How to Make Your Programs Programs Your Clients Will Actually Follow
This article isn’t about the X’s and O’s of program design. If you want that, check out my Resources Page for plenty of options. Instead, I want to peel back the layers of program design that don’t usually get discussed.
This post focuses on the nitty-gritty and the nuanced stuff—the blend of hours put in, experience, and not taking shortcuts. It’s important and helps separate great coaches from mediocre ones, even if some people find it boring. Let’s dive in.
1. IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU
No, really, the programs you write aren’t about you. You’re the one delivering them, and your expertise is what clients pay for. But the program should be about the client and reflect their needs and goals.
As Alwyn Cosgrove is quoted saying, “You should write programs, not workouts.” And as Dan John reminds us, “The goal is to keep the goal the goal.” A hard, generic workout won’t cut it. A truly individualized program serves a purpose: it addresses injury history, matches goals, fits ability level, and stays flexible, with thought, professionalism, and attention to detail.
I’m all for helping people get stronger, and I respect those who prioritize big lifts. But if a client is new, wants to lose 10–20 pounds, or doesn’t care about benching 2x their bodyweight, the plan should reflect that.
Two common extremes appear:
– The trainer doesn’t care. The client shows up, the session is disorganized, and the result is a lazy routine filled with fitness clichés.
– The trainer cares too much about their own style. They train like a powerlifter, Olympic lifter, bodybuilder, or CrossFitter and assume all clients must follow the same path.
The result can be a mismatch: teens who haven’t mastered a squat, busy moms focused on quad development, or executives with limited shoulder mobility attempting advanced moves. In the end, people are more likely to stay with a program long-term if it’s tailored to them and aligned with their best interests. This is a service industry—balance what clients need with what they want.
2. AVOID FITTING SQUARE PEGS INTO ROUND HOLES
You don’t have to force every client into the same mold.
– No one has to back squat, and if they do, they don’t have to use a low-bar position.
– No one has to pull from the floor, and if they do, they don’t have to use a straight bar.
– No one has to bench press, and they don’t have to arch excessively or rely on a barbell.
– No one has to listen to a particular soundtrack—though you might enjoy it, you don’t have to require it.
A common trap is clinging to one method for everyone. I find that mindset limiting. Everything from exercise selection and order to variation should be individualized. If someone has shoulder mobility issues, forcing a back squat with a low-bar position makes little sense. It won’t help them and will likely cause frustration or pain.
A better approach is to use variations that fit their needs, such as a safety-squat-bar variation or anterior-loaded goblet squats to groove the movement without upper-body restrictions. For deadlifts, most people don’t need to pull from the floor right away. A hip hinge is a good starting point; if mobility is limited, a trap-bar deadlift can be a friendlier option that’s easier on the spine.
What’s the takeaway? Include exercises that fit a client’s ability, show them progress, and build movement competence. Everyone is different—respect that.
Want to see a quick example video? Here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-sA3PG1kGY
Want to make your programs your clients will actually follow? Use movements that suit their ability, demonstrate success, and build confidence. People are unique; honor that.
3. OTHER STUFF I WAS GOING TO ELABORATE ON BUT THIS POST IS ALREADY LONG ENOUGH
– WRITE THINGS DOWN.
Keep a record of what clients do each session and encourage them to own it. When people track their progress, progressive overload becomes visible, and motivation grows. They start lifting more reps and weights than they could a few months earlier.
– EXPERIMENT WITH SEMI-PRIVATE TRAINING.
Semi-private training can be a great motivator. Being around like-minded people who push you, encourage you, and hold you accountable can make a big difference. It isn’t for everyone, but it works well for many.
– KNOW WHEN TO BACK OFF.
Flexibility is key. If a client shows up exhausted or had a rough night, the plan should adapt. Have a plan B ready.
– DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE STUFF THEY WANT TO DO.
I’m all for using my expertise, but it’s smart to sprinkle in things clients enjoy. Glute work for clients who love it, or a quick arm finisher, can go a long way toward keeping them engaged. (Pants optional.)
– SPRINKLE IN SOME MARKERS.
Don’t hesitate to set prescribed loads to push clients toward bigger goals. People often underestimate what they can do and benefit from a nudge.
For example, one client’s progression might look like:
Week 1: Trap-bar deadlift, 3 sets of 5 at 155 lbs
Week 2: Modified sumo stance deadlift, warm-up, then 200 x 1, plus 3×4 at 180 lbs
Week 3: Modified sumo stance deadlift, warm-up, 205 x 1, then 3×2 at 190 lbs
Week 4: Modified sumo stance deadlift, warm-up, 215–220 x 1, plus 3×5 at 160 lbs
Her goal was a 200 lb straight-bar deadlift, and she hit 210 for an easy single a few months later. This wasn’t about pushing to the limit every day; it was about setting clear targets and helping her reach them.
Motivation thrives when you challenge clients and show them what they’re capable of. The progression ladder goes from “this workout is easy” to “I’ll feel this tomorrow,” to “I’m exhausted,” to “I can’t even feel half my face.” Truth is, that progression is real science.
