Article by Ms Fitness Competitor Saran Zahab

Fitness professionals have an interesting characteristic compared to other professions. Because we preach a healthy lifestyle to our clients, we are judged by whether we follow that same path ourselves.

Clients have amazing observation abilities, and they are looking for that little bloat in your belly, a dark circle under your eye, or a cookie on the fitness desk in order to discredit you. We need to practice what we preach. Trying to sell what you do not own can be difficult.

It is far more probable to have members do what you do, rather than doing what is simply asked of them. The days of blind faith are over. Consumers are more educated - they ask questions, and most importantly, follow a leader who gains credibility by example. Here are a few strategies for leading members on the path to wellness:

1. Exercise: If you have gotten busy (who isn’t busy these days?) and your own physical fitness program has suffered, use it as an opportunity to apologize to members and start anew. Hey, we’re human too! Join a fitness challenge at the gym and use it as a great opportunity to get right in there with the members and work alongside them.

2. Nutrition: Try not to leave a can of soda or a huge cup of coffee on the fitness desk, and then expect members to omit this item from their diet. Hey, we all need a treat once in a while. Let’s try to flaunt the broccoli and cauliflower and be a little discreet about the Boston Cream.

3. Attitude: We all have our bad days, but the last thing we want is for our bad energy to rub off on our members. You should always let them see happiness, excitement, passion, and love for fitness. There are very few places where people feel as if they are the center of attention. Make each person’s visit to the fitness center an experience - one in which they know you care about them and their well-being.

4. Interest: Take an interest in your members programs and be proactive. Check out their form and if it is off, don’t be afraid to approach them and correct them. Often times they will be thankful they are doing things correctly. Instead of the daily chit chat with the regulars, ask them if they are in need of a new program?

Vary their exercise routines to avoid monotony and boredom. It doesn’t mean that we encourage our members to perform a one-arm, one leg standing cable row with rotation on a ½ foam roller! Let’s think about the purpose behind the program.

Lead by example and pave the way for your valued members! Your words, your body language, your confidence, your appearance, your posture, and your actions are all reflections of yourself. You have the power to influence others in either a positive or negative way through how you live your everyday life. Therefore, treat each member with care and respect, and most of all, understand they are coming to you for health and fitness. Don’t just tell them what to do - show them. Walking the walk and being successful in your own goals will automatically give you instant credibility in your clients’ eyes. Great additional products: Supplementstogo.com Protein Drink Shaker Cup; Supplementstogo.com Gym Workout and Fitness Towel