THE 5 MINISTRIES OF A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL

LISTENING

You have spent time planning a workout for a client who is preparing for an upcoming competition. Every session counts. Yet this week the client seems listless and unmotivated. Her “success” is in your hands, but her heart isn’t in it. There isn’t time for a long conversation—should you even open the door to a conversation by asking what’s wrong?

For fitness instructors listening feels far too passive to be effective as ministry. They are used to teaching, cueing, directing.

But consider how important it is to listen to the body—that’s a concept more readily understood. In the same way, God speaks through the silence where His thoughts and His presence are made manifest in the stillness.

Learning to leave “white space” in classes and conversations invites the Spirit to make Himself heard. Whether having a conversation or leading a workshop, practice saying less so God’s voice is the loudest in the room. Some suggestions for being a better listener include:

• If a client is emotional or distracted, ask for a few minutes of their time to talk before or after the scheduled session. Have private space options already identified, sit down, and allow yourself the time necessary to fully focus on listening to the client’s story. Thank him or her for sharing with you. Affirm the client by saying, “I look forward to seeing you again soon.” Don’t let the client think she or he is a burden.
• Offer periods of time before, during, or after workouts to invite students to tune in to their inner world. Ask them what God is teaching them through their training process.
• If a client or team member is offended or upset, invite them to share without interjecting your own judgments or opinions. Instead, point them back to scripture as their resource.

READ ABOUT ALL 5 MINISTRIES OF A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL

1. Invitation 2. Listening 3. Standing Alongside 4. Teaching 5. Praying