ACE Personal Trainer Manual 5th Edition Chapter 2: Principles of Motivation and Adherence Lesson 2.2

After completing this session, you will be able to: LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this session, you will be able to: Discuss the role of feedback as it relates to client motivation Discuss leadership qualities of the personal trainer that impact motivation and adherence Understand the importance of program design, role clarity, goal setting, and contracts or agreements in building adherence

FEEDBACK Providing clients with information about their progress and performance is one of the most important roles of a personal trainer. Without this knowledge, persistence suffers and people give up. Extrinsic Feedback Reinforcement Error correction Encouragement Intrinsic Feedback Information that clients provide themselves based on what they feel, see, or hear Long-term program adherence is dependent on the client’s ability to provide his or her own feedback. It is important for personal trainers to not give too much feedback. As client motivation, self-efficacy, and ability develop, personal trainers should allow their clients more opportunity to provide themselves feedback by tapering off the amount of external feedback provided. Feedback serves an important role in motivation because it provides a guide to clients of how they are doing. General motivation comments during a training session can keep clients on track. Feedback also helps in the goal-setting process. Both intrinsic and extrinsic feedback can contribute to knowledge of results and provide information about progress toward goal attainment. Whether a client is achieving goals and experiencing success or is falling short of desired performance levels, it is up to the personal trainer to help the client use the feedback information to adjust and reestablish goals for continued motivation and program participation

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES An effective personal trainer will become a leader who successfully influences the way his or her clients think, feel, and behave. A personal trainer looks and behaves professionally: Appearance Clean, neat, and non-threatening A personal trainer should look like someone who is at work and ready to help others. Appropriate attire Personal trainers should avoid looking as if they are ready to workout or just finished a workout.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES The art and science Leadership is both an art and a science and must be practiced and perfected. It may be helpful to view the personal trainer role as that of a coach who is working together with the client to achieve common goals. Trust The trust in a client–trainer relationship should never be broken, as a great deal of confidential information is shared. If the credibility of the trainer is compromised or if trust is lost, the client will likely withdraw from program participation with a negative perception of the fitness industry. Listen Customize the client’s program based on his or her preferences and apprehensions. Make the client’s experience unique and personalized. Excitement Clients appreciate personal trainers who demonstrate excitement for their craft. Clients want to work with a trainer who is innovative and educated. Excitement from the personal trainer not only builds client motivation and adherence, but also enhances his or her credibility and the client’s level of trust. Show you care When clients perceive that their trainer is thinking of their overall well-being, the client–trainer relationship is further enhanced and the client becomes more vested. An effective personal trainer will include the client in all aspects of the program, which maximizes adherence.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES Personal trainers are also entrusted with creating a positive and enjoyable experience. Personal trainers should take time to think about their clients’ experiences through the clients’ eyes: What type of overall experience is the trainer providing? How clear are the communication and the plan for success? How stable is the support? How professional is the environment and interaction? These are all critical questions that personal trainers should be able to answer about their own services.

BUILDING CLIENT ADHERENCE Because there is no single right way to create and enhance motivation and adherence, trainers must be aware, creative, and compassionate with their interactions and programming as it relates to the following: Program design Role clarity Goal setting Contracts and agreements

BUILDING CLIENT ADHERENCE A significant and time-consuming part of a personal trainer’s job is exercise program design. The trainer must have the ability to design a safe and effective physical-activity program in regards to the client’s: Preferences Schedule Experience Apprehensions Constraints If a trainer is unable to create customized programs, he or she will be unable to build a stable business that is based on promoting long-term adherence to physical activity. A great deal of patience, listening skills, and creativity are required to successfully customize a program, but once a trainer takes the time and energy to listen and meet the needs of a client, the trainer will understand what it means to truly make a difference.

BUILDING CLIENT ADHERENCE Goal setting Personal trainers should take the time to teach their clients about setting proper goals. All goals should follow the SMART guidelines: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-bound In addition to SMART goals, keep these issues in mind during the goal-setting process: Avoid setting too many goals. Keep the number of goals manageable and attainable. Avoid setting negative goals. It is important that the client is thinking about achievement, not avoidance. Set short- and long-term goals, as well as process and performance goals. Clients should be achieving short-term successes in each workout. Revisit the goals on a regular basis. Goals need regular adjusting and should be consistently used as a tool to help direct attention and effort and to promote persistence.

BUILDING CLIENT ADHERENCE Contracts and agreements Creating clarity within a program related to expectations and goals can be the difference between success and failure. When used effectively, these documents can: Give the entire training process clarity Define what the client should expect Define what the program entails Explain the rationale for the program design This process enhances the communication between the client and the personal trainer and should give the client an accurate perception of the program.

GOAL SETTING AND RAPPORT Use goal setting as an opportunity to create conversation, listen, and build rapport. When clients talk about their goals, they provide great insight into what they need and want out of the exercise program. Setting goals can and should happen naturally through open conversation about the client’s needs and expectations. Personal trainers should maintain these conversations throughout the program in order to effectively reassess client needs and make adjustments to the goals and overall program as necessary.

SUMMARY An effective personal trainer will become a leader who successfully influences the way his or her clients think, feel, and behave. Providing clients with information about their progress and performance is one of the most important roles of a personal trainer. Effective personal trainers take the time to enhance their communication and relationship-building skills and work on a daily basis to effectively use these skills with their clients. The process of goal setting can be a tremendous opportunity to gain a better understanding of client expectations, desires, and even doubts. The end result will be motivated and consistent clients who not only receive great workouts, but who are also having experiences that will keep them coming back for more.