Lift The Bar

For many clients, working with a personal trainer is the first time they’ve been closely observed while moving, exercising, or challenging themselves physically. That level of vulnerability can feel daunting. How you deliver feedback can shape their entire perception of training, not just in that moment, but in their confidence going forward. When feedback is supportive, constructive and clear, clients feel seen, capable and motivated. When it’s rushed, overly critical or poorly phrased, even well‑intentioned correction can unintentionally knock their confidence.

As trainers, we often focus on refining technique, optimising movement and improving safety, which are all essential parts of the job. But effective feedback is also an emotional skill. It’s a communication style that builds trust, encourages learning and helps clients feel safe to grow. Mastering the art of giving supportive feedback makes your coaching not only more effective, but more compassionate and human.

A powerful starting point is to observe first, speak second. Many trainers jump in with corrections the moment an error appears. While well‑meant, this can feel overwhelming to beginners who are already processing unfamiliar movements. Give clients space to attempt the exercise. Look at what they’re doing well before you focus on what needs improving. This balanced approach helps them understand that they’re not “getting everything wrong”.

It’s important to ask clients for their input too.  Sometimes they can feel something isn’t right and just need time to try things out a bit more and find the solution themselves.  By giving them space to make adjustments, or to lead the way by asking you questions, you empower them and create a strong coaching relationship.

When you do offer corrections, phrase them in a way that feels collaborative rather than authoritative. Instead of “You’re doing that wrong” or “Don’t do it like that”, try “Let’s try adjusting your stance” or “See how this variation feels”. Phrasing adjustments as explorations makes feedback feel less like criticism and more like teamwork. It encourages clients to stay curious rather than defensive.

Another important element is choosing the right amount of feedback. Beginners, especially, can easily become overwhelmed if you give them too many cues at once. Prioritise what will make the biggest difference to safety and effectiveness, then build from there. A single clear, actionable cue is often far more impactful than a long list of technical corrections.

Tone and timing matter too. Deliver feedback calmly and without urgency unless safety is at risk. If a client is mid‑set and clearly concentrating, wait until they finish before giving detailed coaching points. This reduces pressure and allows them to absorb information without feeling flustered.

It’s also crucial to acknowledge the emotional side of training. Many clients come in carrying self‑doubt, past negative experiences or a belief that they’re “not athletic”. When someone is already sensitive about their capabilities, even gentle feedback can feel personal. Reinforce that errors are expected and not a reflection of their worth or potential. Normalising experimentation and imperfection helps clients approach training with more confidence and less fear of failure.

Your online presence can reflect this coaching philosophy, too. When your social posts, blogs or videos demonstrate patient, supportive and constructive coaching, potential clients can immediately sense your style. This attracts the people who will most benefit from, and appreciate, your approach. Showing breakdowns, progressions and common mistakes also reassures clients that learning is part of the process, not something to be embarrassed about.

Remember that supportive feedback doesn’t mean avoiding correction. It means delivering correction in a way that empowers. Sometimes the most confidence‑building moment for a client is when they make a mistake, receive guidance, apply it and feel the difference instantly. That’s where progress becomes tangible.

Giving exceptional feedback is one of the most underrated skills a personal trainer can develop. It’s not just about fine‑tuning movement, it’s about building trust, fostering growth and helping clients feel capable in their bodies. When your feedback style is supportive, constructive and human‑centred, you create a training environment where clients feel safe to explore, learn and ultimately thrive.

 

For more on similar topics LTB members can access the movement solutions and communications courses and more (or drop Claire a message if you are looking for help on something else).

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