Lift The Bar

Self-doubt is one of the most common, yet least openly discussed, challenges clients face in their fitness journey. It doesn’t matter how many times they’ve trained before, how committed they feel or how much they trust you as their coach; moments of uncertainty, comparison and fear can creep in at any stage. As personal trainers, we often see the physical struggles clients encounter, but their internal narratives are just as important. Learning how to support clients through self‑doubt can transform not only their training experience, but also their sense of identity, resilience and long‑term confidence.

One of the most powerful things you can do is help clients understand that self-doubt is normal. Many assume that struggling with belief means they’re failing, when in reality it’s simply part of being human. Normalising these feelings removes the shame around them. When clients hear that you, or other people you train, experience similar doubts, they realise they’re not alone and that can be incredibly grounding.

The next step is helping clients recognise the difference between feelings and facts. Someone might feel like they’re not improving, but the data e.g. reps completed, technique improved, consistency, strength gains etc, often paints a very different picture. Use sessions as opportunities to highlight objective progress, even in its smallest forms. When clients can see evidence of their capability, it becomes harder for self‑doubt to dominate their thinking.

It also helps to shift their focus from outcomes to identities. Outcome‑based goals, like losing weight or hitting a PB, can be motivating but also fragile. If progress slows, self-doubt rushes in. Identity-based coaching reframes the narrative: instead of “I need to achieve this”, clients begin to think “I’m becoming the type of person who shows up, who learns, who tries, who persists”. This shift strengthens long-term confidence because their belief is no longer tied to any single result.

Language plays a crucial role, too. Self-doubting clients often use absolutes like “I can’t”, “I’m rubbish at this” or “I’ll never get it”. Instead of contradicting them outright, gently challenge these statements with curiosity. Ask, “What makes you feel that way today?” or “What evidence do you have that you can’t improve?” Questions encourage clients to reflect, rather than shut down. Over time, they learn to question their own negative thoughts in the same way.

Your coaching environment is equally important. Clients need to feel safe enough to try, fail, learn and keep going. If a client worries about being judged, watched or corrected harshly, self-doubt grows. But when they know mistakes are expected, that you’re patient, and that progress is a shared journey rather than a performance, they relax into the process. A supportive environment doesn’t remove self‑doubt entirely, but it stops it from controlling their actions.

Your social media isn’t just for attracting new clients and you can use your platforms as a way of reinforcing your messages for existing clients too. Sharing posts that highlight the realities of progress, the setbacks, the wobbles, the imperfect days and more, helps them see self-doubt as part of the journey rather than a barrier. Showing relatable stories, insights or even your own moments of uncertainty builds trust and strengthens your coaching message beyond the gym floor.

Helping clients build evidence for their own competence is one of the most effective long-term strategies. Encourage them to keep small wins journals, record PBs, reflect on sessions they completed when they didn’t feel like it, or celebrate moments when they surprised themselves. When they can look back and see consistent examples of resilience, self-doubt slowly loses its authority.

Coaching clients through self-doubt isn’t about eliminating their fears, it’s about equipping them with tools to navigate those fears more confidently. When clients learn that progress continues even when belief wavers, and when they experience your consistent, calm support, they begin to trust themselves more deeply. And that trust doesn’t just improve their training, it transforms the way they approach challenges in every area of life.

Of course self-doubt isn’t just something that clients experience and the same approaches can be used to help trainers who are experiencing their own loss of confidence too.

 

For more on similar topics LTB members can access the communication courses and addressing self doubt and building confidence in your abilities webinar and more (drop Claire a message if you are looking for help on something different).

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