I have an overweight female client who is not coordinated at all (!) and just starting out. Suggestions?
Clarification: I am working with her on the standard body weight exercises, some dumbbell exercises (light weights), aerobic exercise, nutrition, weight loss, etc. and she’s doing very well. However, due to her lack of coordination, I am trying to incorporate new twists so she doesn’t get bored and continues to improve. Any ideas would be helpful! Thank you!
Hi Alissa. That’s wonderful that you’re looking for different ways to continue to motivate and challenge your client. I’ve worked with a lot of overweight clients (one who lost over 125 pounds!). One thing that I try to do is NOT baby my client simply because they are overweight – my overweight clients have come to truly appreciate that (as a matter of fact, just this past Saturday one such client said “the reason that I keep renewing sessions with you is that you challenge me…you make me work…”). Several years ago I wrote an article on this subject and would be happy to share it with you if you want to send me an email offline (I can’t attach the article to this Answer).
In any event, the long and short of it is “challenge your overweight client!” If you do this safely, in logical progression, and within their own personal capabilities you will find that your client will not be bored, will rise to the challenge and will come to appreciate not only being challenged and not coddled, but also gain confidence in their own abilities.
The KEY is to work within your client’s physical capabilities, while at the same time still challenging them!
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]