This might apply to other spheres too. Say website design, restaurants, cars, bikes. 

Why do people like a service ? 

I used to think it’s pragmatic programming, picking the right exercises,sticking to the science and being punctual. 

But with every passing year, I am beginning to think body language, personality and how you communicate the things you know are going to matter much more than I imagined. 

Lots of people are going say DUH to this. 

But the bigger point here is it’s incredibly hard to predict why people stick with a training plan or why they like it. 

It’s not just going to be how well thought out the program is. Nor is it going to be just the terrific gym equipment that sells itself. 

Why a training program works will lie at the intersection of pragmatic planning, accessible exercises, right community, camaraderie, openness to being coached, conviction in cultivating a new habit and of course how much you enjoy the pitch and cues from the coach in front of you.

It’s messy why it works and glorious when it works.