08/14/2026
As fitness professionals, we cannot fully understand what an individual managing obesity is experiencing simply by looking at them, weighing them, or completing a fitness assessment.
We must **learn about the person before trying to program the person.**
Every individual brings a different journey.
Some may have experienced unsuccessful weight-management attempts, weight stigma, embarrassment, fear of judgment, low exercise confidence, or frustration with previous programs.
Others may arrive confident and highly motivated.
We cannot assume either experience.
Through active listening, motivational interviewing, empathy, open-ended questions, and collaborative goal setting, we can ask:
What brought you here? What does success look like?
What has or hasn't worked before? What concerns do you have?
What would help you feel supported? How can I best support you?
The answers shift our mindset from "I know what you need" to “Help me understand what you need.”
Please let us know if this infographic helps you.
SCW MANIA - Fitness Education