How Keep Fitness Clients Motivated
From little things like remembering birthdays to big ones like setting realistic goals and rewards, fitness trainers can significantly impact their clients’ motivation — and ultimately, their success.
According to a 2020 report by International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (I.H.R.S.A.), about 48% of people struggle to stay motivated when exercising. Some even decided to stop working out altogether. With the current state of the world, it might be challenging to find the enthusiasm to stay fit.
That’s where fitness trainers come in. They are vital in keeping clients motivated, committed, and inspired to pursue their fitness goals. In this article, we share some ways trainers can help maintain their client’s fitness motivation.
How To Keep Fitness Clients Motivated
It’s common for some clients to become disheartened and unmotivated because they don’t see results immediately. It can be discouraging when all your effort seems to go unnoticed. However, there’s always something you can do to help your clients stay on track.
1. Get to know your clients on a personal level
If you want to create a strong relationship with your clients, get to know them personally. Ask about their jobs, families, hobbies, and other things that interest them. The better you know your clients, the easier it will be to understand what makes them tick. You can then use this information to create customized workout programs and goals that resonate with them.
Getting to know your clients better can also make it easy to find things to talk about during sessions. This can help make the time fly by and make workouts seem less like a chore.
- Tip: If you’re struggling to break the ice with a new client, try asking them about something they love, like their favorite music when working out or what T.V. show they are looking forward to this season.
2. Set realistic goals
Some people come into fitness with grandiose plans and unrealistic expectations. It’s important to sit down with your clients at the start and set some achievable goals. Once you know what they hope to achieve, you can put together a plan of action to help them get there.
Part of setting realistic goals is being honest about what’s possible in the time frame that your client has. Don’t be afraid to be frank when discussing this. Setting achievable goals from the start is much better than over-promising and under-delivering.
For example, a client who has never exercised before wants to lose 50 pounds in two months is unrealistic. However, a client who has been working out for a while and wants to lose 10 pounds in two months is more realistic.
- Tip: Help your clients set S.M.A.R.T. goals — that is, goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This can help to make sure that their goals are realistic and achievable.
3. Encourage positive self-talk
Staying motivated requires a lot of positive self-talk. That’s why it’s important to encourage your clients to speak kindly to themselves. When they start to doubt themselves or their abilities, be there to reinforce their self-belief.
One of the best ways to do this is to lead by example. When you engage in negative self-talk, stop and reframe your thoughts. For instance, instead of thinking, “I’m so out of shape,” tell yourself, “I’m grateful for my health, and I’m going to take care of my body.”
- Tip: Help your clients come up with positive affirmations they can repeat to themselves before and after workouts. This can help to boost their confidence and keep them motivated.
Variety is a great antidote for boredom.
4. Switch things up now and then
Doing the same workout day in and day out can become boring, leading to a lack of motivation. It’s important to mix things up to keep your clients engaged. This could mean trying new exercises, setting different goals, or changing your workout music.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your clients’ workout routines to keep things fresh. Variety is a great antidote for boredom. Sometimes, just making small changes can be enough to keep your clients motivated.
- Tip: If your client struggles to stay motivated, try adding a new element to their workout routine. This could be anything from using a foam roller to stretching for five minutes at the end of each session.
5. Provide fitness challenges and rewards
Fitness doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Gamifying the fitness experience can be a great way to keep clients engaged and motivated. You can set challenges and offer rewards when they are met. For instance, you could offer a free personal training session or a discount on a fitness class to clients who achieve their goals.
It can be even as simple as offering a free smoothie every time they attend five fitness classes. The key is to find something that will motivate your client and offer it as a reward for hitting their goals.
- Tip: Use a goal-tracking app to set challenges and track progress. This can help to make the process of setting goals and tracking progress more fun and engaging.
6. Take advantage of social media
Social media can be an excellent tool for male and female fitness motivation. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are full of fitness inspiration, from before-and-after transformation photos to healthy recipes.
Most importantly, you can use social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to feature clients who have made significant progress. This can help show other clients what’s possible with hard work and dedication.
You can also create an online community of support where clients can connect and offer encouragement.
- Tip: Keep your social media pages updated with photos and stories of your clients’ progress. Posting too far apart can make it seem like you’re not invested in your clients’ success.
7. Celebrate progress, no matter how small
It’s important to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. This could be anything from a new personal best to a client who’s made it to their 10th fitness class. Acknowledge and celebrate your clients’ successes to show them you’re invested in their journey.
This doesn’t have to be a big production. Sometimes, a simple “congratulations” or “well done” can be enough to show your clients that you care. You can even give specific individuals a shout-out during a class to help them feel appreciated.
- Tip: Keep a running list of your clients’ accomplishments. This can help you remember to celebrate their successes and give them the recognition they deserve.
8. Be a good role model
As a fitness trainer, you’re in a position of influence. Your clients will look up to you and try to emulate your behavior. That’s why it’s important to be a good role model. This means living a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and staying fit.
It also means being upbeat, even when feeling stressed or down. Your clients will take their cue from you, so it’s important to set a good example.
- Tip: Remember that your clients are always watching you. Be mindful of your words and actions, and always be respectful and encouraging.
Clients can also get discouraged if they feel like they’re not making progress.
Why Clients Get Discouraged
It’s normal for clients to get discouraged from time to time. One of the leading causes of discouragement is unrealistic expectations. Many people enter a fitness program expecting to see results overnight, but that’s not realistic. It takes time and effort to see results.
Clients can also get discouraged if they feel like they’re not making progress. This is often due to the fact that they’re not tracking their progress. If clients don’t see the numbers going up on the scale or the inches coming off their waistline, they may get discouraged and give up. Other reasons include:
- Not knowing how to use the equipment properly
- Feeling self-conscious about their body
- Thinking they’re not good enough
- Being intimidated by other people in the gym
Some clients even get discouraged by the lack of their fitness instructor’s insurance. Having the right insurance can often set clients’ minds at ease because it provides coverage in case of an injury.
The Importance Of Motivation
No matter what your fitness goals are, motivation is key. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, staying motivated is essential. Unfortunately, motivation is often easier said than done. That’s where fitness trainers come in.
Fitness trainers are experts at helping people stay motivated. They understand the psychology behind motivation and know-how to keep their clients on track. With the right motivation, clients can take on what they once considered impossible.
Fitness trainers provide their clients with the support, encouragement, and accountability they need to stay motivated. They help their clients set achievable goals and create action plans to reach those goals. They also provide regular feedback and progress updates to help clients see their progress and stay on track.
From a business standpoint, having a motivated batch of clients can be good for marketing. Clients who are really happy with their results are more likely to tell their friends and family about their experience. This can lead to more referrals and new business for the fitness trainer.
Go Above And Beyond
Motivation is essential for anyone trying to improve their health and fitness. A good fitness trainer can make a difference in helping their clients stay motivated and achieve their goals.
When it comes to motivation, it’s often necessary to go above and beyond what clients expect. This may include celebrating their accomplishments, providing progress updates, and being a good role model. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of what can discourage clients and do what you can to help them avoid those pitfalls.
Having the right insurance can also go a long way in setting clients’ minds at ease and helping them stay motivated. API Fitness offers a variety of fitness insurance plans that can be tailored to the needs of any fitness trainer or business.
Contact our team today to know about your options and how we can help you protect your business.
