| As fitness professionals we need to encourage | | | | Much of the reason a person desires a CFT is |
| not only the physical fitness but also the mental | | | | self-esteem; the individual is dissatisfied with his |
| fitness. In the psychological arena of life we are | | | | her looks and wants to change them; how that |
| our own worst critics; the mirror does have two | | | | person came into this state of mind can be many; |
| faces and unfortunately in most cases the image | | | | media, family and/or friends or a spouse. If you |
| we see looking back at us is grossly distorted. | | | | investigate closely, you will probably discover the |
| We as professionals are morally required to not | | | | basis was created by negativity. THIS is your |
| only address the physical goals but to also | | | | biggest opponent! You can prescribe a prefect |
| educate and modify the psychological goals and | | | | fitness routine along with a well balanced diet, but |
| mindset of our clients. I have noticed in many | | | | if you haven't begun to combat the effects of |
| cases a person will begin a fitness regimen | | | | negativity, THEN ALL IS FOR NAUGHT. Always |
| without realizing this is not a "quick fix" but a | | | | have a SMALL conservative compliment for your |
| lifestyle change. After following his/her fitness | | | | client. Ensure that it is sincere. It can be as simple |
| prescription for a few days or in some instances | | | | as "Hey, thank you for being on time. I really |
| a few weeks unaware that their unsatisfactory | | | | appreciate it." Once again, you must begin modest. |
| state of being did not occur overnight neither will | | | | DO NOT target the clients' weak points (areas |
| the level of expected results. This disillusionment is | | | | that the client states he/she is concerned about). |
| often followed by reverting back to old lifestyle | | | | Doing this will appear as being false, smug, or |
| habits. | | | | arrogant, no matter how sincere you are. In |
| In some cases the client is successful to a fault; | | | | reality, these areas will not change overnight and, |
| they achieve or exceed their goals yet do not | | | | as gently as you can, the client must come to |
| acknowledge their fruitfulness. Instead their views | | | | realize this. The clients' self-esteem has to be |
| of themselves remain that of their previous state | | | | exercised just like the body. If you noticed, most |
| thus hence beginning a self destructive downward | | | | gyms are surrounded by mirrors. This is NOT a |
| spiral eliminating sustenance such as "good" fats | | | | coincidence. Gyms are a breeding ground for |
| and necessary carbohydrates depleting the body | | | | self-esteem, but they can be a minefield for |
| of iron and other valuable nutrients in efforts to | | | | those whose self-esteem is little, weak, or |
| become more defined. | | | | damaged. Convincing your client that improvement |
| Some persons resort to nutraceuticals such as | | | | will come slow, BUT IT WILL COME is paramount! |
| diuretics, fat burners, and caffeine or combinations | | | | Make sure they understand that each person's |
| thereof and some take it one step further by | | | | body is different and that people will always have |
| employing the aid of steroids and other unsavory | | | | different results on the same efforts. Let them |
| means resulting in a different kind of downward | | | | know that you did not emerge out of the womb |
| helix regardless of consequence. | | | | in the condition you are in now, and that, with |
| I believe it is our responsibility as professionals to | | | | your help and guidance, they will achieve their |
| take a proactive approach to these issues at the | | | | goals as well. Understand that your clients are |
| forefront of their education by formulating a | | | | utilizing your knowledge and direction as a vehicle |
| personalized program for each client based upon | | | | of which to arrive at their fitness destination. |
| their individual, psychological, and physical needs. | | | | 3. Motivate, Motivate, Motivate! |
| The mind is the biggest de-motivator in how the | | | | It is amazing what human beings can achieve with |
| body functions and as fitness professionals we | | | | the right motivation! |
| are the leaders. | | | | Do not just prescribe your clients a routine and |
| Self-esteem is the cogwheel for the body's desire | | | | stand back. Remember, that 5 - 10 push-ups |
| to achieve and, depending | | | | you're asking them to do may be easy and |
| On the motivation it receives, it can either push | | | | hum-drum for you, but it is |
| the body to excel or it can drag the body to | | | | MONUMENTAL for them!! Coach and cheer for |
| levels of sickness and even death. | | | | them! Do not be embarrassed by it! Yes, in your |
| Ways to combat negativity: | | | | mind, it may sound silly, but believe me, the |
| 1: set small but attainable goals | | | | mental fuel you give that person will energize |
| Set a goal that is within the grasp of the individual | | | | them and will allow them to achieve their goals, |
| but is attainable through effort. By doing this, you | | | | and positive energy rubs off!! |
| give the client minor achievements and thus start | | | | Remember leadership is the ability to influence |
| the building blocks for greater performance. A | | | | individuals to accomplish a task by providing |
| skyscraper is a tall structure and yet, it can | | | | purpose, direction, and motivation. We are the |
| tumble down with the removal of just one minor | | | | example, let's set great ones! |
| support. | | | | DR. |
| 2: compliment, but don't smother | | | | |