In the fitness industry, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that success means training those already in shape—those who seem to have their routine dialed in and need nothing more than a slight push to hit their goals. But what about the others? The people who feel uncomfortable walking into a gym or stepping into a fitness class for the first time? The people who have histories, stories, or past experiences that have influenced their approach to movement and wellness?
As fitness professionals, it’s essential to be ready and willing to train all people, not just the already fit. Honoring where each person is starting from, recognizing their past experiences, and giving them autonomy in their fitness journey are crucial elements of being a great coach or instructor. It’s not about showing off how hard you can make a class or how intense the workout is. It’s about meeting your clients where they are and supporting their unique journeys.
Honor Where People Are Starting
Every fitness journey looks different, and every individual is at a unique starting point. Some may be recovering from injuries, dealing with chronic conditions, or simply feeling anxious about moving their bodies in new ways. Others may be completely new to exercise or return after years of inactivity. These factors shape their abilities, confidence levels, and overall experience with movement.
Fitness professionals must meet people at these starting points with compassion and understanding. It’s not enough to assume that everyone in your class is ready to crush an intense workout. For some, just showing up is a victory. For others, it’s about taking their first steps toward feeling better physically, mentally, or emotionally.
When you recognize and honor where people begin their fitness journey, you create a space where they feel seen and respected. This validation can be incredibly empowering for individuals who may have felt overlooked or underestimated in other areas.
Honor Their Histories and Stories
People’s histories, experiences, and personal stories shape their relationship with fitness. Some may have had negative experiences with physical activity—whether from body image issues, past injuries, or discouraging encounters with fitness professionals who didn’t see their potential. Others may be carrying emotional baggage, like grief, stress, or trauma, which affects their willingness or ability to move their bodies in specific ways.
As a fitness professional, it’s important to recognize these histories and approach each client sensitively. This doesn’t mean diving into personal issues if a client isn’t comfortable sharing. Still, it does mean creating an environment that feels safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their past.
For example, a client may have avoided movement for years due to feelings of shame or fear of judgment. Your role is to break down those barriers by encouraging them to move in a way that feels good for their body rather than pushing them toward a preconceived idea of what fitness should look like. When you honor their stories, you show that you care about more than just the physical results—you care about their well-being.
Honor How They Are Feeling Each Day
Each person’s body and mind fluctuate daily. What someone can do on Monday might feel drastically different by Thursday. You must tune into how your clients feel each day and offer movement options that align with their energy, physical state, and emotional needs.
By allowing clients to adjust their workouts based on their feelings, you offer them autonomy and control over their fitness journey. Some days, they may be ready to push hard, while others may need something more restorative. It’s important to let them know that both are valid choices.
Give your clients the space to listen to their bodies and make decisions that are best for them in the moment. By doing this, you’re helping them build a healthy long-term relationship with sustainable movement rather than perpetuating the idea that every workout needs to be intense to be effective.
Give Them Autonomy to Choose the Movement That’s Best for Them
In the world of fitness, we often talk about empowerment. But true empowerment means giving clients the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. Rather than telling them what they “should” be doing, encourage them to explore different types of movement and figure out what feels best for them.
For some, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) might be their favorite way to work out (check out our MyFIIT Program!). For others, yoga, walking, or low-impact strength training might align more with their bodies and goals. It’s important to present various movement options and let clients choose the ones that resonate with them.
When clients decide how to move, they’re more likely to develop a consistent and enjoyable relationship with fitness. Movement should never feel like a punishment—it should be something that clients look forward to and feel good about, both during and after.
Take Your Ego Out of the Equation
As fitness professionals, it can be tempting to equate our own success with how “hard” we can make a class or workout. But it’s important to take your ego out of the equation. It’s not about how challenging you can make a session or how much sweat you can generate. It’s about creating a space where clients feel supported, seen, and empowered in their journey.
The hardest class in the world doesn’t serve everyone, especially those who are just starting or who have unique needs. Focus on creating an experience that meets clients where they are, rather than pushing them to meet a rigid standard of what fitness should be.
Support Their Journey as Individuals
Ultimately, the goal of any fitness professional should be to support each client’s individual journey. This means focusing on long-term growth and wellness rather than short-term results. It means listening to your clients, encouraging them to set meaningful goals, and offering the tools they need to get there at their own pace.
When you honor where people are starting, recognize their histories, respect their daily fluctuations, and give them autonomy in their fitness choices, you’re not just a fitness professional—you’re a guide, a partner, and a source of support in their journey toward better health.
