As you can imagine fitness resolutions are front and center this time. In fact, nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States who make New Year’s resolutions have set fitness goals.
Sounds great right?
Well, you will also find that these number and your clients’ motivation wane as the month go by.
A survey conducted by bodybuilding.com and Harris Interactive found that on average, people who have set fitness resolutions say they have given up on them 4X in the past.
Research also suggests that half of the people starting an exercise program will drop out in the first 6 months. So the question becomes how can you keep your clients motivated beyond January?
Vary Your Workout Intensity and Volume
Nothing says stagnation like the same workouts with the same duration and intensity day in and day out. Don’t be afraid to switch it up!
For example, if you normally have your clients do two-minute rounds of HIIT and Metabolic Conditioning give them a little challenge and bring that time up to five minutes. Your client will probably tire more quickly with this increase in volume, but that also allows them to break out of their comfort zone.
This technique can be applied to many different types of routines and programs. Don’t be afraid to push your client a little. They will thank you in the long run.
Find New & Different Ways to Measure Client Progress
Not all progress comes in the form of the number on a scale or the display on a BF/ BMI devices. Instead of using the typical BMI and body fat tests, consider measuring the improvements in your client’s ability to perform different moves and at what rate, duration, and frequency. This helps measure a client’s progress.
For example, when you start working with a client you can have them demonstrate their best squat and then monitor improvements thereafter.
If your client would previously bend their back or slouch forward while performing a squat and they no longer do or don’t do it as much, that’s a definite sign of improvement.
Finally, if your client can now perform for a longer or a much longer duration than times of the past, that is yet another sign of growth and improvement in their conditioning.
Have your clients squat jump away (or any move that requires technique) and monitor improvements thereafter.
Do you have ways in which to get a jump-start in the new year and continue producing results for your clients?
PS – Check out these 5 Apps to help you train your clients this year.
PSS – Learn about the NESTA System of Personal Training Success, Exercise Physiology, Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology, Muscular Anatomy, Biomechanics, Flexibility, Special Populations, and more. This is your most affordable and fastest way to become a highly qualified personal trainer.