As any instructor knows, motivating, boosting and inspiring a client who is down and discouraged can be a challenge— especially in a group setting.
While exercise has many proven benefits on mood, wellbeing, stress levels and self-esteem, not every client will be able to bring 100% energy and enthusiasm every time. For some people, just getting to class is a struggle.
Whether a client is feeling under the weather, had a bad sleep, or is just preoccupied with other stresses, there are a few things instructors can do to try to bring them out of their slump and into the moment so they get the most out of their session.
We spoke to Merrithew® Instructor Trainer Ariel Lim to find out what’s in her ‘instructor’s diary’ for dealing with demotivated and discouraged clients.
Prepare for a rainy day
“I think it’s important to be aware of the external circumstances and weather that day. For example, if the morning is cloudy and grey, you know that it will affect the mood of certain clients. Preparing for these classes to make them fun and inspiring is something that we can do as instructors,” says Ariel, who owns WITH PILATES in Seoul, Korea.
In these instances, she’ll choose exercises that she knows her clients like to ease them into the workout and she’ll add little changes throughout to keep the routine fresh and challenging.
Shift the mood with music
Ariel likes to use music to encourage her clients to feel more positive about exercising. Sometimes she’ll even design her classes around a musical theme, like hip hop, K-Pop, musicals, etc. to lighten the mood.
“Music can be a powerful tool to change the atmosphere and spirit. I see the shift in mood as clients become happier and livelier,” she says.
Get to know your clients
Every client is unique, so take time to get to know them, Ariel says. What motivates them? If it’s music – what’s their favorite genre? Find out whether they like to be challenged and pushed, or if they prefer positive affirmations and encouragement. All of this goes a long way to making them feel excited to show up for class.
Make them feel part of the community
“I do this through communication, trust and how I show up. If I don't think my clients are part of the community, they won't feel it. If I treat them as a part of our community with respect, love and interest, they will also reciprocate it,” Ariel says.
During online classes, she calls out their names, encourages them and provides feedback. Sometimes she springs an ‘interactive quiz’ on them where they have to use their bodies in an ‘x’ or ‘o’ shape to answer questions on mute.
“It's a way to keep everyone involved and having fun. It is important to always check back in to make sure everyone is following and to take time for questions. Community is created not just by me, but with the group. Creating a space that is welcoming and comfortable is most important.”
Our community on Instagram also chimed in to share some tips on this topic:
Put yourself in your clients’ shoes
“Before class, I take a minute to breathe and put myself in their shoes. I know that an instructor smiling and being happy makes me feel good during my training, so I do the same with my clients and it helps me stay positive as well.” - @studiotoniquepilates
Focus on having fun and feeling good
“I try to turn the attention away from things that feel like work and towards things that feel like play and fun. A lot of the repertoire in ZEN•GA® and [Merrithew] Fascial Movement do that well. And if they can’t muster up the energy to work out, I just try to help them start with smaller chunks of movement (especially in between sessions), so they can start to remember how good movement feels.” – @evolates
Get the negative stuff out of the way
“First, I get them talking about what's bothering them. When people feel heard and understood, they are able to ‘get out of their own way’. Then, I ask them what they need in that moment and use that as a guide to tweak their program for the day. I meet them where they are and let them know that every day is different and we need to honor that - not dismiss it.
“Finally, I get them talking about their original goal and on to more fun stuff. It's amazing how THEY end up pushing themselves and leave feeling great! Truth of the matter is, many clients treat their co-worker, friend, hairdresser, and/or bartender as a therapist - we are also part of their inner circle. Acknowledging that can go a long way to success for all.” - @pilatesstl
Remind them of how much they know
“I challenge them to instruct me in a basic move to demonstrate their grasp of the fundamentals. They are surprised at what they know and feel empowered by the practice of sharing their knowledge.” - @quitasnaps