Behavioral Theory Models Health Belief Model Self-efficacy
Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change
Principles of Behavioral Change
Operant Conditioning Shaping
Observational Learning Cognitions and Behavior
Behavior-change Strategies Stimulus Control
Written Agreements and Behavioral Contracting
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
Implementing Basic Behavior-change and Health-psychology Strategies
Summary
WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL IS STUDYING TO BECOME A PERSONAL trainer or is already working in that capacity, much focus is placed on learning and understanding program development and implementation with regard to exercise science. Personal trainers spend a great deal of time designing exercise programs and coming up with new and creative ways to target different muscle groups. Understanding the components of an exercise program is critical for all health and fitness professionals. However, if this is a trainer’s sole focus, he or she will have a difficult time establishing a solid client base and helping clients achieve optimal success. In other words, the ultimate success of a trainer is based on how well he or she understands each individual client. Client adherence is crucial for a personal trainer to achieve long-term success in the fitness industry. A personal trainer cannot expand a business with constant client turnover, but this type of turnover is inevitable if a trainer treats all clients the same and does not take the time to understand the individual differences that each client brings to the client–trainer relationship.
TRACIE ROGERS, PH.D., is a sport and exercise psychology specialist and an assistant professor in the Human Movement program at the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University. Dr. Rogers teaches, speaks, and writes on psychological constructs related to behavioral change and physical-activity participation and adherence.
