The Client Discovery portion of the initial session will help define why the client is seeking help, what they want to achieve, and how much they are willing to change. By gathering this information, the coach can create a program that aligns with the client's specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that the coaching experience is both relevant and effective.

When starting the conversation, the easiest place to start is with how they found Thesis and their goal.

Their Goal

It is crucial to determine a client's goal when starting a health and fitness program for several reasons:

1. Personalization: Every individual has different health and fitness goals, and a program tailored to their specific needs is more likely to be effective. By understanding a client's goals, a coach can create a personalized plan that is tailored to their unique needs, taking into account their fitness level, physical limitations, lifestyle, and preferences.
2. Motivation: Setting an achievable goal that is specific and measurable helps to keep clients motivated and on track. When a client has a clear understanding of what they want to achieve, they are more likely to stay committed to their program and push through challenges and setbacks.
3. Progress monitoring: Having a goal help to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A coach can use a client's goals to monitor progress and make adjustments to the program as necessary.

In summary, determining a client's goal at the outset of a health and fitness program is crucial to creating a program that is tailored to their needs, keeps them motivated, tracks progress, and develops valuable goal-setting skills.

Their Why

The "5 Whys" technique is a powerful tool that can help Coaches identify the underlying cause of a client's problem or challenge. By asking "why" questions repeatedly, coaches can dig deeper and uncover the root cause of the issue, rather than simply addressing the surface-level symptoms.

This technique can be particularly useful when setting goals with clients. By asking a series of "why" questions, coaches can help clients identify their true motivations for wanting to achieve a particular goal. For example, a client might say they want to lose weight, but by asking "why" repeatedly, a coach might discover that the client's true motivation is to improve their self-confidence or to feel better in their clothes.

By identifying the underlying motivation behind a client's goals, coaches can create a more effective and personalized program that is tailored to their client's needs and interests. This can help increase motivation and accountability, as clients are more likely to stick with a program that is tailored to their specific goals and motivations.

Additionally, the "5 Whys" technique can help coaches hold clients accountable for their actions and decisions. For example, if a client consistently skips workouts, a coach can use the "5 Whys" technique to identify the underlying cause of the problem, such as a lack of time management skills or poor sleep habits. By addressing the root cause of the problem, coaches can help clients make meaningful changes to their behavior and stay on track with their fitness goals.

The "5 Whys" technique is a powerful tool that can help coaches identify the underlying causes of their client's problems, set more effective and personalized goals, and hold clients accountable for their actions and decisions.

Lifestyle Factors

Asking lifestyle-based questions, such as "what is your occupation?", "how sedentary are you?", "how would you describe your stress load on a daily basis?", or "how would you describe your sleep hygiene?", can provide valuable information for coaches when designing a fitness program for their clients.

By understanding a client's lifestyle and daily routine, coaches can create a program that is tailored to their client's needs and interests, taking into account factors such as daily schedule, stress levels, and sleep habits. This can help increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the program, as clients are more likely to stick with a program that fits into their daily life.

For example, if a client has a sedentary job that requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, a coach might incorporate more mobility exercises and standing breaks into their program to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. If a client reports high levels of stress or poor sleep, a coach might prioritize stress management techniques and educate client's on how to improve sleep hygiene.

Asking lifestyle-based questions can also help coaches hold clients accountable for their actions and decisions. For example, if a client consistently reports that they are having poor sleep, a coach might ask follow-up questions to identify the root cause of the problem and provide guidance on how to improve sleep habits. By holding clients accountable for their lifestyle choices, trainers can help clients make meaningful changes that contribute to their overall health and well-being.

In summary, asking lifestyle-based questions can provide valuable information for personal coaches when designing a fitness program for their clients. By tailoring the program to fit the client's lifestyle and daily routine, coaches can increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the program, while holding clients accountable for their actions and decisions.

Training / Nutrition History

When working with a new client, it's important for coaches to gather information about the clients exercise and training history, as well as their nutrition and dietary habits. This will provide valuable insight into the client's current fitness level, preferences, and any potential barriers to reaching their goals.

By asking about a person's exercise and training history, coaches can determine what activities the client has enjoyed in the past, how hard they like to train, as well as any injuries or health condition that may impact their ability to train. This information will be used to design a program that is tailored to the client's goals and needs, while also taking into account any potential limitations.

Similarly, asking about a client's nutrition and dietary habits can provide insight into their current eating patterns, preferences, and potential barriers to success. For example, if a client states a preference for eating plant-based or vegan, it would not be conducive to instruct them to consume more protein from animal based sources; likewise, if a client's job has them out at social events where alcohol is consumed, a coach will need to take this into consideration when it comes to constructing an effective meal plan that can incorporate a client's specific lifestyle needs. A coach might recommend gradual changes to their diet over time or have to work around certain non-negotiables.

By gathering this information, coaches can create a program that is tailored to the client's unique needs, preferences, and goals, while working around non-negotiables. This can help increase motivation and adherence to the overall program, as client's are more likely to stick with something that is designed to meet their individual needs.

Additionally, asking about a person's exercise and training history, as well as their nutrition and dietary habits, can be a powerful tool for accountability. By tracking progress and holding clients accountable for their actions and decisions, coaches can help clients make meaningful changes and stay on track with their goals.

Examples of open-ended questions:

1. Can you tell me about your typical daily routine and how you currently prioritize physical activity within that routine?
2. How do you typically manage stress and prioritize self-care in your daily life?
3. What is your current diet and nutrition plan like, and how do you approach healthy eating habits?
4. How much sleep do you typically get each night, and do you have any strategies for improving your sleep quality?
5. Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of work or exercise that you enjoy and that help you feel energized and fulfilled?
6. How do you typically balance work, social life, and other responsibilities with your fitness goals and physical activity?
7. Have you experienced any major life changes or events recently that may have affected your overall health and wellness?
8. What are some strategies you use to stay motivated and accountable to your health and fitness goals?
9. Do you have any history of chronic illnesses or injuries that may impact your ability to exercise or your overall health and wellness?
10. Are there any lifestyle habits or behaviors that you are hoping to change or improve as part of your fitness journey?

Expectations

Setting specific and clear expectations is crucial when starting a health and fitness program because it helps establish a clear understanding between the coach and the client regarding what is expected from each other. By setting initially setting expectations upfront, coaches can help their clients understand what they can realistically achieve, how long it may take, and what steps are necessary to reach their goals within a specific timeframe.

When clients know exactly what they are working towards, it can be easier to stay motivated and focused on achieving their goals. Additionally, when the expectations are clear, it can be easier for coaches to hold their clients accountable and ensure that they are on track towards achieving their goals.

For example, setting specific and clear expectation might include discussing frequency and intensity of training sessions, outlining types of exercises or movements that will be included in the program, and establishing a timeline for reaching those specific goals. Additionally, setting expectations around nutrition and dietary habits can also be helpful, such as discussing the importance of sticking to the diet pan, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding indulgences as much as possible.

By establishing what is expected at the outset of the program, coaches can help their clients understand what they need to do to achieve their goals, and how they can measure their progress along the way. This can help increase motivation, accountability, and overall success in the program.