Creative Ways to Challenge Your Clients

Creating a fitness plan for a client can be a source of excitement and inspiration, if you don’t fall into the trap of standardized activities. While many clients will need to start with a small number of routines until they develop the strength and endurance needed to expand their range of activities, many clients are up for a challenge, and will continue to thrive if they are given a creative challenge from time to time.

One of the best ways to spice your training session up is to get outdoors! Take your client for a run or a hike through a local conservation area. Turn it into a game by racing, or sprinting to various destinations along the way. Go out and play a game of soccer or basketball. By introducing your client to different activities that they may not feel they were ever able to do before, you are encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and showing them how their hard work is paying off. In addition, be sure to give your client information about various outdoor programs, such as walking clubs that they could join to show them how to incorporate daily fitness into their lives.

A popular way to get your client’s attention is by setting up a circuit. Circuits can be adjusted to any fitness level, and are a great way to provide your client with a wide variety of challenges in a short period of time. Throw on some music, and time it so that it plays until it’s time for your clients to change stations. This is a great option for those trainers working with fitness groups.

Similar to the circuit training, obstacle courses provide an opportunity to have a bit of fun with your clients. Use a variety of objects, and adjust the intensity to suit your client’s needs. You’ll find that everyday objects can often make the best obstacle courses.

Finally, put your client in charge! Let them decide what muscle groups they want to work, what activities they would like to try and how they want to work it. Provide assistance where you need it, and give your input if you think that they’re not challenging themselves, or have picked an activity that they will struggle with. By actively involving your clients, you can be sure that they are staying engaged and enjoying the work that they are doing with you.