Yes, We Can: Use Positive Cueing
“Don’t let your knees cave in!” “Stop rounding your back!” “Don’t hold your breath!”
Sound familiar? Most trainers use negative cues constantly. But your brain doesn’t process “don’t” very well.
Here’s why positive cueing works better and how to master it.
The Science of Negative Commands
Brain Processing Issues
When you hear “don’t think of a pink elephant,” what happens? You think of a pink elephant.
Your brain has to imagine the action before it can avoid it. This creates confusion and poor movement.
Stress Response
Negative commands trigger fight-or-flight response. Muscles tense. Movement becomes rigid.
Focus Problems
“Don’t do X” doesn’t tell someone what TO do. Leaves them guessing.
How Positive Cueing Works
Clear Direction
“Drive through your heels” is clearer than “don’t come up on your toes.”
Confidence Building
Positive language builds confidence. Negative language creates doubt.
Better Movement Quality
Brain focuses on correct movement pattern instead of avoiding wrong one.
Reduced Anxiety
Positive cues feel supportive, not critical.
The Melbourne Training Environment
Our personal trainers across Melbourne work with diverse populations. From South Melbourne professionals to St Kilda athletes.
Positive cueing works universally. But it’s especially important with beginners and anxious clients.
Common Negative Cues and Better Alternatives
Squat Technique
❌ “Don’t let your knees cave in”
✅ “Drive your knees out over your toes”
❌ “Don’t lean forward”
✅ “Keep your chest proud and tall”
❌ “Don’t come up on your toes”
✅ “Press through your heels”
Deadlift Form
❌ “Don’t round your back”
✅ “Lift your chest and pull your shoulders back”
❌ “Don’t let the bar drift away”
✅ “Keep the bar close to your body”
❌ “Don’t use your back”
✅ “Drive through your hips”
Push-Up Positioning
❌ “Don’t sag your hips”
✅ “Make a straight line from head to heels”
❌ “Don’t flare your elbows”
✅ “Keep your elbows at 45 degrees”
The Prahran Professional Approach
Busy professionals respond well to clear, positive direction. They want to know exactly what to do.
Negative cues waste time and create frustration. Positive cues get results faster.
Internal vs External Cues
Internal Cues
Focus on body parts and muscles. “Squeeze your glutes” or “engage your core.”
External Cues
Focus on movement outcome or environment. “Push the floor away” or “reach for the ceiling.”
Research shows external cues often work better for movement quality and power output.
Positive Cueing for Different Populations
Beginners
Need lots of encouragement and clear direction. Positive cues build confidence.
“Great job keeping your chest up!” works better than “Stop looking down.”
Athletes
Respond to performance-focused positive cues. “Explode through your hips” for power development.
NDIS Participants
Positive cueing especially important. Focus on abilities, not limitations.
“Move within your comfortable range” instead of “Don’t push too hard.”
Seniors
Confidence is crucial. Positive cues reduce fear and improve movement quality.
“Feel strong and stable” rather than “Don’t fall.”
The Port Melbourne Waterfront Training
Outdoor training environments benefit from positive cueing. Distractions are everywhere.
Clear, positive direction helps maintain focus on movement quality.
Building Your Positive Cueing Vocabulary
Power Words
- Drive
- Press
- Reach
- Lift
- Squeeze
- Engage
- Feel
- Create
Descriptive Phrases
- “Strong and stable”
- “Tall and proud”
- “Smooth and controlled”
- “Powerful and explosive”
Action-Oriented Language
- “Push the floor away”
- “Reach for the sky”
- “Drive through your heels”
- “Pull your shoulders back”
Timing Your Cues
Pre-Movement
Set up success before they start. “Remember to keep your chest proud.”
During Movement
Quick, positive reminders. “Drive those knees out!”
Post-Movement
Positive reinforcement. “Perfect! I loved how you kept your core tight.”
The Williamstown Family Approach
Training families requires positive cueing for all ages. Kids especially respond to encouraging language.
“Make yourself tall like a superhero” works better than “Don’t slouch.”
Mobile Personal Training Applications
Home environments can be distracting. Positive cues help maintain focus.
Clients feel more comfortable with encouraging rather than critical language in their own space.
Correcting Mistakes Positively
The Sandwich Method
Positive observation + correction + positive reinforcement.
“Great depth on that squat! Next time, try driving through your heels. Your form is really improving!”
Focus on Progress
“That’s much better than last week!” instead of “You’re still doing it wrong.”
Solution-Oriented
“Let’s try this adjustment” rather than “That’s incorrect.”
Cultural Considerations
Different Communication Styles
Some cultures respond better to direct instruction. Others prefer gentle guidance.
Language Barriers
Simple, positive cues work better when English isn’t first language.
Confidence Levels
Adjust cueing style based on individual personality and confidence.
The Neuroscience Behind Positive Cueing
Motor Learning
Positive cues enhance motor learning and skill acquisition.
Attention Focus
External, positive cues improve movement efficiency and power output.
Stress Reduction
Positive language reduces cortisol and improves performance.
Memory Formation
Positive experiences create stronger movement memories.
Common Cueing Mistakes
Too Many Cues
Overwhelming clients with multiple instructions. Focus on one key point.
Technical Jargon
Using complex anatomical terms. Keep language simple and relatable.
Inconsistent Cueing
Changing cues constantly. Find what works and stick with it.
Ignoring Individual Differences
Same cue doesn’t work for everyone. Adapt to individual needs.
Building Cueing Skills
Practice Sessions
Role-play with other trainers. Practice positive cueing in low-pressure environment.
Video Analysis
Record yourself training clients. Analyze your cueing patterns.
Client Feedback
Ask clients which cues help them most. Adjust based on their responses.
Continuing Education
Attend workshops on communication and coaching skills.
The Emotional Impact
Confidence Building
Positive cues make clients feel capable and strong.
Enjoyment Factor
Encouraging language makes workouts more enjoyable.
Long-Term Adherence
Clients stick with trainers who make them feel good about themselves.
Self-Efficacy
Positive cueing builds belief in their ability to improve.
Technology and Cueing
Video Demonstrations
Show correct movement with positive narration.
Audio Cues
Pre-recorded positive cues for independent workouts.
Apps and Wearables
Positive feedback through technology platforms.
Measuring Cueing Effectiveness
Movement Quality
Does positive cueing improve technique faster?
Client Confidence
Are clients more willing to try challenging exercises?
Session Enjoyment
Do clients report higher satisfaction with positive cueing?
Retention Rates
Do clients stay longer with positive coaching approaches?
Your Positive Cueing Action Plan
- Audit your current cueing language
- Identify common negative cues you use
- Develop positive alternatives for each
- Practice new cues with willing clients
- Ask for feedback on cueing effectiveness
- Refine based on individual responses
- Make positive cueing your default approach
The Ripple Effect
Positive cueing doesn’t just improve movement. It builds confidence that extends beyond the gym.
Clients carry that positive energy into other areas of life.
Getting Started
Want to improve your coaching communication? Book a consultation to discuss effective cueing strategies.
Our experienced trainers can share what works with different client types.
Looking to enhance your training skills? Our services include coaching development for fitness professionals. Or experience positive cueing firsthand in our 6-week reset program where encouragement and clear direction drive results.