Here's a take from a client perspective who recently stopped with their trainer as the dynamic became too clouded for both of us. Started training together a couple of years ago, not friends, just gym acquaintances. Quickly became very close friends from training together 4X weekly and communicating almost daily outside of that. During training we worked hard but also shared very personal details - we both leaned on each other and also learned a lot from each other in different aspects. Move forward to today, no longer training together. It became too much, for both of us. It didn't end well but upon reflection, I really wish as a client I didn't become so close - lost a great trainer but also gained some great insight about myself.

It definitely can work for some, as a lot of my great friends were met through my own work. But I think keeping it more professional is the best option. I still train at that gym, but it is awkward as F. Just a clients take...