It feels so hard!

As a personal trainer, have you noticed how for some people, it is easy to show up, work out and release weight to achieve their goals, while for others, it is a challenge?

They show up for a few weeks and then start to come less and less.

Why is that?

Many people who have chosen to have bariatric surgery have struggled with their weight for many years and the health conditions that come with that. They struggle to come to terms with the fact that they can and will release the excess weight for good, even though that is precisely what they want, which is why they had the surgery in the first place.

Many people have the surgery and are not fully prepared for what comes after the surgery; they are excited about finally feeling they have the solution to their weight and medical conditions as they should be. However, many challenges come with bariatric surgery that, even though explained, don't always sink in until after the surgery.

Setting goals and following through is critical for success; however, for many people, that can be a challenge, especially if the person is neurodivergent ( ADHD, Autism, or more). The struggle to change routines requiring a change to release excess weight can be challenging. Sticking to time frames and different foods is also a challenge.

So how do you, as a personal trainer, assist your client who, despite having bariatric surgery, is still struggling with weight release and may have started gaining weight back?

One step at a time!

Learn about your client's habits and what is still important to them, even if that habit does not necessarily work with their weight release goal.

Learn about what causes them stress and what they find works to release that stress.

Understand their food habits and if due to their sensitivities there are certain foods that they cannot eat and what other ways they can still enjoy their favorite foods and achieve their weight goals.

Empower the person to be part of the planning of their food and exercise program and ask them what is their best way of learning and embracing change without feeling stress or pressure.

When you work with your clients and value their input, you will find that they may come to the workout sessions more and they may start slowly to enjoy them as they see the benefits and feel better about themselves.

Empowerment is an incredible tool for long-term results.