by Scott Schutte and Dr. Janine Stichter
In the fitness industry, the word "accountability" is thrown around as often as weights in a gym. It's assumed that what every client truly needs is someone to keep them accountable. But is that actually what they need? The answer may surprise you—no, at least not in the way you might traditionally think.
The Misconception of Accountability
Many clients voice that they want accountability. They ask for meal plans, tracking apps, and regular check-ins. However, what clients articulate today might not hold true for them tomorrow or the weekend. Demanding accountability can often be a short-lived request, born out of a temporary sense of urgency rather than a sustained need. Think about it, if we have a goal, and are engaging in tasks toward them that are easy to fit in our lifestyle, do you really need someone judging and nudging you?
What Clients Really Want
Instead of a drill sergeant, clients seek a guide—someone who comprehensively understands their goals, personalities, environment, and lifestyles. They don’t want a one-size-fits-all plan that makes them feel like a square peg being forced into a round hole. What they crave is a tailored approach, a plan that doesn’t just work on paper but is easily integrated into their daily lives—and enjoyed.
The Perils of Rigid Accountability
We’ve seen many fitness professionals adopt an overzealous approach to accountability. They provide rigid meal plans, enforce strict calorie tracking, and eliminate specific foods from clients’ diets. While these strategies may technically work, only a select few will consistently implement them to get those results. Why? Because people are diverse; what works is about what someone can execute in their unique life based on their personality and values.
The Need for a Versatile Approach
The most successful fitness professionals understand the value of a versatile approach. Sometimes, tracking calories is essential; other times, a focus on intuitive eating may work better. The goal is to align the strategy with the unique characteristics of the client. This adaptable methodology ensures a better fit and, consequently, better results.
The Importance of Regular Follow-Ups
Where does accountability fit into all of this, if at all? In a different form: Regular follow-up appointments are essential for long-term success. These serve two main purposes:
● Trending Analysis: Are we moving in the right direction to reach the goal? If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Periodic reviews provide data on what’s working and what’s not.
● Goodness of Fit: Was the plan successful? Did the client find it manageable or too challenging? If the strategy didn't fit, it’s time for a new one. If it did, that’s your foundation to build upon.
The Real Definition of Accountability
So, perhaps the term "accountability" is not entirely redundant; it just needs a redefinition. In this context, accountability doesn’t mean forcing someone to follow a rigid plan. It means providing a framework where the client feels guided yet autonomous, disciplined yet not restricted.
The ultimate goal is to help clients reach a state of self-efficacy, where they are empowered to manage their fitness journeys effectively. Until then, your role as a fitness professional is to serve as a versatile, adaptable guide, helping your clients find the most fitting path to their goals.
Conclusion
Accountability coaching as we know it may be overrated, but that doesn't mean we should abandon the concept altogether. Rather, let's redefine it to better align with what clients truly need: a tailored, flexible approach led by a guide who understands them deeply. We like to call it 360 Wellness Coaching and it uses all we know about fitness but delivers it through the lens of behavior science. With this mindset, we're not just setting our clients up for temporary success but for a lifetime of health and wellbeing.
Janine Stichter & Scott Schutte
Scott Schutte is a personal trainer, 360 Wellness coach, gym owner, and fitness educator. He has successfully guided thousands of people on their fitness journey. His education and experience have led him to work with many clients and educate other fitness professionals on how to be successful coaches with an emphasis on behavior change. Connect with him:
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Dr. Janine Stichter has been in the field of behavior change for over 20 years as a researcher, author, educator and practitioner. She understands the importance of behavior science for client success. Her career has focused on understanding the why behind behavior and identifying clear practices that are practical and result in sustained change. Connect with her:
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Most recently they co-founded the Healthy Behavior Institute, an educational platform for fitness professionals and gym owners that specialize in behavior modification. Their educational materials provide professionals with a clear system to add an additional service for better client results and increased revenue.