6 WAYS TO INSTILL SUCCESS IN YOUR CLIENTS’ TRAINING PROGRAMS
The truth is simple: you should push for heavier loads where appropriate. Kidding aside, here are practical strategies you can implement today to make the programs you design for your athletes and clients more successful.
1. Understand People Are Different (And That They’re Not You)
Powerlifters like powerlifting. Bodybuilders like bodybuilding. Kettlebell enthusiasts train with kettlebells. CrossFitters tackle a mix of movements. A well-designed program should fit the client’s goals. A common mistake is writing programs based on what you enjoy or how you prefer to train. It’s natural to default to your strengths, but the problem comes when you push a single modality at the expense of others. I once spoke with a young athlete who said his football coach wanted everyone to squat the same way—same foot width, same stance, same bar position—like robots. He demonstrated a stance with shallow depth. If followed, this advice could limit potential. I suggested a wider stance with a touch of external rotation, which allowed for better depth and control. Everyone is different, and it’s essential to respect each person’s leverages and proportions. Program around the client’s goals, but tailor lifts to their abilities, not the other way around.
2. Ensure Success in Every Session
This may sound obvious, but it’s crucial. A brilliant program won’t help if the client doesn’t feel capable or motivated. Instead of chasing perfection in every rep, focus on coaching toward tangible progress. When a client can’t perform a standard push-up, use progressions that address the real weak link—core stability or hip control—such as elevated push-ups or band-assisted push-ups. The aim is to coach and create a sense of accomplishment in each session.
3. Building Autonomy
Autonomy comes from good coaching. Clients aren’t paying you to count reps; they’re paying you to coach. Many clients are surprised when I don’t count every repetition; I’m watching for technique and intent. My goal is for them to rely on themselves eventually, to be able to design workouts in any setting—whether in a fully equipped gym or a basic hotel gym with limited equipment. Some coaches reduce program design to a few core movements: squat, hip hinge, push, pull, single-leg work, and carries. Teach your clients these categories and help them learn where each belongs. By letting them become capable of assembling workouts, they’ll stay with you because you truly coach.
4. Provide Choice
Choice can be a double-edged sword. If people knew exactly what to do, they might not hire us to guide them. It can be helpful to give some direction while offering meaningful options. For example, let clients choose their main lift of the day—squat, deadlift, or another movement—and even the mode of the exercise (e.g., kettlebell deadlift or trap-bar deadlift). I also offer short windows (about 5–10 minutes) where clients can train what they want within reason. Some like a focus on arms, others on glutes and hips. Providing some choice keeps clients motivated and engaged without sacrificing structure.
5. Celebrate the Small Victories (Regardless of How Small They Seem)
This is about demonstrating unconditional positive regard. In gyms you’ll see coaches who are engaged and supportive and others who aren’t. Celebrate small wins—maintaining a good chest position during a squat, bracing correctly, or simply completing a set with solid form. A little enthusiasm and constructive feedback go a long way in keeping clients motivated.
6. Simplicity for the Win
Keep the program simple. Some clients feel frustrated by overcomplication, and progress often slows when you add more without removing anything. Fancy moves may look impressive online, but they rarely deliver real results. Focus on the basics: progressively overload with solid technique and meaningful movements. And yes, keep working on the fundamentals—if depth is limited, investigate possible injuries, technique issues, motor control, or mobility. It’s your job to diagnose and improve. Put more weight on the bar, and ensure you’re addressing the underlying factors that limit performance.
