
Nutrition is another area where tracking can be very important as a client works to transform their body.
‘In body building, they tell you that if you don’t write it down, then you don’t really know what you’re eating. And that’s true. The client’s view is often very skewed. For instance, they may eat 1 gram per every pound of weight, and they really do think they’re achieving that goal. But in reality, their intake is substantially less — usually about half of what they really think they’re consuming.
In cases where the client tracks their nutritional intake, this allows them to follow their nutritional plan in an optimally effective manner. This typically brings about a fairly rapid progression, which can necessitate revisions to the client’s workout plan and nutritional plan, thereby promoting additional progress.
Methods for making the tracking process fun using a power lifting event or endurance competitions in your gym. This provides the client with an accurate sense of where they are as individuals and as a group, especially if you hold competitions on a regular basis. The competitive element also drives engagement, especially if there are prizes or awards involved. Working to prepare for a competition gives the client something to work toward too.
Before and after photos are also effective in documenting client weight and condition. As the old adage says, photos never lie!