You're facing disengaged clients during functional training. How can you improve communication with them?

The way to connect with people is through common ideas. Now, With functional training, we have a goal of educating, not to much focus on connection, so what do we do? The truth is, you can't really educate without conecting. so, the quickest way I find, is humor! yes, Jokes. Throwing a joke into the mix, making your learners laugh, that's a super quick way to connect with them, and make them feel comfortable. Dad jokes have been around forever, there's a reason for that, people find them endearing 😊

Engagement can be interpreted as a broad indicator of how motivated a client is. This means low engagement levels can be expected to play a significant role in driving the massive loss in productivity we are seeing worldwide. Client performance is as much the result of a person’s motivation as it of their talent or ability. A client could seem to have high potential on paper but fail to live up to it on the task. When engagement is high, there’s very little difference between the two meaning people are performing at their best on a regular basis. But when engagement is low, maximal performance is rarely on display. Clients will be more likely to succeed if they develop the skills to channel their lack of motivation into a productive force.

Active listening is key to understanding your clients' needs and concerns. Pay close attention to their feedback, both verbal and non-verbal. For example, if a client mentions they find a particular exercise challenging or boring, address it immediately. Show empathy and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. This builds trust and shows that you value their input.

Adopting a Person centred approach which consist of listening to the goals and desires of the client, whilst encouraging active goal setting can have a positive impact on client motivation to engage. Ultimately, if clients feel you can support them to achieve their goals and desires they are more likely to re engage with you. Also, working in a person centred way means that they feel that their opinions, beliefs and needs are always valued which is proven to build a better therapeutic relationship; encouraging trust, respect, non judgement and mutual engagement.

Setting clear, achievable goals helps clients stay motivated and engaged. Work with them to define both short-term and long-term objectives. For instance, aim to increase their plank time by 30 seconds within a month. Clearly outlined goals provide direction and purpose, making clients more invested in their training.

Personalize training programs to fit each client's preferences and needs. Consider their fitness levels, interests, and any specific concerns they have. For example, if a client enjoys yoga, incorporate yoga-based stretches into their routine. Customizing workouts makes them more enjoyable and relevant, increasing client engagement.

Educating clients about the benefits and mechanics of their exercises enhances their understanding and motivation. Explain the purpose behind each movement and how it contributes to their goals. For example, describe how strengthening their core can alleviate back pain. When clients know the "why" behind their workouts, they are more likely to stay committed

Regular, constructive feedback keeps clients informed about their progress and areas for improvement. Highlight their achievements and provide specific suggestions for better performance. For instance, praise a client for improving their squat form and advise on how to further enhance it. Positive reinforcement and clear guidance boost confidence and engagement

Creating a sense of community among your clients can increase motivation. Organize group sessions, challenges, or social events where they can interact and support each other. For example, host a monthly fitness challenge and encourage clients to share their progress on a group chat. Feeling part of a supportive network can significantly enhance client engagement.

Consider other factors like communication style, accessibility, and flexibility. Adapt your communication style to each client, whether they prefer text, email, or face-to-face conversations. Be accessible for questions and support outside of sessions. Offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate their busy lives. Addressing these additional aspects ensures a comprehensive approach to improving client communication & engagement

Wichtig ist es, gerade im Umgang mit schwierigen Kunden, dass man auch bereit ist, die Reißleine zu ziehen. Nicht jeder verdiente Euro ist es unbedingt werden, mit schwierigen oder unmotivierten Kunden tagtäglich zu arbeiten. Nimm Dir auch immer die Freiheit, eine Zusammenarbeit zu beenden, wenn sie negative Auswirkungen auf Dich und Deine Arbeit hat. Deine anderen Kunden werden es Dir danken und der nächste neue (hoffentlich angenehmere) Kunde kommt bestimmt.