Answers (8)
1
I have many clients who I worked with for years. Their motivation is and was to improve their health and maintain an active lifestyle as they are getting older.
It seems that I am fortunate to get clients when they are truly ready to commit to an active lifestyle.
As others have stated, it has to be an intrinsic desire. Outside motivators really do not work very well but I found one notable exception: GRANDCHILDREN! I often found clients to be very motivated to be there for the little ones and to maintain their health for their sakes.
It seems that I am fortunate to get clients when they are truly ready to commit to an active lifestyle.
As others have stated, it has to be an intrinsic desire. Outside motivators really do not work very well but I found one notable exception: GRANDCHILDREN! I often found clients to be very motivated to be there for the little ones and to maintain their health for their sakes.
0
Great question!
Identifying top motivators is completely subjective. Everyone has his or her own compelling reason behind wanting to change.
It is up to us as fitness professionals through appreciative inquiry and motivation interviewing to identify the motivations behind why they want to adopt a healthful lifestyle.
Once we have that information, we can have them design a vision of who they want to be so that they have a road map of where they are going.
By doing this we can set goals in addition to assist them in planning strategies to utilize in the likely event that they will encounter obstacles.
Identifying top motivators is completely subjective. Everyone has his or her own compelling reason behind wanting to change.
It is up to us as fitness professionals through appreciative inquiry and motivation interviewing to identify the motivations behind why they want to adopt a healthful lifestyle.
Once we have that information, we can have them design a vision of who they want to be so that they have a road map of where they are going.
By doing this we can set goals in addition to assist them in planning strategies to utilize in the likely event that they will encounter obstacles.
0
great answer Joanne! I think finding out the big WHY behind their aspirations is very important. I'll usually ask WHY do you want to get fit? After they answer (usually something like- I want to lose weight ot fat), then I'll ask again...WHY? I usually have to ask WHY 5 times before we get to the real reason and often it's an emotional experience for them. Once I know the deeper reason as to WHY they want to get in shape, then I can help tap into that emotioanl reason whenever they start to faulter a bit.
Also- I think that many times new clients are given TOO much info or tasks to do in the beginning. I try to limit myslef to giving them only one or two new habits to focus on for 3 weeks. Once they feel like they've gotten a pretty good grasp on those habits and it's become pat of their life, then I'll add on one or two more. Since I started this I've noticed my clients sticking to my program because they don't feel overwhelmed.
Also- I think that many times new clients are given TOO much info or tasks to do in the beginning. I try to limit myslef to giving them only one or two new habits to focus on for 3 weeks. Once they feel like they've gotten a pretty good grasp on those habits and it's become pat of their life, then I'll add on one or two more. Since I started this I've noticed my clients sticking to my program because they don't feel overwhelmed.
0
The top reason my clients hire me is for health. Most of them are very unfit and or obese and or are on their way to metabolic disorders.
Once we establish the why we work very hard at the how.
I nudge and remind them of their goals as we go, however, goals do and will change so we sit down and review quite often, re-set if we need and get back to it!
It can be over whelming and discouraging to many beginning the fitness journey which is why I have my cleints set SMART goals and stay focused on the moment rather than the past.
Once we establish the why we work very hard at the how.
I nudge and remind them of their goals as we go, however, goals do and will change so we sit down and review quite often, re-set if we need and get back to it!
It can be over whelming and discouraging to many beginning the fitness journey which is why I have my cleints set SMART goals and stay focused on the moment rather than the past.
0
The biggest motivation for my clients has been the change in their body composition, and the physiological changes. Most people who quit, quit in the beginning stages of their exorcise program, before they see changes. It is my job to reassure them that the longer they stick with it, the easier it will become, and the more changes they will see. As a trainer it is just as important to be understanding and sympathetic to every clients situation, and as they go forward, show lots of praise for success. Setting a few major goals to achieve over an extended period of time, and many small goals that eventually add up to those major ones. By seeing the progression they are constantly motivated to move forward.
0
You're absolutely right that discovering our clients' motivations for starting an exercise program is key to helping them maintain their program long-term. Our clients' motivations are as varied as are our clients themselves. General health, disease prevention, rehabilitation from injury, lose weight, prepare for an athletic or special event etc.
Finding our client's motivation should be a part of our intake or initial consultation and then from there, we use those motivations to keep our clients energized and "motivated" to continue along their road of health and fitness.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
Finding our client's motivation should be a part of our intake or initial consultation and then from there, we use those motivations to keep our clients energized and "motivated" to continue along their road of health and fitness.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
0
Wonderful answers/comments! Thank each of you so much for contributing. I agree with each, and would like to reenforce it all by saying: whatever their true motivation may be, I use it to help encourage them. First, I start with some simple movements and gradually increase the challenge but only to what they can perform successfully. I like to follow it up with helping them realize how much they accomplished in the session, so they can appreciate their hard work as much as I do. This way they know they have done and that are capable of doing what is asked of them. I want them to know the work-outs will be a "safe" place and not someplace where they will feel bad about themselves. Then, at the next session, we build upon there success. Its our job to design a program that truly progresses their abilities, AND I don't let them leave without recognizing their new success:).
Proud to be a part of a community set on inspiring the world to fitness!
Lisa Weigand
Proud to be a part of a community set on inspiring the world to fitness!
Lisa Weigand
0
Great answers. The motivation to 'stick with' a commitment lifestyle is often quite a challenge. As a trainer, you can help sustain this motivation by setting reasonable, achievable goals, then helping your clients successfully achieve these goals on a reoccurring basis.
Take care.
Take care.
