Over the last several years I've been blessed with the great opportunity to own my business. Along the way, I've met some amazing trainers and wellness professionals who continue to inspire me and show me new perspectives on how our industry evolves.
But there's been a fairly alarming trend between a lot of professionals I know. While this is not exclusive to all and we all have our different areas of emphasis, I send this message out to all of you who work with clients from a weight-loss perspective.
When you have a client who is battling issues from being overweight it isn't JUST an exercise (or lack thereof) issue. It isn't JUST a food (or overabundance of) issue. There can be deep-rooted behavioral issues grounded in years of patterning. There can be hormonal issues which NO trainer is in a position to test for and diagnose. Although, you can liase with a doctor to help determine proper protocols for balance if the client releases authorization with which to do so.
All this being said, it stands to reason that when you post "motivational" pictures of ridiculously fit people with slogans that say things like "If you work hard enough, you'll look like this", etc. You're only reinforcing one more negative association into the mind of someone who potentially has enough negative stimulus in their psyche to begin with.
When you flaunt all your great accomplishments in the gym and your undying dedication, it's reveals a "well, duh" response. YOU are expected to be in the gym, and in many cases, are expected to be in great shape. So, while those crazy fit models in the pictures are motivating to YOU, they likely are not motivating at all to your clients. Why? Because it's not realistic.
Despite your best efforts to motivate, you stand to lose more clients than you gain. The reason: most of your weight-loss clients couldn't give a damn about being ripped. They care about being healthy.
So, if you CARE about your clients. Start learning psychological habits of overeating. Spend less time searching for memes of unrealistic physiques with overused cliches to motivate and teach yourself about things like probiotics, hormonal balances, and lifestyle changes that STICK.
Most of all, be patient. It might shock you but a lot of people HATE exercising. They will likely never enjoy it the way you do. It's your job to make it reasonable AND effective.
Don't be the trainer who shames them into success. A client doesn't become dangerously overweight without issues of shame to begin with.
As always, this is meant with the most respect for each of you. Just don't forget that we all motivate differently. Shy of you adding a license in psychotherapy to your list of credentials you won't be able to fix all the issues your clients will have, and I'll be damned if a dumbbell can fix the rest.
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