February 6, 2026
Behavior change is tough. You've made the decision that change is needed in some aspect of your life, but there are challenges that pop up along the way. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the importance of goal setting and behavior change in exercise adherence. He highlights the challenges individuals face in maintaining that change and explores psychological factors that influence these behaviors including self-efficacy, social support, and realistic goal setting in achieving long-term success.
Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS
Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).
Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.
As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
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