It is simply not enough for a client to work with you once or twice a week. In order for him to reach his goals, he will need to exercise on his own. You are there to help and guide your client, but he must also be able to motivate himself. Educate your client about what he needs to do when he is not with you, and hold him accountable for his assignment.

Get Your Client Involved

While you do need to coach and motivate your client, you do not want to come across as a dictator. Ask for the client's input into what type of exercise they want to do and have time for. If you simply try to dictate what you want her to do without gaining insight into what she is willing and able to do, she will likely not comply with your requests. You want the program to be as manageable and enjoyable as possible, because this will increase the likelihood of success. People do not want to spend five hours per week feeling miserable. Most will look to exercise for enjoyment and stress relief, and if they do not feel this way in the beginning, you need to help them feel this way.

Giving Instructions

Be clear and specific when giving instructions to your client. If you want her to walk on the treadmill twice in the upcoming week, tell her how long and at what speed. Do not assume anything or expect your client to assume anything. You can even go as far as to write down for the client precisely what to do on each day of the week. The more precise your instructions, the less room there will be for confusion. Remember that this may be someone's first time exercising. He might be unsure of himself and what he is capable of doing. If you are not specific in your instructions, your client may push himself too hard or not hard enough. Writing “bicep curls” on his instruction sheet is much different than writing “perform ten repetitions of bicep curls with twenty-pound dumbbells for three sets.” Proper communication will be essential. Once you have given your instructions, you might ask your client to explain back to you what you are looking for, or at least answer any questions your client might have. Make it clear that if he tries the program and feels unsure of any component, he should contact you before continuing.