Extrinsic And Intrinsic Motivation

Americans do not like to exercise. They work long hours, eat terrible, and don’t get much sleep. People's lives become so busy they lose motivation to stay healthy. People hire trainers to keep them motivated to stay healthy. As a trainer you will deal with two types of motivations, extrinsic & intrinsic. As a trainer you will need to know how to work both styles of motivation.  
 

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic is motivation that drives behavior for an external reward.  Offering the gift of a healthy life will definitely inspire many of your clients.  You must motivate them to work there asses off. If a client wants to lose 100 lbs, what do you do?  You get them to driven to accomplish their goals.  If they want six pack abs, you have to make them visualize, having a sic pack.  

These types of clients might need to be checked up on more.  Don’t ever be afraid to check in on a client to see if they exercised. Call, text, email, DM, Bitmojies, Snapchat. I like to share my ideas and conversations through social media. Instant messaging and videos make explaining examples really easy. Do what ever it takes to make them feel like you are with them every step of the way.

Intrinsic Motivation:

Clients with intrinsic motivation are typically self-applied and motivated by internal factors.  Daily exercise fulfills an internal reward for them. These clients typically have lived and maintained a healthy fit lifestyle before you met them.   These people hire personal trainers for that extra push in the gym.  It’s more of the routine and guidance these individuals need. Motivation is given in the actual moment of exercise.  I say this because these types of individuals will workout when a trainer isn’t present. You don’t need to check up on them as much, but you can and should still push them in the weight room on a regular bases.

No matter what type of client you have, you’re hired to motivate and push each one. Do what it takes to be there with them every step of the way, and a client will stick with you.  Have them visualize their greatest goal.  They want and need the reward of the lifestyle. Give them the gains to succeed and motivate!