Valentine’s Day rolls around, allowing us as trainers the opportunity to guide clients to focus on loving exercise. This might seem like a big hurdle, but it is possible for clients to find a workout they love. How can we help?
Provide Variety
Offer a variety of workout options. No one likes doing the same thing every time they work out. That gets mundane and isn’t an effective way to see improvement. Repetitive exercise is not only boring, but it can lead to injuries by using the same muscles over and over again.
Add variety by using different pieces of equipment and switching things up a bit.
- Sub kettles for dumbbells
- Use a timer instead of repeatedly counting reps
- Change locations (like outside workouts when appropriate)
- Take an exercise class that’s new to your client
- Sign up and train for a race together
Listen and Respond
Listen to what your client says and/or read their body language. Once you figure out what’s going on, adjust the training session to keep the client engaged. A few signs to look out for:
- A look of apprehension at trying something challenging and/or out of their comfort zone
- Complaining that it’s too hard – trainers need to know when to push and when to pull back
- Making excuses
- Taking repeated water or bathroom breaks
- Checking their phone during workouts
Keep the communication channels open. Use your words and actions to motivate and encourage. No berating.
Insert Fun
As we know, exercise can be beneficial and fun at the same time. Show clients the fun side.
- Try an exercise dice or cards to roll or deal the next exercise.
- Make a playlist of their favorite music to play during training.
- Offer rewards including certificates of achievement, a small surprise, or a note of encouragement.
- Go back to the days of carefree playgrounds, incorporating jump ropes, climbing ladders, and hula hoops. It’s practically impossible to hula hoop without laughing, or at least smiling.
A Fit Celebration
As we embrace loving exercise and celebrating Valentine’s Day, encourage clients to stay on track with their fitness. Chocolates, flowers, and elaborate dinners are all a part of the day, but it can be a fit celebration too. Last year I opted for new minimalist workout shoes to try out in lieu of other types of Valentine gifts (I bought my own to ensure I got what I wanted). While it never hurts to splurge or indulge on occasion, suggest clients consider a new approach for gifts they want to receive or ways to celebrate.
- Having dinner at a healthy restaurant or cooking a healthy dinner at home
- Working out with their significant other on Valentine’s Day or Night
- New workout shoes or clothes
- New workout equipment to have at home for use in between training sessions – doesn’t everyone want a new kettlebell or jump rope?
- Fitness trackers – these complement training sessions too
- A gift certificate from a significant other for more training sessions with you!
- If jewelry is a must, have your client check out dumbbell earrings, weighted plate necklaces, and dumbbell bracelets among others.
- Wireless headphones
The sooner our clients discover what they love about exercising, the sooner they will make lasting healthy lifestyle changes. Happy Fit Valentine’s Day!
References:
fitness.edu.au/the-fitness-zone/communication-skills-for-personal-trainers/
https://www.uhhospitals.org/Healthy-at-UH/articles/2020/08/the-importance-of-variety-in-creating-your-exercise-program
Kim Becknell Williams is a freelance writer with more than ten years of personal training experience. Certified through NFPT, she is a Functional Training Specialist and holds a Master Trainer level certificate for resistance, endurance and sports nutrition. Kim has written two books including Gym Etiquette 101. She enjoys writing a variety of lifestyle articles and fitness blogs.
