Month: December 2023

Fitness

How to Keep Clients Motivated in Personal Training

Donald Krebs

Dynamic Personal Training can seem like an ideal career – it’s fulfilling, flexible, and lucrative. But it’s also hard work.

Trainers often scour the gym floor and local parks for new clients. They conduct fitness assessments and recommend exercise regimens based on that information. They may also help clients manage chronic health conditions or recover from injuries.

personal training

Goal setting is a key component of personal training. It allows a client to establish a clear path towards their fitness journey and provides the necessary structure to keep them motivated throughout the process.

However, when a personal trainer sets their client’s goals, they need to make sure that those goals are appropriate for the individual and that they fit within the context of their current lifestyle. A common mistake is to set overly ambitious goals that are not aligned with the client’s values and higher purpose, which often leads to disappointment when those goals are not achieved.

Creating SMART goals is a great way to ensure that you are setting relevant and realistic goals for your clients. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

The measurable part of the SMART goal is particularly important. A client will not be able to track their progress if they don’t know how to measure it. This can be as simple as tracking body weight and measurements or as complex as setting a certain number of reps per exercise.

It’s also important that the measurable aspect of the goal is relevant to the person and their goals. For example, a client who wants to run a marathon will not be able to get there without building up their endurance, so an appropriate measurable goal for them would be to increase their maximum running distance.

Finally, the attainable part of the SMART goal is vital. If a goal is too far out of reach for the client then it will be extremely difficult to remain motivated and they may give up. A good personal trainer will assess the goals of their clients regularly and will be able to change them if they are not realistic for the individual.

When it comes to setting goals for your own personal fitness, try to focus on things that you are interested in and feel excited about – not something that your peers or friends are doing. This will help to maintain your motivation and ensure that you are working on your own personal best rather than trying to beat someone else’s score.

A personal trainer’s main goal for motivating clients should be to establish a connection. This can be done through questions to learn more about their goals, offering trial sessions or bundles of sessions, creating a welcoming environment, and hosting fitness workshops or events. Providing incentives to clients such as discounted sessions, merchandise (t-shirts, water bottles), feature spotlights on social media, achievement badges in fitness apps or other gym community features can also be effective.

Whether they’re training to lose weight, increase their core strength or run a marathon, each client will have different motivations for getting into the gym and pushing themselves physically. A good trainer will understand each client’s underlying motivation and provide the right type of support to keep them on track.

Some of these motivations are intrinsic, which means that a person is motivated to perform an activity because it gives them pleasure or satisfaction. An example of this is running a race because it’s something they enjoy doing or reaching a new personal best in the gym. Other reasons that people exercise include the health benefits, to feel better about themselves, or to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Personal trainers can help their clients with their intrinsic motivation by providing clear goals and allowing them to choose how they want to achieve those goals. This will fuel a sense of mastery and autonomy, which are two basic psychological needs that can increase overall motivation. Depending on the stage of change, a personal trainer can also use the transtheoretical model of behaviour change to guide their approach to motivating a client.

However, there are still many other factors that affect motivation, including a lack of time and stress or fatigue. A good trainer will recognise these issues and provide strategies to overcome them, such as ensuring that short-term goals are realistic and achievable. They can also inspire their clients by helping them notice the tangible benefits of exercise, such as climbing stairs without getting winded or having more energy to play with their kids. This can further boost motivation and encourage continued efforts to reach their long-term goals.

When it comes to exercise, a personalized approach is the key to success. Personal trainers can help set realistic goals, create a workout plan, and provide structure and support to help clients meet their fitness objectives. They can also make sure that clients are following workouts that are appropriate for their individual physical limitations and abilities.

For example, a trainer can help a client choose the most effective exercises to achieve their goal of losing weight, sculpting muscles or increasing endurance by looking at factors like past injuries, current lifestyle habits, and fitness and health goals. They can also ensure that the client is executing each exercise correctly, avoiding injury or unnecessary discomfort.

Using the latest technologies, trainers can customize workouts and track progress for their clients, giving them the motivation to keep pushing forward. Digital fitness platforms have embraced personalization in the form of curated workout plans that can deliver on-demand workouts based on each user’s unique needs. Many of these services are leveraging advances in AI, including generative algorithms that can process raw data—whether it’s all of the articles on the internet about the best ways to build strength, daily fitness habits from a database of users, or a customer’s genetic predispositions—and generate recommendations that feel as though they were personally created by a real human being.

A quality personal trainer will have a mix of education, professional certifications and on-the-job experience. They will be familiar with exercise science, anatomy and physiology, sports conditioning, injury rehabilitation and training methods. They should also be able to listen attentively and understand that every client is on a different fitness journey with their own specific goals.

While many people think that hiring a personal trainer is costly, researching the options and some flexibility on your part can often help you find a service that fits within your budget. It is important to remember that when you are investing in a personal training program, you are not just paying for a trainer—you’re also buying in to hope and the promise of a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If a client is not losing weight or seeing the strength gains they had hoped for, it may be that they are not incorporating proper rest and recovery into their workout routine. Exercising, especially strength training, causes microtears in muscles that need time to repair themselves so they can grow stronger. Insufficient rest and recovery can result in a suppressed immune system, increased risk of injury, and a lack of energy. Personal trainers work with clients to develop fitness programs that include appropriate periods of rest and recovery.

Most personal trainers have a combination of college education, professional certification, and on-the-job training before working independently. Many have earned a degree in exercise science or kinesiology, where they learn about human movement and the effects of exercise on health and wellness. They also take courses in anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, and nutrition. A bachelor’s degree typically includes extensive elective requirements, which allow trainers to pick up skills that will support their career paths.

Regardless of the type of degree program, many personal trainers are certified through reputable fitness organizations, such as the American Council on Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. These credentials prepare trainers to provide safe, effective exercises that maximize results for a wide range of individuals and fitness levels. Many trainers are also CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) certified, which can save a life in the event of cardiac arrest.

Some personal trainers offer online-based services, which can be a great option for people who need to schedule sessions around their busy lives and are looking for a more cost-effective alternative to in-person training. Many online-based programs also offer a flexible training schedule, which can help clients stick with their goals even when life gets in the way.

In addition to being highly knowledgeable in exercise and fitness, successful personal trainers are supportive and enthusiastic champions of physical fitness. They encourage their clients and motivate them to push themselves harder in their workouts. They also educate their clients on proper technique and form, which can reduce the risk of injury.

Therapy

Mental Health Podcasts

Debra Mahon

Podcasts are a popular form of entertainment, but mental health ones can be helpful for anyone dealing with anxiety or depression.

Mental Health Podcasts

Remember that podcasts should never be used to replace psychiatric care. Still, they can be a great way to learn more about the science behind behavioral change. Visit Our Website for more information.

If you’re looking for happiness tips that aren’t cliche, The Happiness Lab is the podcast for you. Its episodes meld science, history and culture for an approach to mental health that is uniquely holistic. The show’s ten seasons have explored topics like positive psychology, mindfulness, and compassion. It’s hosted by Yale psychologist Laurie Santos, who also teaches a popular course on happiness. The podcast has a wide audience. You can use the tool Rephonic to view the number of subscribers on Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict. It’s a great way to get an idea of the show’s audience size and determine whether it’s worth pitching as a guest or sponsor.

The podcast features interviews with researchers and ordinary people who want to improve their lives. For example, the first episode of season two features a woman who is trying to reclaim her playful side. She finds comfort in knowing that she’s not alone in her struggle.

Another episode focuses on the benefits of exercise and how it can help you feel happier. This is important because exercise can boost mood and make you more resilient against adversity. It can even make you more productive.

The Happiness Lab also explores the secrets of happy countries and cities. Its guests include Dan Buettner, who explains the “Blue Zones” that have high levels of well-being. Helen Russell shares her experience of moving to one of the happiest nations in the world. And Texan Jason Roberts admits that he has to break the law to make his neighborhood happier.

While the tips on the podcast sound a bit cliche, they actually work in practice. For example, the podcast has featured studies on people who’ve been injured in a terrible accident and become paraplegics. They’re often quite miserable in the immediate aftermath, but six months or a year later, they say they’re as happy as they were before.

Mentally Yours

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, advice or just a good laugh, there’s a mental health podcast for you. Many of these shows feature courageous conversations about sensitive topics, including body image issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and self-harm. You can also find podcasts that focus on depression and anxiety. If you’re not comfortable with certain topics, it’s a good idea to listen only when you’re feeling safe and calm.

This podcast features interviews with experts, celebrities and other personalities that help reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. Guests share their personal stories, giving listeners a sense of empathy and normalizing the experience. Guests have included singers and executives, as well as mental health organizations’ leaders. The podcast also discusses the connection between mental health and physical health.

The hosts of this podcast encourage listeners to seek out professional help if they are experiencing emotional difficulties. They offer practical tips, including meditation, to improve mental health. Several of the episodes have expert guests, such as therapist Doreen Hills and counterterrorism professional Ashley Stahl.

In this podcast, host Dan Harris explains how he found more happiness and peace through meditation. He interviews top meditation teachers and scientists on a variety of subjects, from enlightenment to psychedelics. He also discusses how to manage negativity that contributes to depression.

The hosts of this podcast rely on personal stories and the latest research to address mental health issues. They also feature guests, such as singers and celebrities, to make the show more entertaining and accessible. The podcast includes a section called Pop Culture Diagnosis, where the hosts discuss how a popular character with a mental disorder is portrayed in movies and TV.

The Black Dog Podcast

If you want to move forward, you need to know where you’ve been. That’s the philosophy behind the Black Dog Podcast, a new mix series from Underground Resistance. In this episode, they look back a bit, featuring mixes from minimal master Robert Hood and an old track from their classic album Book of Dogma.

The Black Dog Podcast features different perspectives on mental health through personal experiences and expert opinions. The show’s panel includes clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatry researchers.

The Mental Health Alliance

With millions of podcasts out there, the selection can feel overwhelming. Luckily, many popular authors, speakers, and public figures have their own podcasts, where they talk about their own experiences and offer advice. There are also podcasts that focus solely on mental health, and these can be helpful for anyone who struggles with depression or other conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a laugh or some guidance, there’s a podcast out there for everyone. Some of the most popular include “2 Dope Queens,” a comedy duo that turned their longtime friendship and witty banter into a hilarious podcast. In addition to their high energy, the podcast features expert guests like Doreen Hills, MS, NCC, LPC, who talks about healing trauma and attachment.

Another comedy podcast that focuses on mental health is “The Black Dog,” which features comedians Paul Gilmartin and Moe Asch who have both struggled with depression. This podcast aims to raise awareness of depression by normalizing conversations about the condition. Its episodes feature a mix of celebrity interviews and conversations with artists who have had similar experiences.

There are also podcasts that address specific mental illnesses, such as narcissism, codependency, and complex trauma. The podcasts feature a variety of experts and celebrities, such as Glennon Doyle, author of the best-selling book “Untamed.” They talk about their own experiences with these issues and how they’ve overcome them. They also discuss how narcissism and other conditions can be negatively impacted by social media and pop culture.

The Mental Health Alliance podcast is a great option for those who want to learn more about mental health and wellness. It focuses on the stigma surrounding mental illness, encourages people to seek help when needed, and empowers listeners to advocate for change. The podcast also hosts a weekly call-in show where listeners can share their stories and get feedback from therapists.

The Hogg Foundation

The Hogg Foundation features a broad range of programs that focus on a number of different areas. These include a peer support workforce, integrated health care planning and working with faith communities to promote African American mental health awareness. The organization also publishes a guide to the Texas mental health system for policymakers, families and consumers.

In addition to supporting grantee partners, the Hogg Foundation works to educate elected officials and advocates about mental health issues. The foundation also hosts training sessions for people who want to make a difference in their community. Shannon joins the program team to help spread knowledge of the latest mental health policies and research with internal stakeholders and external partners across the state.

Founded in 1940 by the children of Texas Governor James Hogg, the foundation’s original $2.5 million endowment was donated to the University of Texas. The university was the only major public institution of higher learning in Texas at the time. Ima Hogg inherited the money in 1936 and decided to devote it to the cause of mental hygiene. She hired a psychiatrist in Philadelphia to help her learn about the movement and connected with the organization known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene.

The foundation’s mission is to transform how communities promote mental health and well-being. This is achieved through multisector partnerships, community-driven initiatives and ongoing strategic learning and evaluation. Its newer programs focus on the determinants of mental health, including social and economic conditions. For example, the Foundation’s Well-being in Rural Communities initiative is empowering organizations within each county to build up mental health services in their own communities. For example, the Bastrop County Cares has used the funding to work with groups of people who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters in the area.

Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologists Treat Communication Disorders

Kenneth Hibbard

A speech-language pathologist can treat a wide range of communication disorders. Studies show that speech therapy is most effective when it’s started early and involves the whole family.

speech therapy

Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can cause food to get stuck in the throat or mouth, which leads to choking or breathing problems. SLPs can help people with dysphagia practice swallowing exercises and learn other ways to communicate. Visit https://www.mychildstherapy.com/ to learn more.

A person may need speech therapy to improve the way he or she speaks, the words he or she says, or how well other people understand those words. A therapist works with each individual to develop exercises and techniques that address specific problems. These exercises can be done one-on-one or in small groups. They can last from a few months to a few years. Therapy is most effective when it starts early and continues on a regular basis. It is also helpful if parents or other family members participate in therapy sessions.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders and swallowing difficulties in infants, children, adults and seniors. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, private practice and other community settings. Some SLPs have special expertise in treating childhood articulation and phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, stuttering, voice and resonance disorders and swallowing impairments due to neurological disease or injury like stroke.

In addition to improving the quality of speech, language and swallowing, SLPs can help people manage the social impact of their difficulties and enhance their overall wellbeing. They can train people in techniques that can be used to compensate for limitations caused by a condition or illness, such as using visual cues, speech-generating devices, communication partners and other strategies.

Generally, the earlier speech and language therapy is started, the more successful it tends to be. Kids who start therapy in kindergarten or elementary school make the most progress. In adults, it depends on the severity of the disorder and how long it has been present. Most statutory health insurers cover speech therapy for those who need it.

To become a speech-language pathologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a master’s degree from an accredited program. You need a state license to practice as a speech-language pathologist and you must earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). A CCC-SLP is proof that you have the skills necessary to assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. You must also complete supervised clinical experience and pass a national exam.

Aphasia

A stroke or other brain injury can leave people with aphasia, which impairs their ability to speak and understand spoken language. It can also affect their writing and reading skills, as well as their ability to express themselves in other ways. A person with aphasia may feel isolated or lonely because of their difficulties communicating with others.

Speech therapy for aphasia can help reduce symptoms of the condition. The type of therapy will vary depending on the severity of aphasia and its cause. For example, someone with a stroke will require different treatment than someone who suffered a traumatic head injury. Some therapies focus on relearning lost linguistic abilities, while others concentrate more on compensatory strategies that allow for communication in pragmatically realistic settings.

There are two main types of aphasia: expressive and global. Expressive aphasia results from damage to parts of the brain that control speech production, such as Broca’s area. It’s the most common type of aphasia, and it’s usually associated with having trouble expressing ideas in speech or writing.

Receptive aphasia, or Wernicke aphasia, is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls comprehension and word retrieval. It leaves a person with aphasia unable to understand spoken words or phrases, even when they are repeated.

People with receptive aphasia often find that writing and drawing can be an effective way to communicate, especially if they use large letters and keep sentences short and simple. Other techniques include using visual cues, such as pictures or charts. It’s also important to avoid rushing or pressuring a loved one with aphasia to respond. Doing so could make them frustrated or anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate.

Lastly, a therapist may suggest group therapy with other people who have aphasia or stroke, as this can be very supportive and encourage the use of alternate methods for communication. This may also include the use of gestures, music, or communication charts—large grids filled with letters, words and pictures.

Speech therapy is a powerful tool for improving your ability to speak, read and write. If you’re experiencing difficulty, it’s important to see a qualified SLT as soon as possible. Your GP should be able to refer you for SLT through a community rehabilitation team, or after a stroke, an early supported discharge service.

Stuttering

Stuttering is a disorder that causes interruptions in the normal flow of speech. It is characterized by repeated sounds, syllables or words; blockages (stuttering stops) or prolongations of sounds; and disfluencies (stuttering hesitations, repetitions and filler words). Stuttering can be mild, moderate or severe. Children may outgrow it or it can persist throughout adulthood.

Treatment for stuttering focuses on changing the way a person talks to reduce these interruptions and disfluencies. This is usually done through speech therapy, although there are some electronic devices that may help people who stutter. The type of stuttering and its severity determine what techniques are used. A therapist will also work with the person who stutters to face speaking situations that are fearful or anxious and learn new strategies for coping with them.

Children who stutter are often dissatisfied with their speech, leading to a variety of behavioral responses. This can include avoiding talking or avoidance of certain topics, negative attitudes about the stuttering, and physical tension in the mouth and shoulders.

Parents can help their child by being positive and supportive, allowing the child to speak freely, listening attentively (without interrupting), reducing time pressures and avoiding “corrections” or other efforts to make the speech sound perfect. A speech-language pathologist can provide specific recommendations for families.

Some people who stutter become frustrated with their stuttering and develop other problems, such as depression or anxiety. They may also avoid certain speaking situations because they are nervous or afraid of embarrassment or rejection. Treatment for stuttering includes counseling and teaching communication skills to improve the quality of life, build confidence and promote self-esteem.

Research into stuttering is ongoing, and there are many innovative techniques being utilized in speech therapy. Scientists are also investigating the relationship between stuttering and brain anatomy and function. Some people who stutter may consider participating in an experimental program that involves wearing a headset to record and monitor their brain activity. These studies could lead to better understanding of the cause of stuttering and develop more effective therapies. More information about stuttering is available on the Practice Portal’s Fluency Disorders page and from the Stuttering Association of America (SAA). There are also a number of support groups that offer people who stutter a chance to talk about their experiences with others who stutter.

Swallowing

Swallowing disorders occur when a person cannot move food or liquid from their mouth to their stomach, or when they can’t chew and swallow foods in the proper sequence. These problems often lead to choking or coughing during and after meals, taking longer than normal to eat, weight loss, dehydration and frequent pneumonia. Our speech-language pathologists, also known as SLPs, use a variety of methods to help patients regain their ability to eat and drink.

They may teach tongue and mouth exercises that strengthen the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. They can also recommend special exercises to reduce swallowing problems caused by a stroke, head injury or medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or throat cancer.

A speech-language pathologist can also provide strategies for people who have trouble understanding what others are saying or how to respond to them. They can recommend communication aids and teach family members how to best help their loved one.

Some people with speech and swallowing difficulties need long-term treatment. Your doctor can explain how long you will need therapy and the best way to proceed.

In addition to working with patients, SLPs can collaborate with other health care professionals, such as otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors), neurologists and gastroenterologists, to manage your condition. They can also refer you to other healthcare specialists for additional evaluations or treatments.

Speech-language pathologists are highly educated in the study of human communication and its development, and how to diagnose and treat disorders. They are certified by the Speech-Language-Hearing Association External link and licensed by state agencies to practice in their field.