This week several new clients came looking for a personal fitness trainer and signed up for coaching at our downtown studio. Since I’ve been traveling a lot lately, it was good to reconnect with this part of my business, and a great reminder of how much I love the consultation process with potential new clients.
It’s my chance to listen, ask questions, get to know people, and find out why they are meeting with a fitness trainer.
Sure, when I ask why they came to see me, I hear the typical answers. People invariably want to “Get Fit”, “Lose Weight”, “Feel Better”, or “Tone their Body”, but those aren’t the REAL reasons.
Why did you come TODAY to see a fitness trainer
The next question I ask often makes them pause, and starts to get to the true reasons they are sitting beside a fitness trainer that day.
“Your current physical state probably wasn’t something that happened overnight, so what made you come looking for a personal trainer TODAY instead of 6 months or a year ago?”
Sometimes the answer involves logistics or finances, but typically it involves EMOTION. That’s where we really get down to business and uncover the truth.
The original “get in shape” answers are often rational justifications to help them put a label on their emotions. They feel that reaching an external goal will help change how they feel.
Sometimes this is true, but many times it’s not. It’s quite common for people to embark on a quest to be fit and look great, but still be unhappy and unfulfilled even when they reach their aesthetic goals.
Usually, something has happened in their life that sparks an emotion. Perhaps it’s a medical “wake-up call”, an off-hand comment that hits a nerve, or a moment of comprehension as they glimpse their reflection.
Fitness Trainer Insights: Emotion Creates Motion
Regardless of the source, the resulting emotion spurs them to action. As we personal fitness trainers often say in our field, “Emotion creates motion”…but it doesn’t create clarity.
Motivated is a great state to be in. Barriers that seemed insurmountable moments before simply crumble in the face of this newfound momentum.
However, it’s critical to capitalize on this window of momentum and gain clarity of purpose before the enthusiasm fades.
I mention this because EMOTION is something that’s at the heart of your successes and failures in life.
As personal trainers, we work with our clients to dig deep, ask the tough questions, get raw, and find out the things that really matter to them. To identify the things you are most passionate about, that drive you, and define your being.
This may sound a bit overblown for people who “just want to lose a few pounds”, but failure to address this issue is a key reason so many people fail in their health and fitness goals.
When things get tough…and they always do, it will be much easier to give up and quit when you don’t have a strong emotional connection to your objective.
I’ve said it before, but there is no such thing as an unmotivated person. Everyone is motivated by something, it’s just a matter of finding out what that is, and harnessing its power.
What Motivated You to Come Looking For a Fitness Trainer
When people say they are “not motivated to exercise”, I often counter with…If I paid you one million dollars for every day you exercised for more than 30 minutes, would you ever miss a day?” Of course, you would show up and get the work done. I’ve yet to have someone say they would pass on the money!
That shows me it’s not a motivation issue. It’s a target issue. While you may not find something as motivating as $1MM per workout, if you dig deep into your desires, drives, and purpose, you will find a strong motivating factor that becomes a beacon for your journey, guides you through the challenging times, and is a source of pride and renewal when things are going well.
The great news is that you have direct control over this emotion and how to tap into it for motivation and resilience.
Here are a few steps to get started:
- Uncover your core values
- Determine your Purpose, Mission, and Vision (yes…just like if you were a business)
- Establish your top goals (bucket list, SMART, Outcome, Process, Short, Medium, Long, etc.)
- Think deeply about why these goals are important to you (How are they emotionally connected)
The truth is, if you really want something, there is a strong reason why. Find that out, and you will never have to work to get yourself “motivated” again.
On that note, you will find that the true motivations are rarely external or aesthetic, despite this being what most people set their goals on.
For example, I will argue that people don’t really want to be fit. They just want to experience the benefits that being healthy and fit provides to them.
I often use a money analogy for this. Would you rather be a billionaire on paper, but be unable to spend a dime; or penniless, but have access to all the things a billion dollars could purchase or provide?
Most people would choose the latter, yet typically people are aiming for the former.
At this point in the process, many people begin feeling overwhelmed
They see the benefits of doing the exercises I mentioned above, and of tapping into their hidden motivations. However, they struggle to see how they will find the time, energy, or motivation to get it done (do you see the vicious circle forming?)
Some people are content to tackle it on their own. If this excites you, my book The Fitness Curveball will provide you with a step-by-step action plan to do it.
If doing it on your own makes you feel more overwhelmed, asking for some help to get started will be your best option.
My team of personal trainers would love to help. Just book your free consultation with the FRESH! fitness trainer to help you identify your motivation and kickstart your progress.
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Comments
Amazing article! At this point I think I need a fitness trainer, not basically to loose weight but to stay fit and healthy. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your feedback Valentina!
My personal reasons for looking for a personal trainer are so someone can make sure my form is right when doing workouts, push me to my limits, and introduce me to new workouts and routines. Great job breaking down the psychology behind typical reasons and the excuses that usually follow. Thank you for sharing.
You are most welcome Tyler! Glad you liked it. Thank you for engaging!
I never really thought about the emotional side of it. I don’t have a personal trainer but do at-home workout programs with my husband. We motivate each other when we need it. I also find that motivation can be an upcoming vacation or event as a goal.
Yes, motivation is so important for long-term goals. Thanks for the feedback Stephanie!
This is an interesting perspective and one I agree with. I didn’t always love to work out but I went through a difficult relationship that was abusive. And when I went to the gym the very first time my goal was to lose weight. But over time, I realized so much more benefit of working out than losing weight like having clarity and a stress reliever. And this has helped me be disciplined in continuing to work out rain or shine, foot or no foot injury.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
You saw the long-term benefits of regular exercise! And thats what matters the most! Thank you for engaging Maureen.
None yet but after reading your article, I’m already considering getting one. I’m in my forties and I found it hard to lose the excess weight. I’m pretty sure I need a fitness program to help me get back into shapre.
Exactly the right time for a personal trainer Ivan 🙂 Thanks for the feedback!
Lots of great perspective here. I definitely need to be more active. My job requires lots of sitting in front of the computer.
Glad you liked it April, and if it motivates you also, then our goal is accomplished:)
I really found the post interesting. Finding the connection between the emotional side of fitness and the actual “why” behind really digs deeper for everyone. I would love the get a fitness trainer and hope to soon.
Exactly Debbie. I am glad that our post motivated you! Make sure to read our other posts so you can be better prepered for searching for a coach.
Great post, very motivating if I do say so. I’ve been meaning to look into a personal trainer, but sadly most our outside my budget at the moment.
Glad you liked it Nyxie. We have an online coaching and some very reasonable prices 🙂
I would want a personal trainer too. They are such a great accountability partner.
Yes, we are Beth! If you need any help in choosing one, we are here!
Thank you. Its what I need and for a resonable price. Gym’s training sessions can be pricy.
Yes, they can. Thanks for the feedback Beth!
Hhhmmm….these are good pointers into seeking out a fitness trainer. I’ve never worked with one yet but I think I should, in the near or far future.
Thanks for the feedback Edgar! If you need any help just send us an email. We are glad to help!
A fitness trainer is a great way to make sure that you have a solid workout routine and that you can stick with it. It would be great to utilize the help of a trainer!
Exactly Marysa! We are here to encourage, motivate, and make sure you stay on the right track, long-term!
I just restarted my workouts. Just 10 minute HIIT. I decided to be kinder and more forgiving of myself. I would’ve loved to have a fitness trainer. Perhaps one day.
Thats great for starters May! If you need any help just sent us an email. We are glad to help!
Congratulations on all of your new business! I really love your perspective on motivation. It’s true that most people are not actually motivated by external goals, like losing weight or getting in shape. They are motivated by the benefits that these goals will bring, like feeling better, having more energy, and looking better!!!
Exactly Julie! Thank you for your feedback!
My friend had a personal trainer and found that he really helped. It is great as they tailor their programme around the client to help them acive what they want.
Yes, that is just one benefit of having a personal coach. Thanks for the feedback Melanie!
It’s really great to have a fitness trainer specially if you are a starter. It helps you to maximize your time by following a workout routine
Exactly Nikki! People progress much faster with the right guidance. Thanks for the feedback!
Your article on the true motivations behind seeking a fitness trainer was incredibly insightful and thought-provoking. I appreciate how you emphasized the importance of addressing emotions and finding a strong connection to one’s goals. Your practical steps offer valuable guidance.
We are glad you liked the article Monidipa. Thank you for the feedback!
great post- thought provoking!
Glad you like it Carol. Thanks for the feedback!
Very insightful, thank you!
Thanks for the feedback Mia!
always have to find that motivation which means setting a goal. Want to be 90 and still running to the store LOL
That is very posible Ivanka! Thanks for the feedback!
Great tips on working with a personal trainer and focusing on the why behind our motivation. I enjoyed reading more from a personal trainer’s perspective.
Thank you for your feedback Debbie, and I am glad you enjoyed reading the post.
I started with 5-10 min a day to get myself back into it. Now I just don’t feel right if I don’t get anything in.
Exactly Cinny. Thanks for the feedback!
It’s fantastic to see new clients coming in and seeking the guidance of a personal fitness trainer at your studio! The consultation process must be so fulfilling for you, as you have the opportunity to connect with people, understand their motivations, and help them on their fitness journey. It’s moments like these that remind us of the passion we have for our work. Keep up the great work in empowering and inspiring others to achieve their fitness goals!
Thank you Sengeetha for your kind words and your feedback. We really do appreciate that!
It’s always good to have an expert around you to reach your fitness goals.
Any goal for that matter. With a help of an experienced individuals we can move forward faster. Thanks for the feedback Alita!
A personal trainer can teach us, motivate us and help us get results that’s why.
Exactly Beeb. Thanks for commenting!
A personal trainer is truly good for anyone I believe. But it’s costly to me. I’m using an app and doing simple practice and I can feel it good for my body and health too.
We understand that, that is why we have a couple of packages suited for everyone’s pocket. Thanks for the feedback!
Honestly, training ais not so easy and the emotion can play big role in the process. This is helpful post and thank you for sharing!
Thank you for commenting and for the feedback!
It’s important to keep moving but sometimes all may have a lack of motivation, it helps to have a trainer to be there for you and thanks for sharing about this!
You are welcome Knycx, glad you like it. And thanks for the feedback!
I Hav ealways had great experiences with trainers. I truly think they help so much!
Thanks for the feedback Neely!