MOTIVATION COACHING & CLIENT SUCCESS
Unveiling Client Desires IN THE REALM OF FITNESS, PERSONAL TRAINERS SERVE AS BOTH PHYSICAL GUIDES AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR THEIR CLIENTS. The journey toward wellness is a nuanced one, encompassing not only physical transformation but also mental and emotional growth. As trainers, we are often faced with a fascinating paradox: the chasm that exists between what clients say they want and what they truly desire and what they do in between. It is time we delve into this intriguing facet of our profession and explore how understanding this gap can elevate our ability to make a lasting impact. The Surface Desires: A Closer Look Clients often approach personal training with explicit goals that typically revolve around weight loss, muscle gain, or specific aesthetic changes. They are driven by societal standards, peer comparisons, and the aspiration to fit into a certain mold. While these goals are valid and provide a starting point, they often conceal deeper, unspoken desires. The majority of people think that by losing weight or having a desired physique they are more lovable, more respected, more 46 canfitpro November/December 2023
worthy, more accepted, might even be able to ask for that pay raise, or more capable of starting that business. Unraveling the Deeper Desires Beneath the surface, clients harbor desires that go beyond just physical transformation. They seek confidence, empowerment, improved self-esteem, respect, acceptance, and a sense of accomplishment. In many cases, their motivation is rooted in personal struggles, life changes, or the pursuit of an enhanced quality of life. Many think having a better body will ‘fix’ all their problems. Just by looking at the client in-front of you and what level of health they have will straight away explain their internal struggles. Internal conversations are always worn externally. People who love, accept, and respect themselves have different standards for health than those who do not. It is our role as fitness professionals to recognize these deeper desires and create an environment that nurtures them. Breaking Down the Gap: Why Does It Exist? The gap between stated goals and underlying desires can be attributed to three factors:
External Expectations: Media portrayals and societal standards shape what clients believe they should want. They may express desires that align with these expectations rather than what genuinely resonates with them. The brain works in pictures and is always being imprinted by these platforms on what they should look like to be accepted, loved or enough. Fear of Judgment: Clients might hesitate to reveal their authentic desires due to fear of judgment or perceived inadequacy. Creating an open, non-judgmental space is crucial for them to express their true aspirations. If one is not honest with themselves, they cannot create true change. Lack of Self-Awareness: Some clients might not be fully aware of their deeper desires. It is our responsibility to facilitate selfdiscovery conversations that uncover their motivations beyond the surface. Bridge the Gap: Strategies for Personal Trainers Active Listening: Go beyond hearing the words and truly listen to your clients. Ask open-
