If you were to give one tip for a client who is unmotivated what would it be?

Working out can be difficult. It can be challenging to find time because of work, kids, your spouse, and/or other commitments. When you seem to have time to exercise – you may be rushed and lack the energy to perform a workout to the best of your capability. Yes, working out has the potential to NOT be fun. I guess that’s why they call it “working out” and not “hanging out.” However, as they say in life, perspective is everything. We as human beings WILL make time to do what we want to do, although, how do we find the motivation to exercise especially when there can be a million reasons not to workout? What are the magic words I could give someone to reenergize their love for exercise? Additionally, what’s the one tip that I would give an unmotivated client to reach their fitness goal?

My one tip would be: Remember your why! Why do you want to workout? Why did you want to get in shape to begin with? Why are you choosing to make your body better? Again, what’s your why? 

For some: It’s because they want to be in the best shape of their lives to attract others to them. Or for some, it’s because they want to stay healthy to avoid having a heart attack or some other life-threatening disease. It truly doesn’t matter what your why is as long as you remember your why when times get tough because you – like all of us – will potentially face a tough point on your fitness journey. At this such crucial point, remember what inspired you in the first place.

My first suggestion to maintain motivation is to share your why with your trainer, friends, and family. When you start to experience a difficult time, express your true emotions to these trustworthy people in your lives. Allow them to support you and encourage you towards a positive direction. 

Secondly, whatever your why is — a more muscular body, your children, or to obtain a spouse — place a picture of your why on your fridge or somewhere where you will see this picture daily. Let this image be a constant reminder of your why especially when those difficult times appear. 

Thirdly, make time to meditate on your why daily. That said, doing so doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task, especially if you’re pressed for time. Meditating for even five minutes daily can have incredible and positive benefits on making yourself even better. Remember that working out is as much mental as it is physical; therefore, it’s vital to keep a positive mindset while on your fitness journey.

In closing, remember that your why is your motivation. Continue on your path of understanding and cultivating your why. Your why will always be your source of motivation, if you continue to see it that way. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools to help guide you and your why to achieving your fitness goals.

Here’s to keeping your motivation!

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Shaun Zetlin

As the son of a professional bodybuilder, Shaun was exposed to weightlifting and exercise at a very young age. After overcoming his own physical limitations having been born with club feet and gross motor skills, Shaun made it his mission to share his passion and knowledge of proper fitness and health to help others meet their fitness goals.

For over ten years, Shaun has successfully run his own personal training business in the New York City Metro area. Able to relate and adapt to each individual, Shaun prides himself on developing exercise plans and nutritional menus to foster every client's fitness needs. His clientele ranges from the athlete, and senior citizen, to bodybuilder, and dancer. Shaun's specialties include: strength training, power techniques, corrective injury training, and core stability training.

In addition to the highly regarded Master Trainer status, Shaun is a certified personal trainer of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). With NASM Shaun also holds specialized certifications in: Pre- and Post-Natal, Corrective Exercise Practices, Cardiovascular Weight Loss, Youth Training, Senior Citizen Training, Balance Training, Core Stabilization, and Self Myofascial Release (SMR). Additionally, Shaun is certified by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Sports Performance Nutrition Specialist, with training in the Female Athlete, Knee & Shoulder Rehabilitation, and Marathon Training. Shaun earned his Bachelors degree in English Literature and Writing from the University of Delaware.

Shaun's first full-length book, "Push-up Progression Workout for a Stronger Core" is currently available worldwide both in paperback and e-book formats. It was featured as one of three top books in 2013 for healthy living as selected by Dr. John Whyte of The Discovery Channel. His latest book, "Push-up Progression (2nd Edition)" has already achieved great success and notoriety in the world of fitness. It is currently featured in bookstores across the United States and United Kingdom in paperback and available wherever e-books are sold. Shaun has had a multitude of articles, program designs, and tips published within a variety of books, magazines, and on websites in the world of fitness and beyond including: Price World Publishing, Demos Medical Publishing, Livestrong, Rodale Books, OnFitness Magazine, Fitness Magazine, Brides Magazine, and GO: AirTran Magazine. Additionally, Fitness Professional Online recognizes Shaun as an "expert," answering questions for other fitness and health professionals.

Shaun also has media experience in both television and radio, ranging from fitness modeling, to hosting his own weekly radio fitness show.

Latest posts by Shaun Zetlin

• The Role of Exercise in Stress Management - May 9, 2017
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