9 Tips to Get Clients Moving and Keep Them Moving: A Guide for Practitioners

As we all learned in physics class, an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. That often applies to bodies, too. Making exercise a consistent habit means it can be easier to stay healthy and strong as we age. Taking a lengthy break from working out – by choice or necessity – makes it harder to back into the groove. 

As practitioners, we know that regular exercise is one of the best habits that clients can adopt for their physical and emotional health. This time of year, as the weather warms up in most places, more of our clients are getting outside and moving more. How can we support clients who want to move more – whether they’re new to exercise or tackling a new goal, like running a half marathon? 

Read on for tips to help clients get moving – and keep moving – without getting sidelined or discouraged. 

The Basics: How Much Movement Do We Need? 

According to the CDC, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, combined with two days of muscle-strengthening activity. Yet, many clients –especially older adults and working parents – struggle to meet these guidelines. As a practitioner, your support and tailored advice can make all the difference. 

Moderate-intensity means that a person should be able to talk but not carry on a full conversation while exercising. “Moderate” means different things to different people, depending on their fitness level. For newbies, a walk around the block feels moderate; for marathoners, a five-mile run may feel moderate. 

Below are evidence-based tips to help your clients get moving and stay moving:

1. Start small and build consistency

For clients who are new to working out, starting with light activity “snacks” each day can build confidence and establish a routine. Encourage them to gradually increase duration and intensity as their fitness improves. 

Those 150 minutes can be divided into smaller chunks throughout the week – even five or 10 minutes at a time counts! While we want clients to move most days, assuming they need to carve out 30 minutes to an hour each time may be too much of a hurdle. 

Short bouts of movement do contribute to overall health. That could look like squats while waiting for the coffee to brew, walking laps around the field during a child’s soccer practice or riding an exercise bike while watching TV. 

2. Do what you love (or at least tolerate)

The best workout is the one that someone will enjoy doing on a regular basis and that is suitable for their lifestyle, health goals and capabilities. Physical activity should be enjoyable. Help clients identify activities they enjoy, whether it's walking, dancing, swimming or gardening, and fit them into daily life. A personalized approach increases adherence and motivation.

Too often, we get hung up on the latest trendy workout without thinking about how it would fit in with our fitness goals. Starting simple – with walking or bodyweight strength training – is an affordable, approachable plan for most people. 

3. Emphasize functional benefits

Explain how movement enhances everyday life beyond seeing a change on the scale. Better balance, better sleep, less pain and greater independence are all “non-scale” goals. For older adults, these tangible outcomes can be more motivating than abstract health goals or trying to achieve or maintain a certain physique.

4. Focus on the benefits for their stage of life

Adults age 30 and over could be losing up to 8% of their muscle mass every single decade. 

Maintaining muscle tissue is about more than aesthetics or “gains” at the gym. It’s about healthy aging, staying independent and feeling our best at every stage of life. 

Postmenopausal women face accelerated losses of bone and muscle tissue, increasing their risk of fractures and loss of mobility. Weight-bearing exercises like brisk walking, resistance training and yoga are critical for maintaining bone density and muscle mass. Reinforce that it's never too late to start. Regular movement helps reduce osteoporosis risk and supports healthy aging. 

A weighted vest adds resistance to walking, which can be helpful for both strength and bone health. A 2022 study in Contemporary Clinical Trials supports the use of weighted vests in older adults as a way to offset age-related declines in bone and muscle mass. 

5. Encourage strength and balance workouts – not just cardio

Any movement is better than no movement, but do emphasize the importance of strength training at least twice a week. Simple bodyweight exercises like squats, wall push-ups or resistance band workouts can be done at home. For older adults, balance activities such as tai chi or single-leg stands can reduce fall risk and improve stability. 

For clients focused on the weight-loss benefits of cardio, remind them that strength training can also offer help them shed pounds. 

6. Set SMART Goals

Work with clients to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Tracking progress, such as through journals, apps or wearable devices, can build accountability and show improvements over time.

7. Address barriers early

Time constraints, feeling vulnerable, pain and fear of injury are common obstacles. Recommend gentle alternatives, such as water aerobics for joint issues, and provide education on safe movement practices.

8. Celebrate milestones

Acknowledge small victories like walking a bit farther, lifting a bit more or moving with less discomfort. Positive reinforcement helps sustain motivation. Focus on non-scale victories to help keep momentum going and motivation high. 

9. Consider supplements for support.^  

Supplements can offer support as clients get used to a new workout routine. The natural soreness that happens after a workout can be a deterrent for clients when they’re new to exercise, but MyoMend® is an advanced blend of proteolytic enzymes to support physical recovery, including joint and muscle function.^ Each targeted-delivery capsule helps break down damaged proteins to speed recovery and promote flexibility and mobility.^ 

Magnesium Motion is formulated to offer support for daily aches, muscle and bones, with a trio of highly bioavailable forms of magnesium.^ ATA Mg® is a patented magnesium with 24% faster absorption.^ Magnesium Glycinate supports the heart, metabolic functions and sleep.^ Magnesium Malate is ideal for fatigue from the stresses of life.^

While Fasting Today drink mix was developed for those who are fasting, it could be helpful for clients who are looking for creative ways to maintain their muscle health, especially as they age.^ It contains with essential amino acids, baobab fiber and electrolytes. Essential amino acids can build more muscle tissue than an equal amount of protein — even if someone is not working out as much as they’d like or don’t eat enough during the day.^

Physical activity is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to support overall vitality and function. As a wellness professional, your guidance can empower clients to take small steps that add up to meaningful results.