You may find with some clients who have been coming to you for 12 plus months that at some point they may feel ‘bored’ of the same-ness. They may feel like they are not getting the same level of workout as they were previously. We call this a workout plateau.
We all crave routine and consistent habits, and for many of us it’s what we need to achieve our goals, but it can also encourage restlessness 😩. It's always better as an instructor or studio owner to proactively manage this rather than wait until someone cancels or leaves.
So, if you feel like some of your clients may be in a bit of a rut with their workout routine here are a few tips to help you re-light that fire.
Encourage them to listen to their bodies
We generally (where possible) will always take the path of least resistance. We subconsciously choose the quickest and easiest way to achieve an end goal. It’s natural.
That’s why it’s important to encourage your clients to tune into their bodies. Especially in class. If they’ve hit a ‘comfort zone’ it becomes harder for them to push themselves in class.
They may rely on muscle memory BUT it’s at this point that you need to encourage them to tune in and say “Can you go that bit lower here?” “Can you hold that grand plié on rise?” “Am I encouraging them to take the most advanced option and am I giving it 110%?”
Encourage your clients to talk to you before class and let you know where they're at, encourage them (where appropriate) to do the advanced modifications during class. Encourage them to use weights when they wouldn’t normally. You need to get to know your clients and work with them to ensure they are being challenged in each and every class.
Mix it Up
Encourage your clients to get to a class style they have never done before. Or create a class which challenges them in a different way. You are the leader of your class and you need to guide your students to achieve what they want and need to achieve.
Encourage your clients to mix it up – try a cardio barre class or a more yoga-style class. Challenging them and mixing it up will revive them. Take them on a run for something completely different! It keeps it interesting ☺ Choosing an ‘alternate’ form of exercise is a great way to challenge their brains as well as their bodies.
Encourage them to Challenge Themselves
Small achievable goals are a sure-fire way to make sure you clients don’t get stuck in a rut. Every month you could set your clients mini challenges. For example:
- Always attempt push-ups on your toes.
- Whenever they think they can’t do anymore, always encourage them to do one last rep.
- add an extra class to their schedule.
- Use two sets of 1kg weights during the arms section.
Create challenges at your Studio – find out what your clients want and create a Challenge to help them achieve their goals. You could do this Studio-wide or as an individual.
Remember:
>>> Push your clients that little bit harder and encourage them out of their comfort zone.
>>> Encourage them to trial other class styles and mix it up!
>>> Create studio or individual challenges to give your clients that extra push out of their comfort zone ☺
