How to Draw Your Client Into a Fitness Life-style (for the trainers/coaches out there)

"The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) calls drawing the client into a fitness life-style the 'drawing in process'."  Dr. Frederick C. Hatfield, Co-founder and President of ISSA wrote an extensive article on this. I wanted to provide trainers/coaches with the steps to the 'drawing in process,' as I believe it is pertinent information to have. See below:

1 -  Establish yourself as a PROFESSIONAL

You are NOT merely a cheerleader, a motivator or a training partner.  You may be all of these, but most importantly, you must establish yourself as a PROFESSIONAL.

2 -  Begin the ongoing task of data collection and data analysis

You have to know their “shoe size!”  You have to know the style of shoe they like.  You have to know the purpose for which they intend to wear their shoes -- running, walking, dress, work, etc. The data you will continue collect for the rest of the time you are with your client (hopefully on and off for years) will be “quantitative” or “qualitative” in nature.   Respectively, they refer to measurements (such as arm circumference, body fat, age, medical history, etc.) and uniqueness in personality, ethnicity or idiosyncrasies unique to your client.

3 -  Execute a “guided discovery” tour

The process of guided discovery refers to data analysis (as opposed to the ongoing task of data collection mentioned in Stage Two).  “Guided Discovery” means just what it says.  You are the guide, and both you and your client need to discover a lot of things about each other, what the concept of personalized fitness entails, and how to make it a permanent lifestyle commitment before you can begin.

4 - Feel the Water Before Jumping In

Trying On” a small fitness program is just a check for compliance ability and discipline to carry on.  Then choose from the myriad training protocol for one that you and your client feel will provide the easiest route toward living a fitness (disciplined) lifestyle.  This will ALWAYSincorporate the exercises, training schedule, foods and other factors that you both have “discovered” during the Guided Discovery process.  NEVER assume that your favorite training protocol, your favorite nutritional supplements or your personal fitness diet schedule is best for your client!  All too often they will NOT be!  Once your client has tested the waters of discipline, you can make fine adjustments to maximize compliance.

5 -  Establish an Integrated Lifestyle Fitness Regimen Based On Your Client’s (Informed) Objectives

Ask, “What is it you want to accomplish?” and then provide lifetime support and incentives.

Now -- and ONLY now -- do both you and your client truly understand what your client’s options are, and how best to accomplish them.   But now, I want to add a 6th stage!  

6 - Do NOT leave them on their own!

"Even if they drop out of their client role, you must not leave them on their own.  You must stay in touch with them regularly, if only by telephone!  Check on them!  Encourage them and praise them for progress, small or great!  Then maybe, just MAYBE, you can improve that abysmal 10 percent success rate  I’d call it a 90 percent FAILURE rate!"--Dr. Hatfield aka Dr. Squat

You can find the entire article on the ISSA website at: http://www.issaonline.edu/blog/ The artlce is called, 'Are Your Clients Actually Adopting A Fitness Lifestyle'