If a client was not losing weight, but losing inches, how would you keep the client motivated to stick with you?

I set the stage very early on in our training relationship. When a client comes to me stating a goal of “lose weight” I usual engage them in a conversation that goes something like this. “What if I told you that in X months, you can be wearing X sizes smaller than you’re currently wearing, would you be happy?” I have NEVER had one client respond in any other way than a resounding “YES!” So then I discuss that in reality their goal is most closely tied to INCHES, not POUNDS. That inches are what’s really more closely related to unwanted body fat, not pounds, and that a more muscular build often does not necessarily result in weight loss, but often does result in wearing smaller sized clothes and in losing unwanted/unhealthy body fat. That usually does it!

I also published an article entitled “Pounds versus Inches” which you can probably Google if you’re interested, if you can’t find it that way, I’d be happy to send you a copy if you email me – it’s something that I always give my clients at the beginning to head off exactly the situation you describe in your question.

I hope this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]