Your client is struggling to stay motivated. What functional training tools can you use to help them?
Motivation can often be the biggest hurdle in maintaining a consistent fitness routine, especially when it comes to functional training, which focuses on exercises that allow you to perform the activities of daily life more easily and without injuries. If your client is struggling to stay motivated, it's essential to tap into functional training tools that not only enhance their physical capabilities but also spark their enthusiasm and commitment to their fitness goals.
Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can be a game-changer for your client's motivation. By establishing clear targets, your client can track their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. For example, rather than aiming to 'get fit', a SMART goal would be to 'increase the number of bodyweight squats from 15 to 30 in one set within the next month'. This approach gives your client a concrete objective to strive for in their functional training sessions.
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Ive found that Functional Training allows me to get into the gym, set a timer for 25 - 45 minutes and blast out a full body workout using limited equipment. You also tend to find the functional training area is never busy (unlike the leg press or the cable pulleys!) It also encourages hand eye and foot co ordination. Lets chat and ill send you some awesome workouts
Boredom is a common motivation killer. To keep your client engaged, mix up their functional training routine regularly. Introducing new exercises, changing the order of their workout, or incorporating different equipment like kettlebells or resistance bands can provide fresh challenges and prevent plateaus. The novelty will not only stimulate their mind but also ensure that their body continues to adapt and improve.
Nothing boosts motivation like seeing tangible results. Encourage your client to keep a training log where they can jot down their workouts, sets, reps, and feelings about each session. This record becomes a powerful motivational tool as they can look back and see how far they've come. It also helps identify patterns in what works best for them and what might need adjusting in their functional training plan.
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When I first started my fitness journey, I struggled to stay motivated. My coach suggested I keep a training log to track my progress. I began jotting down my workouts, sets, reps, and how I felt after each session. Over time, this log became a powerful motivational tool. Seeing my improvements on paper—lifting heavier weights, completing more reps, and feeling more energized—boosted my confidence. It also helped us identify what worked best and what needed adjusting in my training plan. This tangible record of progress kept me focused and driven, proving how effective personalized tracking can be.
Humans are inherently social creatures, and having a support system can significantly impact your client's motivation. Encourage them to join a functional training group or find a workout buddy. This camaraderie creates a sense of accountability and makes workouts more enjoyable. Plus, a little friendly competition can push your client to work harder and achieve more than they might on their own.
While external rewards like weight loss or muscle gain are common fitness goals, intrinsic rewards can be even more motivating. Help your client discover the joy of movement and the mental benefits that come with functional training. Whether it's the endorphin rush after a good session, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill, or simply feeling stronger in their daily life, these personal victories can fuel their desire to keep going.
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A few years ago, I trained a client named Sarah, who struggled with intrinsic motivation. Initially focused on weight loss, she quickly grew discouraged by slow progress. I shifted our focus to intrinsic rewards through functional training. One day, Sarah mastered kettlebell swings, and her sense of accomplishment was palpable. She began to enjoy the endorphin rush after workouts and appreciated the mental clarity they brought. Tasks like carrying groceries, hikes with friends became easier, reinforcing her strength gains. By valuing the joy of movement and personal victories, Sarah's perspective on fitness transformed. She remained motivated, driven by these intrinsic rewards, which led to lasting change.
Lastly, remember that motivation is highly personal. What works for one client may not work for another. Take the time to understand your client's preferences, lifestyle, and what they find fun or challenging. Tailoring their functional training program to fit their unique needs can make all the difference in keeping them motivated and committed to their fitness journey.
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Every single client and their struggle is unique. It is unique to a point where the client may be a critical-thinker & high performer in one area of life (eg: career) but be absolutely clue-less and neutral about another (eg: health). It is crucial for coaches and mentors to tailor training programs to match their clients' mindsets perfectly. Using a one-size-fits-all approach undermines the integrity of the coaching profession and fails to meet individual needs effectively.
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