Fitness Goals: How to ask for help.
We will cover:
What am I supposed to say?
How to describe my goals to a personal trainer.
What should I ask my personal trainer?
Personal Trainer Coaching / Question Cards
How to Talk
Fitness Goals With Your
Personal Trainer
Fitness goals can be hard to express clearly, but doing so is essential for setting the right expectations and ensuring that your training program works well for you.
What do I say?
"I want to look like 🤩"
"I want to 📉 weight but feel 💪 "
"I want a bigger 🍑 "
When a personal trainer asks "what are your goals?" they're trying to see what you're looking to get out of working with them. They're listening for words that correspond to athletic training principles, and descriptor words for body parts (i.e. legs, thighs, core, chest).
⚡️
Be Specific
Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, "I want to get fit," specify, "I want to lose 10 pounds," "I want to improve my endurance for a 5K race," or "I want to build muscle and gain strength."
🚨
Set a Timeline
If you have a specific deadline, such as preparing for an event or achieving a milestone by a certain date, let your trainer know. For example, "I want to tone up before my wedding in 3 months" or "I want to improve my cardiovascular fitness over the next 6 months."
💭
Explain Your Motivation
Share why these goals are important to you. Whether it's improving health, boosting confidence, relieving stress, or something personal, your motivation will help your trainer create a program that resonates with your 'why.'
🪨
Mention Challenges & Limitations
If you have any past injuries, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors that could affect your training, bring them up. For example, "I’ve had knee issues in the past, so I want to avoid exercises that put too much strain on my joints."
❤️
Discuss Your Preferences
Let your trainer know what types of exercises you enjoy or dislike. If you prefer outdoor workouts, strength training, or group sessions, make that clear.
🙈
Be Honest About Your Commitment Level
Share how often you're able to work out and your availability. This will help your trainer design a realistic plan for you.
Example Statement:
My main goal is to lose 15 pounds and build muscle definition over the next 4 months. I want to feel stronger and have more energy for everyday activities. I’m motivated by wanting to improve my overall health and confidence.
I’ve had some lower back pain in the past, so I’d like to avoid exercises that could strain that area. I prefer strength training and HIIT workouts, and I’m available to train 3 times a week, ideally in the mornings.
Question Cards Organized by Training Type
These training types are then correlated to the most commonly used client-said words, which are then linked to images which provide visual representation of the training results from the mind of the trainer.
