how do you react to a client whom is having an assessment after 6 weeks and the client has gained weight?

A client who has gained weight, especially if they’re new to exercise, needs encouragement. We are so trained in this society to feel like the scale is the most important measure of success, when there are so many other positive effects to exercise. A weight gain doesn’t mean they haven’t made progress. First of all, they’ve stuck to a workout regimen for six weeks! For some of my clients, that in and of itself is a big step!

In no particular order –

1) Did you use the same scale, is it a good scale, and did you measure at the same time of the day and with the same hydration and restroom habits?
2) If client is a female, her monthly cycle can affect her weight.
3) I take other objective assessments in addition to weight. Girth, strength, balance. Weight’s only one measure.
4) I ask about more subjective measurements (some can be measured, but most clients don’t measure them) – more energy? better sleep? reduced stress? increased stamina i.e. going up stairs with less trouble? less pain? clothes fitting better?
5) I ask them to start tracking everything they eat, if they’re not already.