7 Ways that Keep My Personal Training Clients Motivated
Introduction
After 12 years of personal training, I can confidently say that there isn’t a standard method of motivation that works for everyone. To make life more challenging, all motivational tools are only effective for 3-6 weeks, even if the strategy is perfectly aligned with the person’s drive, wants, needs, schedule, and personal/professional demands (a lot of factors to consider… always).
So, how can YOU motivate yourself and maintain motivation and sanity while trying to achieve your never-ending list of goals? First, understand yourself. Are you the ambitious, self-driven person who is self-employed or self-directed at home or in the office? You’re always focused on something, but you haven’t figured out why another important goal is a priority. You don’t always need someone to tell you to show up; you need her or him to tell you how to do it efficiently and effectively.
Or are you more effective and efficient under the direction of someone else? You’d rather focus on what you need to do and let others take on the burden of the big picture (no problem with specializing, though). While doing something effectively and efficiently is essential, you need a leader to keep your sights on the target.
Either way, both personalities need to add value to a goal to justify its course. Do you genuinely value the goal? Why do you want to achieve this goal? Is it your choice to pursue this goal? Do you believe in this goal?
They must also recognize potential obstacles, such as perceived demands, genuine personal and professional demands, and a lack of education or guidance.
Your personality and potential obstacles will definitely shape whatever approach you adopt in life. Keep them in mind while you choose a strategy from the list below:
Tips from my Personal Training Clients
Create a Fitness Calendar.
JK keeps a calendar of the current month on her fridge. If she exercises, she describes the activity on that day. If JK can’t work out, then she draws a big X in the box instead. Seeing multiple Xs within a given period is motivation to start moving again!
2. Set Rules.
CK sets two hardline rules to keep herself from overworking. No matter the professional demand, she never touches work-related projects on Saturdays and cuts out all electronic work-related activities in the evening as well. As a self-employed producer, CK could work around the clock. These rules help her maintain sanity while allowing ample time for creative thought and other personal focuses.
3. Align Your Behaviors with Your Ideal Self.
MJ routinely checks in with himself to see whether his current habits align with his ideal self. Common questions he may ask himself: Does this activity help me achieve my overall goals? Am I on the correct path to my goals? Are my habits conflicting with who I am or my most important goals? What new goals do I need to create to achieve or maintain my ideal self again?
4. Carry a Book.
“Always carry a real book that either:
a) is part of the research for a current project
b) is part of research for a future project
c) has nothing to do with anything, is just for fun, and allows the mind to make new connections
Instead of looking at your phone while waiting in line or being bored while your date is in the bathroom, look at this book. Even better, from my fave comic writer, Kieron Gillen — he recommends always reading three books that fall into these different categories at once. Most important! Tablets do not count. These must be actual paper books--your mind doesn't think in the same ways connected to the internet, and you will also be tempted to look at social media.” - DK
5. Maintain Close Relationships with Family and Friends.
“I find that preventative measures are effective. By staying in touch and involved with family (even throughout the country) and friends, I keep a balanced life and outlook, so that any one thing that comes up cannot cloud my perspective on what is truly important. As such, any one thing, which may want to steal time and energy from other goals unnecessarily, becomes much harder to affect me.” - RA
Tips from a Personal Trainer
1. Create a Routine
Simplify to pursue. Eliminate decision fatigue by creating a consistent routine for how you wake, eat, work, and prepare for bed. It will free up crucial mental energy to focus on your new goal.
2. Plaster Unconscious Cues
I always plaster post-it notes with my goals on a wall I see every day… like the inside of my closet (we don’t need the world to see my goals!). Every time I grab my clothes, I consciously and unconsciously see them, and the more I see them, the more likely I will live consciously and unconsciously in line with these goals. I’ve also posted a picture of a critical written goal on the wallpaper of my phone to remind myself every time I open it. Although I won’t consciously take the time to read it every time, my mind will certainly recognize it as a reminder.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
