Supporting Physical Activity Lifestyle Change

Apply it! By reading this article, you will learn: • By “coming alongside” the athlete, you will begin to build greater engagement and have the athlete demonstrate greater autonomy toward their change. • To avoid “traps” in the conversation such as the expert trap, question–answer trap, and prematurely fixing without fully understanding the athlete's perception of the challenge. • To use the athlete as the best resource for change strategies—work together to identify action plans that are flexible and based on their readiness to change. • Relapse is a normal part of change; be patient and flexible as the athlete experiences how this feels and build in maintenance strategies to the change plan.