Discover how to motivate clients stuck in their functional training routines with goal reassessment, varied workouts, and tracking progress.

The phrasing of the question is wrong. The most important aspect of training is rapport between a trainer and their client. If rapport exists, a trainer will know what motivates and how to motivate their client. Small changes should be made at every workout in order to prevent the client from getting bored. A bored client happens because a trainer is not paying attention. Always keep in mind the best exercise is the one a client will do.

Last updated on Jul 20, 2024

Your client is stuck in a rut with functional training. How can you reignite their motivation?

Functional training, a method focused on exercises that mimic everyday actions, can significantly improve balance, agility, and muscle strength. However, even the most dynamic routines can become monotonous, leading clients to hit a motivational plateau. To help your client break through this standstill and reignite their passion for functional fitness, it's essential to understand the root of their stagnation and introduce strategies that can refresh their routine and outlook.

1 Assess Goals

To rekindle your client's enthusiasm for functional training, start by revisiting and reassessing their goals. It's crucial to ensure that these objectives are still relevant and align with their current aspirations. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By refining these targets to reflect their evolving fitness journey, you provide a renewed sense of purpose and direction that can motivate them to push past the rut.

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Dan Mikeska, DHSc

Author, educator, and speaker; connecting education, medicine, and fitness
The phrasing of the question is wrong. The most important aspect of training is rapport between a trainer and their client. If rapport exists, a trainer will know what motivates and how to motivate their client. Small changes should be made at every workout in order to prevent the client from getting bored. A bored client happens because a trainer is not paying attention. Always keep in mind the best exercise is the one a client will do.
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Ellen Comerford

Empower millions of people to create self care. Movement Detective. Pain Free Movement and Health Restoration Fanatic
Getting out of an exercise rut can be as simple as finding a movement or exercise that you enjoy! You'll be more consistent, motivated, it will reduce stress, and it will be more sustainable. It will also reduce chances of future burn out! Maybe it's finding a partner to walk with. Trying new forms of movement will also help your brain!
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Matthew Gordon

MGF.I.T Personal Training
Settings new goals can give a client a clear target to strive for, boosting their motivation.Achieving these goals will help build self confidence and enhance their interest and focus on the program.
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Tom Purcell

Fitness
Sometimes is good to step back and look at how you're working out. If it's time? Then try mini workouts such as 20 minute HIIT or Yoga to keep consistent without burning out. If it's a goal that you may find it difficult to complete at this time, then break the goal down into small task leading to that goal. Don't get overwhelmed with the big picture, take each moment you have and appreciate this opportunity to do something that's healthy. You can also try something new. Try an exercise or routine that you haven't done before. You may find you like this and want to make it part of your program. Life is a spice of life, si mix it up!
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Diemmerson Rodrigues

Personal Trainer
Com algum desses exemplos você pode reacender a motivação dos seus alunos: 1-Defina Novos Objetivos: Crie metas claras e alcançáveis. 2-Varie os Exercícios: Introduza novas modalidades e atividades. 3-Treine em Grupo ou com Amigos: A companhia pode aumentar a motivação. 4-Use Tecnologia: Utilize aplicativos e gadgets para monitorar o progresso. 5-Música e Podcasts: Ouça algo motivador durante os treinos. 6-Recompensas: Estabeleça pequenas recompensas por metas alcançadas. Organize Eventos: Inscreva seus alunos em competições ou desafios de fitness.

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2 Vary Routines

Variety is the spice of life, and this holds true for functional training as well. Introducing new exercises or variations can transform a stale routine into an exciting challenge. By changing the workout's structure, such as incorporating circuit training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), you can stimulate both the body and mind, helping your client rediscover the joy of movement and progress.

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3 Track Progress

Humans are naturally driven by a sense of accomplishment. Encourage your client to track their progress meticulously. Whether it's through a fitness app or a traditional workout log, seeing tangible improvements over time can be a powerful motivator. Celebrating small victories along the way reinforces the value of their efforts and can spur them to continue striving for their goals.

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Barbara Smith

Founder, CEO at Church in the Park
Show the client what progress to track. That will indicate to the client what is relevant to the instructor and accomplishments are acknowledged and celebrated together. This creates synergy and motivation.
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4 Social Engagement

Incorporating a social element into your client's functional training can provide a motivational boost. Encourage them to join a class or train with a partner. The camaraderie and gentle competition found in group settings can lead to increased accountability and enjoyment. Sharing experiences with others who are on similar fitness journeys can renew their commitment and enthusiasm for their workouts.

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5 Educational Insight

Sometimes a lack of motivation stems from a lack of understanding. Take the time to educate your client on the benefits of each exercise within their functional training program. With a deeper appreciation for how these movements contribute to their overall health and fitness, your client may find a new level of interest and dedication to their training regimen.

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6 Personal Rewards

Finally, suggest that your client implement a system of personal rewards for reaching milestones in their functional training journey. Whether it's a relaxing massage after a month of consistent workouts or a new piece of workout gear for hitting a personal record, these incentives can provide a fun and compelling reason to stay engaged with their fitness goals.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your client is stuck in a rut with functional training. How can you reignite their motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Goals

2 Vary Routines

3 Track Progress

4 Social Engagement

5 Educational Insight

6 Personal Rewards

7 Here’s what else to consider

Functional Training

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Your client is stuck in a rut with functional training. How can you reignite their motivation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Goals

2 Vary Routines

3 Track Progress

4 Social Engagement

5 Educational Insight

6 Personal Rewards

7 Here’s what else to consider

Functional Training

Rate this article

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