With all of the emphasis on motivating and encouraging clients, you may think trainers more closely resemble psychologists or cheerleaders than coaches. But neglecting to recognize your clients' achievements is a mistake. Rewards and recognition are huge motivators of behavior. They increase clients' positive feelings about exercising and about themselves. Giving rewards may feel silly or juvenile, but it is simply a proven way to increase success.

Rewards Are Important

Rewards reinforce positive behaviors and are essential to long-term success. They give your clients a sense of accomplishment and elicit positive feelings. While meeting a goal is a reward in itself, it may not be enough of a motivator.

Part of your goal setting can involve attaching a small reward to the accomplishment of each short-term goal, and a major reward for the accomplishment of the long-term goal. This will provide your clients with additional motivation, and will give them something to look forward to.

What Constitutes a Reward?

There are two types of rewards: tangible and intangible. Tangible rewards are concrete, such as a new pair of shoes. Your client can physically hold or have this type of reward. Giving a client a T-shirt for training consistently for six months is a tangible reward. Intangible rewards cannot physically be touched, such as praise or a trip to the movies.

You need to be giving your clients intangible rewards on a regular basis by verbally acknowledging their successes. Look for reasons to recognize achievements. Has your client been consistently sticking to their nutritional plan, put in extra time on the treadmill, improved their core strength? If so, tell him how proud you are and what a great job he is doing. It is not necessary to give your clients intangible rewards, though if you choose to it will certainly be appreciated.

Your clients also need to reward themselves for a job well done. Specific rewards will depend on what the client likes and can afford. Advise your clients to stay away from food as a reward or anything else that may sabotage their efforts. Depending on their budget, they may choose something like new clothes in a smaller size, a show or concert, or new roller blades.