Motivation, habits and long-term retention

Getting people to start is rarely the problem – getting them to stick with it is the hard art. A trainer who understands motivation and habits creates results because it is the sustained work over time that moves people, not the individual hard training.

A large distant goal can seem insurmountable. Help the member break it down into concrete sub-goals that can be achieved in the short term. Small victories along the way maintain motivation where the distant goal cannot stand alone.

Willpower is a limited resource. What works is habits: fixed times, a plan that fits your daily life and a low barrier to start. Help the member make training something that just happens rather than something to struggle with each time.

• 01Set specific, realistic sub-goals.
• 02Link training to fixed times and routines.
• 03Make it easy to get started – create a low barrier to entry.
• 04Celebrate progress, even the small.

Many stay at a center because of the people, not the machines. Being seen, greeted and asked about creates belonging and commitment. Personal contact is often the strongest retention tool you have.

Everyone has periods of less motivation. Meet it with understanding rather than raised fingers: adjust the plan, find out what's holding you back, and help the member back without guilt. A break is better than dropping out.