training has to fit into your routine, and convenience is key. If you don’t live near your gym, chances are you’re not going. I tell clients that all the time.

But secretly? I thought I might be the exception.

Over the years, she became more than just a client. We swapped stories about our kids, our dogs (who are, let’s face it, far more emotionally available than the teenagers), our favourite books, life hacks, fail-proof recipes, and the best place to get a spray tan before a big event. You know. The important things.

So yes, I want her to keep training. I want her to take everything she’s learned here and carry it into this next chapter. I hope she keeps getting stronger, more confident, and more in love with movement.

But I’ll admit, there’s a little sadness. A quiet sting. Like when someone you’ve cooked a thousand meals for suddenly stops coming for dinner. You’re proud they can feed themselves, but also… a little devastated.

It’s not about the sessions. It’s the hours of connection. The space we created for growth, for venting, for laughter, and for turning a tough day around with some well-timed glute bridges.

Of course, I know it’s my ego talking. As trainers, coaches, health professionals our job is to pass the torch. To help clients fall in love with the very thing that got us into this career in the first place. To give them the tools, the motivation, and the mindset to keep showing up for themselves - with or without us.

So no, I’m not calling this a breakup.

I’m calling it a pause. A “see you soon.” An intermission.

Besides, there’ll be another house build one day.

And if there’s one thing I know I bring to the table… it’s impeccable tile advice.