Motivational Profiles In The Context Of Exercise And Health Leadership Aspects And Communication Skills Of Personal Trai

Abstract

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 and Paulo Jorge Martins

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.