The Balancing Act – Managing Client Wants vs Needs

Imagine a client who dreams of a six-pack and insists on daily ab workouts and endless protein shakes, despite a lack of progress in their physique. Or perhaps a client who has been striving for a new personal best on their Deadlift 1RM yet shies away from top-end strength training. See the problem here? These common situations highlight a significant challenge in the world of personal training: the often stark difference between what clients want and what they actually need to reach their fitness goals.

Personal trainers and other fitness professionals frequently encounter the challenge of aligning clients’ desires with their true needs. While clients may focus on specific desires or trends, their actual needs often involve a more balanced, and let’s be honest, boring approach to fitness. For example, achieving a six-pack requires not only targeted exercises but also whole-body strength training, proper nutrition, sufficient rest, and stress management – elements that clients might overlook.

In this article, we’ll tackle some practical strategies for personal trainers to effectively manage the gap between clients’ wants and their actual needs. By exploring methods for balancing these aspects, trainers can help clients achieve their goals more efficiently while ensuring their overall well-being.

Why the Gap?

We’ll start by unpacking why there’s this gap between client wants and needs in the first place. Everyone is different. We come from different backgrounds and have different views and opinions regarding the world, our body, and how we train. This diversity makes the world of fitness and personal training so rewarding. However, it’s also why there’s sometimes a mismatch between what clients want when they train and what they actually need to focus on. It’s our job, as personal trainers, to find the right balance to ensure our clients remain motivated and satisfied with their training programs while achieving the goals they’ve set for themselves.

Let’s further define these terms. “Wants” are the specific goals or desires that clients express, often driven by trends, popular media, or personal preferences. These might include quick results, specialised exercises, or a particular fitness outcome. For instance, a client might want to lose 10 kgs in two weeks or achieve a specific body shape they’ve seen advertised. Often clients express desires for particular exercises or a specific program structure. While there’s nothing wrong with these preferences in isolation, they may not necessarily help in hitting their goals.

“Needs,” on the other hand, are the foundational elements required for clients to achieve their goals safely and effectively. These are based on principles of exercise science and include science-backed training programs, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and injury prevention strategies. Needs address the underlying factors that contribute to long-term success and overall well-being rather than just focusing on immediate desires.

Bridging the Gap

As personal trainers, it’s crucial to find ways to bridge this gap between client wants and needs. This involves not only creating effective training programs but also ensuring that clients remain engaged and motivated throughout their fitness journey. We’ll now explore some practical strategies to achieve this balance.

Educate Your Clients

Education is the cornerstone of aligning client goals with their needs. Many clients may not fully understand the importance of foundational training principles. By educating them on the science behind effective training, nutrition, and recovery, you can help them see the bigger picture. This involves explaining the ‘why’ behind certain exercises, routines, or rest periods, using visual aids or analogies to make complex concepts more understandable, and holding regular check-ins to discuss progress and reinforce the importance of the basics.

Incorporate Client “Wants” into Training Programs

To keep clients motivated, it’s important to incorporate elements of what they want into their training programs. This doesn’t mean compromising on their needs but rather finding a balance. Introduce variations of basic exercises that align with client interests. For instance, if a client enjoys high-intensity workouts, include HIIT sessions that also cover essential training principles. Designate specific sessions or periods in the training cycle where the focus is on the client’s immediate goals, such as targeted ab workouts or specific strength milestones, and use these sessions as rewards for adherence to the foundational program. Set personalised milestones that align client desires with their long-term needs and celebrate these milestones to maintain motivation and show tangible progress.

Build a Relationship of Trust

Trust is key in any trainer-client relationship. When clients trust their trainer, they are more likely to adhere to the prescribed program. Show empathy and actively listen to client concerns and preferences to build rapport and demonstrate that you value their input. Be transparent about the training process and the expected timeline for results. Honesty about what’s achievable can manage expectations and prevent frustration. Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge clients’ efforts and improvements, no matter how small, fostering a supportive environment and encouraging consistency.

Use Technology and Tracking Tools

Leverage technology to enhance client engagement and adherence. Utilise fitness apps that allow clients to track their progress, log workouts, and monitor nutrition, making the process more interactive and rewarding. Provide data-driven feedback using wearable technology or fitness trackers, as showing clients concrete data on their progress can be a powerful motivator. Offer virtual check-ins or online coaching sessions where needed to maintain continuity, especially for clients with busy schedules, as this flexibility can help sustain their commitment to the program.

Adapt and Evolve

Finally, be adaptable and open to evolving your approach as you learn more about your clients. Continuously tailor programs to meet the changing needs and goals of your clients, ensuring that the training remains relevant and effective. Actively seek and incorporate client feedback to improve the training experience, enhancing satisfaction and showing clients that their opinions are valued. Stay updated with the latest research and trends in fitness and nutrition, allowing you to provide the best possible guidance and support to your clients.

Balancing client wants and needs is a dynamic process that requires a blend of education, creativity, and relationship-building. By applying these strategies, personal trainers can help clients achieve their fitness goals in a sustainable and effective manner. The ultimate aim is to create an environment where clients are motivated, informed, and supported, leading to long-term success and overall well-being. By bridging the gap between what clients want and what they truly need, trainers can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the process, ultimately transforming fitness goals into lasting lifestyle changes.

• Bio

Ellyn Johnson

Ellyn is an Exercise Scientist specialising in youth Strength and Conditioning. She holds her Bachelor's degrees in Science and Exercise and Sports Science. She has previously worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for Academy level athletes at the Brisbane Lions Football Club. She has a background in Personal Training, coaching a range of clientele with diverse goals, including weight loss, body recomposition as well as recreational endurance athletes. In addition to her Strength and Conditioning experience, Ellyn currently works as a Learning Designer at the Australian Institute of Fitness. Here she works as a subject matter expert in the design and implementation of a range of health- and fitness-related courses and learning materials.