AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The stage of behavior change characterized by individuals who are unmotivated and resistant is known as Pre-contemplation. In this stage, individuals typically have little to no awareness of their problematic behavior or the need for change. They may not even recognize that their behaviors are detrimental to their health or well-being. This lack of insight often leads to resistance to change, as they do not perceive any issues that need addressing.

Understanding the nuances between different stages of behavior change can be crucial for personal trainers when developing strategies to support clients. In Pre-contemplation, the focus might need to be on raising awareness, providing education, and building rapport to help clients see the possibility and benefits of making a change.

The other stages—Contemplation, Preparation, and Maintenance—feature varying degrees of motivation and readiness for change. People in those stages are generally more open to discussing their behaviors and can recognize the need for change, which separates them from those in Pre-contemplation.