What does the language, “my client has to want it more than I do” mean to you?
I’ve browsed some of the posts here and I’ve seen the language “My client has to want it more than I do,” used in a few of the posts. What does this mean, specifically? Why do you use this phrase in particular? It seems to refer to motivation — my client has to be motivated. Do you feel it’s a situation you get trapped in if your client is unmotivated? I think it’s a curious way of saying something and I’d like to understand the concept that this phrase describes. Thanks!
Is this part of client selection? Would you reject a client who doesn’t “want it” enough? How do you as a personal trainer work with a client’s (possibly fluctuating) levels of motivation and commitment to their program and goals?
Harris explained it very well. Here’s my take.
Hiring a trainer, in and of itself, isn’t enough to get results.
Having goals, in and of themselves, isn’t enough to get results.
Coming to a session with me, alone, isn’t enough to get results.
(I define “results” based on client’s definition – some are function based, some are weight based, some are aesthetic)
There’s a level of effort required within a training session – HARD WORK that’s needed. In your experience with group-ex, I’m sure you’ve noticed that some people work very hard in class and others barely wiggle, even though everyone gets the same encouragement. It’s possible to work to less than one’s potential in a one-on-one training session as well.
Even more than that because we can’t be with our clients all of the time, is a level of compliance during the hours they’re not training with us.
I want my clients to succeed. I’m passionate about what I do. But me wanting it for them doesn’t mean a thing if they don’t have the motivation to do the work.
Would I fire a client for not being motivated? Not really, no. Clients who aren’t motivated tend to fire themselves. They stop coming, or they don’t renew. But I prefer that not happen. When I see a client is having a down day, or a couple of down workouts in a row, that’s the time to address their motivation. NOT on their last session of a package.