Two things

One of the most important things I do when I meet with clients for the first time is ask them about what they want out of their workouts, even if they don’t really know the answer.  We have enough of a cultural idea that working out is good that some people come because they have a general sense that they should rather than some specific goal.

However, in the course of conversation, I can usually find out what underlies that general sense in the specific person in front of me.  Sometimes there’s a doctor lurking in the background with some less-than-optimal test results.  Maybe there is a reunion coming up and those retro jeans are not going to be flattering.  Some people want more energy.  Some want to be thinner.  Some want to be able to chase their toddlers or teens.  Knowing what the goal is helps me get what motivates my clients and then I can design workouts that work.

Weight loss clients need to be building lean muscle mass to burn more calories.  They also need to focus on cardio on non-weight-training days and to track what they’re eating.  Toddler chasers need interval work.  People with cholesterol issues should ensure that they’re getting enough cardio.

Some of those folks will respond well to things like Fitbit trackers.  Lots of people have told me about how they decided to run up and down the stairs for a few minutes just to make sure that they hit their 10,000 steps.  Others will want to see scale numbers or looser pants.  Some want to see the dumbbells get bigger.  Others want to be able to reach their toes.

With goals and motivational tactics, we can do anything!