Keeping Clients Consistent When Motivation Inevitably Fades
As fitness professionals, our understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, business acumen, and training methodology forms the technical foundation of our practice. Whether we work with post-rehab baby boomers, collegiate athletes, or Hollywood action stars, we are responsible for delivering effective fitness and wellness programming. Perhaps even more important than program design, however, is understanding human motivation. Even […]
Why Learning the Science of Behavior Change Can Give Your Training an Edge
In fitness and wellness, there is often a noticeable gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Behavioral scientists refer to this as the say-do gap. Most clients and most trainers fully understand that exercise benefits health, longevity, and quality of life. Yet knowledge alone rarely results in consistent action. When individuals abandon their routines, it is […]
Don’t Lose Progress: How Loss Aversion Shapes Fitness Motivation
Among the most influential contributions to psychology and economics is the finding that “losses loom larger than gains.” Kahneman and Tversky’s (1979) Prospect Theory demonstrated that individuals are more sensitive to avoiding losses than to acquiring equivalent gains. In practice, losing $100 feels significantly worse than gaining $100 feels good. For fitness professionals, this has clear implications. […]
How to Price Your Personal Training Services: Behavioral Science Insights for Fitness Professionals
Pricing is one of the most challenging business decisions for personal trainers, both at the beginning of their career and throughout it. While joining a health club or boutique studio can offer a starting framework, independent professionals need clear strategies to establish and communicate prices effectively. By combining traditional pricing models with insights from behavioral […]
Why is it Called a Dumbbell? (and Other Fitness Terms You’ve Always Wondered About)
Push-ups, Sit-ups, and Box Jumps are all aptly named exercises. The name describes exactly what they are. But what about fan favorites like Burpees, Bulgarian Split Squats, Tabata Drills, or even the Dumbbell. I researched the etymology and origin of these exercises, workouts, and fitness terms so you can explain them when your personal training […]
What Fitness Pros Can Learn From Economics
As a trainer turned-behavioral economics-major, I’ve become increasingly aware of how economics applies to everything we do in the industry—and it can have a significant impact on our own financial success and even our clients’ fitness success. For example, I was surprised to learn about one particular theory, called Goodhart’s Law, and how it translates […]
Process Goals Versus Outcome Goals: The Art of Goal Setting
Goal setting is a regular part of any fitness routine and of every personal trainer’s usual skillset. Setting goals allows for accountability, measurable targets, and meaningful feedback. But it’s up to the trainer and their client to make sure they create appropriate goals and then recognize their successes. Setting different types of goals can be […]
Client Check-Ins: Checking in is Good for Business and Results
Name one tool that improves client’s outcomes, creates a stronger, longer-lasting relationship with clients, and improves overall revenues..? Check-Ins! Go the Extra Mile Creating a thorough process for communicating with clients on an ongoing and regular basis, is not only good for business..but great for client success. Client “check-ins” allow the fitness professional to go […]
The Way We Eat: The Economics of Food
Food and nutrition is not only a major spotlight of the fitness industry, it’s a hot topic in local government, politics, healthcare, environmental science, and the economy. Basically, food and nutrition are among the most important components that support our existence. Along with water, sleep, and warmth, psychologist Abraham Maslow listed food as one of […]
Eugen Sandow: Fitness Pioneer You’ve Never Heard Of
Eugen Sandow (1867-1925), was a Russian born entertainer, strongman, fitness professional, and bodybuilder. At a time when physical fitness technique, nutrition, and physique were not common hobby or interest, Sandow pioneered weightlifting technique and bodybuilding. In fact, he is widely thought to be the first person to coin the phrase “bodybuilding” in an issue of […]