Which coaching approach is most effective for clients setting unrealistic fitness goals?

Encouraging clients to set smaller, achievable goals is an effective coaching approach because it promotes a sense of success and builds confidence. When clients set unrealistic fitness goals, they may feel overwhelmed and discouraged when those goals are not met. By guiding them to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, they can experience incremental progress and celebrate small victories along the way.

This approach aligns with the principles of behavior change and self-efficacy, which suggest that as clients achieve smaller goals, they become more motivated and empowered to pursue their larger objectives. Additionally, setting realistic goals fosters a positive relationship with fitness, encouraging a sustainable approach that integrates healthy habits into their lifestyle.

Other approaches, such as advising clients to push through their feelings or setting goals for them, may not address the client’s individual needs and can lead to frustration or burnout. Offering rewards can be helpful in some contexts, but it may not address the root issue of unrealistic goal-setting and can create a focus on external validation rather than intrinsic motivation. Thus, the strategy of encouraging smaller, achievable goals effectively supports clients in their fitness journeys.