Working with Inactive People (M/618/6440)
Section 2: Working with inactive people Building relationships with inactive people In addition to supporting people to reach their fitness goals, professional exercise instructors should also take time to build relationships and connect directly with their patients. Building trust and establishing a positive and motivating environment will prepare the exercise instructor to guide the individual on their journey to a healthier and more active lifestyle. It is therefore important to understand the value and impact of effective communication, empathy, active listening skills, setting achievable goals and being a positive role model since these are key tools for an exercise instructor to positively influence participants’ behaviour and support long term change and retention.
Adapting communication methods An exercise instructor may well work with a range of participants from different cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, ages, abilities and levels of motivation, and some people may need more support than others at the early stages of relationship building. Therefore, they may need to adapt their communication methods to meet the needs of people. Some examples include: •
Using a translator if necessary.
•
Using sign language.
•
Using visual aids such as pictures, images or flash cards.
•
Slowing your speech as appropriate.
•
Speaking very clearly, maintaining eye contact and using positive open body language.
•
Taking a supportive but persuasive approach.
Establishing rapport A useful consultation framework to use with new individuals is taken from Changing Eating and Exercise Behaviour, Hunt and Hilsdon, (1996), they suggest these questions are asked to create a ‘change plan’, for example: •
The main reasons I want to change are ….
•
The changes I am prepared to make are….
•
The steps I will take are….
•
People who may support me are….
•
Things that may make change difficult are….
•
My plans for coping with difficult situations are….
•
I will know when I’ve been successful when…. Working with Inactive People | Manual | Version 1 © YMCA Awards 2021
18
