How can you motivate a client feeling discouraged by slow progress in functional training?

Doing regular assessments and goal setting with your client is fundamental in identifying and overcoming fitness plateaus. Start by conducting a thorough review of your client’s current progress. This includes analysing performance metrics, body composition, and overall well-being. Setting clear, achievable goals helps keep clients motivated and provides a roadmap for continued progress. Ensure these goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. One effective way to break a plateau is by introducing new exercises into your client’s routine. Variety prevents the body from becoming too accustomed to specific movements, thus continuing to challenge different muscle groups or the same muscle groups but in different ways.

Reassess and reset: - Break down goals into smaller, achievable milestones - Celebrate each victory, no matter how minor - Boosts morale and provides a clearer roadmap to success Examples: - Increase squat depth by 1 inch each week - Add 2 reps to your push-up routine every two weeks - Reduce 100m dash time by 0.5 seconds each month Benefits: - Maintains motivation and positive outlook - Enhances focus and concentration - Supports progressive overload and muscle adaptation - Fosters resilience and mental toughness

I would recommend to reassess their goals by collaboratively reviewing and adjusting them as needed and acknowledge and appreciate even minor improvements as this makes a difference in making them realise they have accomplished something. Try to place emphasis on overall well-being rather than solely focusing on weight loss or appearance. Introduce new exercises or training methods to prevent boredom. I would constantly keep an eye out for new research studies for me to integrate in my clients' programme. I also try to adopt a mindful approach with my clients to help them focus on the journey, not just the destination.

Revisiting original goals regularly is key to making sure timely adjustments are made and avoiding that feeling of slow progress, or no progress. We all hit barriers or plateaus from time to time, so making sure the original goals are relevant using SMART criteria is absolutely first and foremost. Use a more comprehensive when first sitting with your client to capture the reasons and rationale behind them starting functional fitness training, or shifting to a personal trainer, make sure you use open ended questions to really explore the reasons why the client has made to choice to kick start functional fitness training. Then you have a firm basis to make sure you can reset and adjust when necessary to keep the motivation high.

Positive self-talk: - Acknowledge effort, not just progress - Recognize dedication and hard work - Reinforces commitment and resilience Examples: - "I showed up and gave it my all today" - "I've increased my workout frequency consistently" - "I've improved my form and technique" Benefits: - Boosts motivation and confidence - Fosters a growth mindset - Helps overcome plateaus and setbacks - Enhances overall well-being and self-awareness

Keep the entire energy positive. Really focus on what the client is doing well. Every small step, even showing up is fantastic as the article says! Good habits take a long time to become set in, various articles mention from 9 to 11 repetitions for something to even register as a habit, so a pat on the back and a high five at each step really reinforces the good things that the client is doing. Not all sessions will be breaking records and maxing out, but over time the effort in will reap rewards, so keeping that positive attitude will keep you on the road to success and reaching your personal fitness goals.

Mix it up: - Introduce new exercises or activities - Reignite enthusiasm and stimulate progress - Overcome plateaus and challenge yourself Examples: - Swap weightlifting for bodyweight exercises - Try plyometric exercises for explosive power - Incorporate cardio kickboxing for a fun, high-intensity workout Benefits: - Avoids mental and physical stagnation - Enhances overall fitness and athleticism - Boosts creativity and motivation - Supports continuous progress and improvement

Diversity not only keeps the brain more active, but can enable a massive boost to get you though a potential plateau. If you have been repetitive in any kind of exercise, switching it up can have amazing results. I know plenty of long distance runners who have reaped benefits from including the occasional HIT and interval training into their routines. Let alone some very strong gym goers where introducing just a few advanced training systems such as drop sets or negatives has pushed them further than they have been able to go before. Easier when thinking about functional fitness and circuit training where the instructor can easily blend in some new with some favorite exercises.

Connect the dots: - Functional training enhances daily life - Exercises improve functional movements - Progress benefits overall health and wellness Examples: - Step-ups improve stair climbing and hiking - Rotational exercises enhance golf swing and tennis serve - Balance training reduces risk of falls and injuries Benefits: - Increases motivation and purpose - Enhances transfer of training to real life - Supports long-term progress and overall fitness - Fosters a deeper understanding of body and movement

Surround yourself with support: - Share goals and progress with friends and family - Join a fitness community or find a workout buddy - Celebrate successes and overcome struggles together Examples: - Share progress photos and updates on social media - Participate in group fitness classes or online forums - Find an accountability partner for regular check-ins Benefits: - Boosts motivation and encouragement - Creates sense of community and belonging - Provides support during challenges and setbacks - Enhances overall fitness journey and progress