Psych Skills for Fit Pros

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Lewis to discuss her work on motivation and the connection between mental health and fitness.  Dr. Lisa Lewis is a licensed psychologist and certified addictions counselor with a passion for fitness and wellness. She holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology and a doctorate in counseling and sport psychology. She owns and operates Dr. Lewis Consulting & Psychotherapy, LLC, in Brookline, Massachusetts and online. 

Dr. Lewis is also the co-owner of Core Collective Brookline, a holistic gym and wellness center. As an educator, Lisa provides consultation and continuing education for nutrition, fitness, and wellness companies, and works individually with athletes, high-achieving executives, and fitness enthusiasts, providing both traditional psychotherapy and performance consultation. She also offers professional development and continuing education for coaches and fitness professionals, and commonly presents on topics including motivation, mental health, exercise, and behavior change.

As coaches, we know that success isn’t just about sets, reps, and periodization—it’s about people. In this episode, Dr. Lewis and I dive deep into the psychology behind coaching, exploring what truly drives client success.

We covered a lot, but I’ve pulled out 10 key takeaways that you can apply to your coaching right away. From building stronger client relationships to understanding motivation and making meaningful behavior changes, this episode is packed with insights to help you become a more effective and well-rounded coach.

10 Key Takeaways from Psych Skills For Fit Pros

It's Not Just About the Program 

Your knowledge of exercises, sets, and reps isn't usually what makes or breaks client success. What matters is how well you can work with people. Even the best program won't work if you can't connect with your client and understand what makes them tick.

Listen More Than You Talk 

There's a great reminder that coaches should use: W.A.I.T. (Why Am I Talking?). Try to listen about 70% of the time and talk 30%. When you're new, it's tempting to show off everything you know, but listening to your clients often teaches you more than talking ever could.

Start Where Your Client Is, Not Where You Want Them to Be 

You might be ready to dive into complex programming, but your client might just be thinking about making changes. It's like trying to teach someone to run before they can walk - it just doesn't work. Meet them at their level and build from there.

Understand What Drives People 

Motivation isn't just a yes/no thing. Some people exercise because they feel guilty (not great), others because it's part of who they are (much better). Understanding these differences helps you guide clients toward lasting change rather than quick fixes.

Let People Figure Things Out 

Sometimes, watching a client struggle (safely) is part of the process. Just like you wouldn't jump in to help someone during every rep of a challenging set, sometimes clients need to work through mental challenges too.

Remember High Performance Has a Price 

Pushing for peak performance isn't always healthy whether in sports or business. Help your clients understand what they're trading off when they pursue significant goals. Sometimes, good enough is better than "perfect."

Take Care of Your Own Mental Health 

You can't pour from an empty cup. Many successful coaches go to therapy or have mentors - not because something's wrong, but because it helps them be better coaches. Think of it as maintenance for your most crucial coaching tool: your mind.

Look for What's Working First 

Instead of jumping straight to what needs fixing, start by finding what your client does well. It builds trust and naturally leads to conversations about areas for improvement. Plus, it's just more fun for everyone.

When Clients Aren't Following the Plan, Get Curious 

Instead of labelling clients as "unmotivated" when they don't follow the program, get curious about why. Are they scared? Overwhelmed? Too busy? Understanding the real reason helps you find real solutions.

Help Clients Make Smart Trade-offs 

Success in fitness (and life) isn't about doing everything perfectly - it's about making intelligent trade-offs. Help your clients understand what they're gaining and what they might need to give up to reach their goals.

Remember: Great coaching is about building relationships. Your technical knowledge matters, but your ability to understand and work with people matters more. Every client is different, and learning to adapt your approach while staying true to solid principles makes a coach genuinely effective.

Find Dr. Lisa:

Website: www.drlewisconsulting.com 

IG: @drlewisconsulting

Find the podcast:

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple

Watch on YouTube