To help clients reach their goals, we need personalized goal setting. But, with all the different body types, motivations and lifestyles, we can’t use the same approach for everyone.
Client Values and Dreams
It all starts with understanding the client from the inside out. Our questions go beyond surface level to uncover what your client truly cares about. Tell me, who do you see yourself turning into? What makes you super excited? Your clients’ personal values are what drive them to set long-term goals.
Creating a SMART Plan You Can Actually Follow
Time to take these grand dreams and make them happen. Break down big goals into smaller checkpoints. Every checkpoint your client passes boosts motivation and confidence, showing them actual progress.
Just be careful when navigating this journey. Don’t overwhelm clients with vague goals – it’s a recipe for disaster. Here’s where the SMART goal framework comes in, giving you a solid roadmap to success.
- S – Specific: Goals with laser-sharp clarity. Instead of “get fit,” we strive for “complete a 5K race within 6 months.”
- M – Measurable: Quantifiable progress is key. Body composition scans, fitness assessments, and even progress photos provide tangible proof of advancement.
- A – Attainable: While ambition is crucial, goals must remain realistic. Factors like work schedules, sleep patterns, and existing habits are factored in to ensure achievable targets.
- R – Relevant: Goals resonate with the client’s core values and aspirations. Training for a Spartan race just because it seems cool won’t hold a candle to building strength and stamina to become a healthy role model for one’s family.
- T – Time-bound: Procrastination has no place in this equation. Each goal boasts a defined deadline, propelling the client towards consistent action.
From Planning to Progress
With SMART goals, you can create a custom action plan – the client’s personal recipe for success. This roadmap covers everything:
- Specific goals: What are we aiming to achieve?
- Target dates: When do we reach each checkpoint?
- Resources: What tools and support are needed (time, equipment, additional coaching)?
- Daily habits: What actions drive progress towards the goals?
- Current status: Where are we starting from on this journey?
- Potential obstacles: How can we anticipate and overcome challenges?
Embrace the Journey
Life is often unpredictable, and goals must be flexible as a result. Regular evaluations, milestone celebrations, and plan adjustments help the client stay empowered and focused on their inner strength.
Don’t forget, setting goals is about more than just reaching physical milestones. Together, you can give your clients the tools and strategies they need to meet their fitness goals, one SMART goal at a time!
Trainer & Client Journey: The SMART Fitness Path
We’ve designed a journey to show you how the SMART framework turns aspirations into attainable results, helping you apply SMART goals in your client conversations. Learn how Mark, the experienced NESTA trainer, supports Sarah, his motivated client, to regain strength and rebuild confidence.
Mark: Alright Sarah, so we talked about wanting to set some new fitness goals. What have you been thinking?
Sarah: I definitely want to get stronger and improve my overall fitness. I’ve been feeling sluggish lately and want to have more energy throughout the day.
Mark: Perfect! Let’s use the SMART framework to craft a specific and achievable goal. What aspects of your strength and fitness would you like to target?
Sarah: I’d love to be able to confidently do pull-ups again. I could do them when I was younger, but haven’t been able to for a while now.
Mark: Awesome! Pull-ups are a great full-body exercise that build impressive upper body strength. Now, let’s make this SMART:
- Specific: We’re aiming for you to be able to perform 5 unassisted pull-ups with proper form.
- Measurable: We’ll track your progress by counting the number of pull-ups you can do in each workout session.
- Attainable: This is definitely achievable with consistent training and the right exercises. We can start with assisted pull-ups and gradually build your strength.
- Relevant: Achieving this goal will increase your upper body strength, improve your core engagement, and boost your confidence.
- Time-bound: Let’s aim for you to be able to do 5 pull-ups within the next 4 months. This gives you enough time to progress gradually while staying motivated.
Sarah: I love it! It sounds challenging but definitely doable. What kind of exercises will we be doing?
Mark: We’ll start with some warm-ups. For example:
- Dead hang (for grip strength, shoulder strength and stability)
- Assisted Pull-Up (to train the motor pattern as well as the muscles)
- Eccentric Pull-Up (help on the way up, then they control the down/negative)
Then we’ll incorporate various exercises targeting your back, arms, and core, including lat pulldowns, inverted rows, bicep curls, and planks. We’ll also focus on proper pull-up technique and gradually increase the difficulty as you get stronger.
Sarah: Sounds great! I’m excited to get started.
Mark: Remember, consistency is key. Let’s celebrate your progress along the way and adjust the plan as needed.
Sarah: Absolutely! Thank you, Mark. I feel empowered to reach this goal.
By using the SMART framework, Sarah and Mark have created a clear, achievable, and motivating goal. With dedication and the right training plan, Sarah is well on her way to confidently performing pull-ups again and boosting her overall fitness.
Additional Tips:
- Personalize the goal-setting process to each client’s unique needs and preferences.
- Celebrate milestones and small victories to keep motivation high.
- Adapt the plan as needed based on progress and any unforeseen challenges.
- Provide ongoing support and encouragement to help your clients stay on track.
Remember, the SMART framework is a powerful tool for empowering your clients to achieve their fitness goals and unlock their full potential.
Explore NESTA‘s comprehensive 4-year accredited personal training certification. Master the skill of effectively guiding clients, rediscover your passion for coaching, and revitalize your career. NESTA programs are open to anyone with a burning desire to empower others – no prerequisites, just open minds and eager hearts.
