Personal Fitness Professional - January/February 2009 - (Page 12)

What It Takes To CHANGE It used to be that people who were overwhelmed, overworked or overweight were told to “get a grip.” Now they’re being referred to coaches to “get it done.” Professional coaches are masterful in helping people grow and change for good by using techniques that are critical in personal training as well. Imagine the inﬂuence you, the trainer, would have with your client if you not only implemented the steps to physical change but also used the techniques of professional wellness coaches to create emotional change. Here’s an eight-step process used by some of the best coaches today that will help you facilitate fundamental change in your clients. (Don’t hesitate to consult with a certiﬁed coach if you get stuck.) Lead your clients through the following questions to create instant dialogue and potential breakthroughs in their journey to become the best they can be: JAN-FEB2009 · WWW.FIT-PRO.COM 1. What’s working now in my health and well-being? It’s important to keep looking at the bright side — what’s working, what’s good and what’s strong — and not just at what’s not working, wrong or weak. So ﬁrst ask your clients to ask themselves and others who know them well, “What’s right about me and my life?” The answers may surprise them and will deﬁnitely make them feel better. When they feel good about themselves and their lives, they’ll be energized and more able to take on the challenges of change. 2. What’s my vision for change? A vision is a compelling statement of who you want to become, or grow into, and what health-promoting, life-giving behaviors you will be engaging in consistently when you get there. Ask your clients what kind of person do they want to be when it comes to their health and happiness. What would they look and feel like at their ideal? What would the person they want to be do? Help them clarify their vision statement until it’s simple and succinct. If they keep their vision in mind and, even better, in their heart, it will serve as a guide to making the many choices on their path that moves them toward their vision. Remind them to call their vision to top of mind in moments of decision to help them stay on track. 3. Why does the change matter a lot to me? For change to be successful, it needs to be aligned with your clients’ core values. So ask your clients — and encourage their honesty — “What do you value most about your life? How does your vision align with what you value most?” Another line of inquiry is to consider why they care about the change. What makes this change really important to them? Why do they really want to reach this goal? What good will come from successfully attaining their goal? Find the deepest motivation for change they can tap into. They’ll feel an emotional shift, and you may even notice a few tears when you, and they, connect with what they really want. 8 An eight-step process for lasting success By Margaret Moore 12 http://WWW.FIT-PRO.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Personal Fitness Professional - January/February 2009

Personal Fitness Professional - January/February 2009 Contents Letter from the Editor, Writers Ready to Rock the Podium What It Takes to Change Fitness Marketing Makeover Be Better Top Club Building a Base of Special Populations The Balancing Act Take Action! Nutrition Solutions Datebook Journey to Success New on the Market The Four P's Exercising Your Influence No More Pain in the Back!

Personal Fitness Professional - January/February 2009

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