Motivational Profiles In The Context Of Exercise And Health: Leadership Aspects And Communication Skills Of Personal Trainers
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Regular physical activity is widely recognized for its role in preventing chronic diseases, promoting mental health, and improving well-being. In this context, personal trainers (PTs), particularly in the realm of Personalized Training Services (PTS), play a strategic role in promoting adherence to physical exercise. This study aimed to describe how PT leadership styles and interpersonal communication manifest in PTS, considering the different motivational profiles of clients/practitioners. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with PTs and clients/practitioners. Twenty-four (24) subjects participated in the study: 12 PTs (with professional experience in PTS) and 12 clients/practitioners (PTS users) across various settings (indoor, outdoor, online), of both genders, and of different ages (23 to 79 years). After agreeing to participate, PTs completed a semistructured interview. Data analysis was conducted using Bardin's content analysis technique. The results indicated that motivation is dynamic and influenced by individual, interpersonal, and contextual factors. Elements such as empathic communication, personalized training, and ongoing emotional support were identified as central to fostering intrinsic motivation, commitment, and adherence. PT leadership proved to be a multidimensional construct, integrating technical skills, emotional intelligence, and relational adaptability. The PT's ability to establish interpersonal connections and adjust their communication style was deemed essential. The findings reinforce the importance of the PT's role as a behavioral facilitator and health promoter in personalized physical exercise programs.
Authors: Dioneide Pereira, da Silva, Gertrudes Nunes, de Melo, Diogo Barbosa, de Albuquerque, Iraquitan de, Oliveira Caminha, Glêbia Alexa, Cardoso, Juliana Carla, Mendes de Melo, Tiago José do, Nascimento Caetano, Joel Freires de, Alencar Arrais, António Fernando, Boleto Rosado, Paulo Jorge, Martins
Institutions: University of Lisbon, Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Universidade do Porto, Centro de Investigação em Actividade Física Saúde e Lazer, Universidade Politécnica de Castelo Branco, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7105763983
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: