Do you encourage clients to quit smoking?
I don't bother. I figure when somebody is suffering from an addiction they need help that is above my pay grade. Of course smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and if need be I may require a medical clearance but I will not play the role of a psychologist. I try to avoid clients who have drug problems whether it be tobacco, alcoholism, meth or anything else. I know nothing I say is going to convince them to stop so unless they're currently seeking treatment then I would really rather not bother training them. I don't like giving people the false hope that they can salvage what little remains of their health by exercising since I know it's not true.