When it comes to meeting a new client, I always ask them what goals they have in mind on what they are going for, usually it sums itself up to 2 different goals
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
There are always the exceptions; tone, build strength, endurance, sport specific, health and wellness, energy and building muscle, overall the many reasons that clients come to me there is a specific goal in their mind on where they want to be.
After a short assessment and conversation about daily lifestyle and fitness experience I begin to dig deep into what they believe is an acceptable goal, then talk a little about exceeding those goals. Of course I do not want to overwhelm the client or give them a false sense of accomplishment so I take it back a step while still encouraging the person. For example; If a clients goals are to lose 15 pounds, I talk a little about the ability to lose a little more, 20-25 pounds, in a time frame that that is no more than 1-2 pounds per week, so we are looking at 7-10 weeks for the initial goal and 10-14 weeks for the accelerated goal.
I then go into body fat, I prefer a biometric impedance as its a little less intrusive. I talk about the body and what percentage of body fat is considered healthy and what we need to do to get there, I then calculate roughly how many pounds the body will weigh at a certain percent of body fat, how many pounds the body is holding in fat and a good time frame to lose the percentage.
Its usually at this point that the original goals have changed in the clients mind!
I have 2 time frames when it comes to personal training;
- 2 weeks
- 6 months
Every 2 weeks we reassess your nutrition, what you are taking in, what you are utilizing, what carbohydrates work the best for you, what amount of protein works best, new ideas and overall how the client is feeling about the calories, the macros and the micros. Every 2 weeks we reassess your body fat and weight, small goals lead to bigger goals!
To truly make a change in your physique you HAVE to give it 6 months, at least, as the body needs to transition in steps, with all of my clients I really dig deep to find out emotionally why they want to change their physique, what got them to the position of wanting to change and what made them fall behind in the first place. Clients constantly face objection, from small to large, often created by themselves. It is important to recognize the fears, encourage through valleys and overcome together as a team, all clients have the ability but need to be reminded every now and then. 6 months seems like a long time to someone who is just starting, by week 4 they have a different attitude provided the correct steps have been put in place and the trainer has a deep dedication to the clients success.
Success is the overall goal as success is in the eye of the beholder, perfection is impossible, improvement is the hardest thing you’ll have to do, being lazy is only the option after hard work has been planted.
Luke Fleming
The Force by Luke
