Some people really just don’t like exercise. If you want to help someone with their health and fitness, you are sometimes going to have to come up with creative ways to motivate clients who hate exercise.
As a coach with years of experience helping clients transform their lives, I really have seen it all. From those who jump into exercise headfirst, to those who would rather do literally anything else than lace up their shoes and exercise. In my time, I have had to come up with some creative ways to help even the most reluctant individuals find joy in movement.
So, here are 10 strategies I’ve used to motivate clients who hate exercise:
1. Focus on Fun, Not Fitness
Many people dislike exercise because they associate it with punishment. Change the narrative by focusing on fun. I once had a client who hated the gym but loved music. I got them doing dance-based workouts that felt more like a party than a workout, and when they were scheduled to do resistance training, I made sure we had their favourite tunes playing.
Think outside the box, hiking, rock climbing, or even playing tag with their kids can be just as effective as traditional exercise in many regards. The key is to shift their mindset from “I have to exercise” to “I get to enjoy this activity.”
Fun is the gateway to consistency, and consistency gets results.
2. Tie Movement to Their Goals
Exercise needs to feel relevant to their lives. One of my clients wanted to keep up with her grandchildren. We worked on functional movements like squats and balance exercises, framing them as “grandkid training.” Once she saw the connection, she became more engaged and motivated.
Another client wanted to hike a specific trail with friends. By focusing our sessions on improving endurance and leg strength, we made the workouts purposeful for her.
Linking exercise to personal aspirations transforms it from a chore into a meaningful pursuit.
3. Gamify the Experience
Turn exercise into a game. Apps or fitness challenges with rewards can make movement more engaging. I’ve had great success organising step-count competitions among clients. The friendly rivalry sparked enthusiasm even in those who previously avoided exercise.
One client, who initially dreaded walking, became fiercely competitive in our weekly leaderboard. She ended up walking kilometres daily, all because it felt like a game instead of a task.
This can go too far though, and it can lead to burnout. But when used appropriately, it can really help motivate clients who hate exercise to more consistently exercise.
4. Start Small
Overwhelming a reluctant client with a long, gruelling workout is a surefire way to lose them.
Start with bite-sized sessions. Ease them into exercise and let their love of exercise develop.
One client of mine started with just five minutes of movement a day. Over time, those five minutes became 10, then 20, then a full workout routine. The small wins built her confidence and made exercise feel manageable.
This “micro-goal” approach can help clients ease into the habit without feeling intimidated.
5. Incorporate Hobbies
Find ways to combine their interests with movement. A client who loves photography might enjoy nature walks with a camera in hand. Someone who loves video games might enjoy virtual reality fitness.
The key is to integrate exercise into something they already enjoy.
I had a client obsessed with gardening, so we included squats and stretches as part of her gardening routine. She barely noticed she was working out because it was wrapped up in an activity she loved.
6. Celebrate Non-Scale Victories
Not everyone is motivated by weight loss, despite what the general fitness industry seems to think. Celebrate wins like improved energy, better sleep, or the ability to carry groceries without getting winded.
I once worked with a client who hated workouts but loved that she could finally lift her suitcase into the overhead bin on one of her many trips abroad. That was her lightbulb moment.
Another client celebrated fitting into her favourite jeans after years of avoiding them.
Highlighting these tangible, everyday improvements keeps motivation high and helps clients see the value of their efforts, even if they don’t necessarily enjoy the actual workouts.
7. Leverage Social Support
Exercise can feel less daunting with a buddy. Encourage your client to bring a friend, join a class, or participate in group activities.
One of my clients started attending yoga classes with her sister. The accountability and shared experience kept her coming back.
Another joined a walking group in her neighbourhood, where she formed friendships and looked forward to the social aspect just as much as the activity itself.
Community and camaraderie can make all the difference and serve as a big catalyst to motivate clients who hate exercise.
You can also leverage this social aspect in your coaching practice. You can do this in person by doing group training sessions or running fitness classes. You can also do this in an online setting by having a group fitness program, or a support group for your online coaching program.
8. Make It a Part of Their Routine
Help clients incorporate movement into their daily schedules in a way that feels natural. Encourage small adjustments like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from store entrances, or setting a timer to stand and stretch during work hours.
These simple changes can accumulate into meaningful physical activity without requiring a drastic shift in their lifestyle. By embedding exercise into their routine, it becomes a habit rather than an obligation.
You can then build on this once it does become a part of their lifestyle and their fitness improves.
9. Provide Consistent Encouragement
A little positivity goes a long way. Celebrate their efforts, no matter how small.
A simple “You’re doing great” or “Look how far you’ve come” can really help shift their mindset. You really can help to build your client’s confidence and enjoyment of exercise by providing a little bit of strategic encouragement.
Celebrating a clients efforts, rather than the outcome is also a really effective way to help them see that while they aren’t in control of the outcome, they are in control of their habits and the effort they put in.
10. Lead by Example
Your enthusiasm can be contagious. Share your own fitness journey, struggles, and successes.
I often tell my clients how I used to hate cardio until I started jiujitsu. Now I love it!
When clients see that you’re human, they feel less alone in their struggles. By modelling a positive relationship with exercise, you’re showing them that it’s possible to go from disliking movement to embracing it.
Final Thoughts On Ways to Motivate Clients Who Hate Exercise
Helping clients who hate exercise isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.
Remember, the goal isn’t to turn them into gym rats overnight. It’s to help them find a way to enjoy movement in a way that aligns with their values and lifestyle.
By being patient, creative, and supportive, you can transform their outlook on exercise, and maybe even their lives. Each client’s journey is unique, but with the right approach, you can guide them to discover the joy of exercise.
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Paddy Farrell
Hey, I'm Paddy!
I am a coach who loves to help people master their health and fitness. I am a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and I have a degree in Biochemistry and Biomolecular Science. I have been coaching people for over 10 years now.
When I grew up, you couldn't find great health and fitness information, and you still can't really. So my content aims to solve that!
I enjoy training in the gym, doing martial arts and hiking in the mountains (around Europe, mainly). I am also an avid reader of history, politics and science. When I am not in the mountains, exercising or reading, you will likely find me in a museum.