Frameworks Episode 14 Recap: The Secret to Long-Term Client Results
Frameworks with Carl Hardwick | CoachRx Podcast Network
Last week in Frameworks, we broke down how every training session must deliver the right stimulus to create the right adaptation. But even the smartest program falls apart if a client can’t show up, follow through, or sustain the effort outside the gym. That’s why this week, we’re shifting the focus from the whiteboard to real life.
We’re talking about why the habit is the goal, not the macro, the supplement, or the perfect routine. You’ll walk away with a practical, step-by-step approach to coaching lifestyle and nutrition changes that actually stick.
This episode is part 2 of a 3 part series and also a free guide I have created for you to go deeper on the 3 Frameworks I believe every coach needs. You can get the free guide here.
The Problem with “Perfect Plans”
Most lifestyle and nutrition coaching fails because it’s built on prescription, not behavior change.
Great coaching starts with one question:“Will this stick?”
If the answer is no, it’s just noise.
Your role isn’t to deliver the perfect spreadsheet, it’s to guide your client toward the next right action and help them turn it into a repeatable behavior.
The Habit Coaching Framework
1. Start with Behavior, Not Outcome
Don’t lead with the finish line (“200g protein/day” or “10% body fat”).
Lead with actions they can repeat this week, this month, and this year.
Examples:
Drink 16oz of water with salt and lemon upon waking
Take a 10-minute walk after lunch
Eat protein with every meal
Shut down screens 30 minutes before bed
2. Coach the Why, Teach the Principle
Habits stick when people understand why they matter.
If you’re asking a client to eat protein at every meal, explain how it supports muscle repair, satiety, and recovery.
Understanding → buy-in → sustainability.
3. Progress Habits Like Training
Habits grow the same way strength does, through intentional progression.
Volume = frequency (how often they do it)
Intensity = difficulty of implementation
Recovery = how many habits they work on at once
Example progression:
Week 1: Walk after 1 meal/day
Week 2: Walk after 2 meals/day
Week 4: Walk after every meal + a longer weekend walk
Application in the Real World
Habit stacking: attach new habits to existing routines to make them easier to remember and execute.
Fit to lifestyle: always ask if a habit makes sense for their current season before assigning it.
CoachRx Lifestyle Calendar: a tool to visually track and progress behavior-based goals.
The Bottom Line
If you want long-term results, stop trying to be a perfect planner.
Be a habit architect.
One small, winnable behavior at a time.
The more your client succeeds, the more they’ll believe change is possible.
That’s how you build momentum.
That’s how you build trust.
That’s why you coach habits.
Listen to Episode 14 Now
▶️ Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify
📖 Catch up on past episodes + blog recaps
Have questions? DM Carl on Instagram @hardwickcarl
Frameworks is part of the CoachRx Podcast Network, your hub for principled, purpose-driven coaching conversations.
For more shows, visit: coachrx.app/podcast-network
Stay ahead of the curve and provide the best for your clients with CoachRx.
