As a trainer I have found one of the biggest reasons that people fall out of an exercise program or return to a sedentary lifestyle is when they evaluated themselfs, or were evaluated by someone else, they set goals that were either to high, or not specific. From the moment I meet a new client I am evaluating their behavior and recording everything they say, this will help me in their first consultation when I introduce them to the "SMART" way of setting goals.

Remember that having a good line of communication with your client will help you in retaining clients. If your client feels like your just going through the motions, they arent going to feel comfortable and probably wont want to continue in a program. Good communication isnt only conversation with your client, but reading body language and gestures as well. Also there is a difference between hearing someone talk and actually LISTENING to what they have to say. Eye contact is professional and your clients will appreciate when you look at them when they speak to you.

SPECIFIC:

MEASURABLE: You must be able to measure their goals so you can accurately record progress and know exactly what you have accomplished. This can be done objectively or subjectively. For example, not only could you measure percent body fat but your can measure how your clothes are fitting.

ATTAINABLE:

RELEVANT: Your clients goals must take into account their intrests, needs, and abilities.

TIME-BOUND: You must set specific deadlines for completion of short term and long term goals.

For the trainers reading this I hope you take this method of setting goals as something practical that you can use on your clients.

For everyone else, if you plan on using this method for setting your own goals, MORE POWER TO YOU!!!!!!!

You CAN NOT set goals that are too difficult and expect your clients to be happy when they arent acheiving them. They must be challenging but not unrealistic. Dates are importantThe goals must be specific in terms of what must be acomplished, as well as easily understood and not something your client can interpret the wrong way. Explain to them that it is important that the goals are specific, and that it will be beneficial when tracking progress. This step is extremely important for someone looking to improve performance in a sport or activity.