Know What Your Customers Want? – 10 Personal Trainer Tips To Inspire And Keep Clients

Whether you’re an established personal trainer or you’re considering a change in careers, there’s never been a better time for the industry. Indeed, the fitness industry is doing so well that it was recently named the fastest growing sector in the UK. And truth be told, working as a personal fitness trainer is a lot like working out. It takes dedication, patience, and the right attitude to succeed. But without a steady customer base, your stint as a trainer will fizzle out in a matter of time. Therefore, it’s up to you to keep them happy. Your clients count on you, so knowing what they expect can help a great deal. Here are 10 personal trainer tips to help you understand what clients want and needfrom you.

1. Make a Great First Impression

As they say, first impressions are everything. How a client perceives you upon meeting you for the first time has a major impact on the longevity of your time together. While chemistry will develop over time, there are a few things you can do to make the best impression possible. Start by watching your body language. Smile, make eye contact and keep your body posture open. Speak in a cheerful tone. Note that this doesn’t mean you have to come across as fake. Just let your excitement for fitness shine through in your words.

2. Remind Clients It’s All About Them

Your clients are going to look to you to lead. On one hand, that’s to be expected. On the other, you’re more or less a catalyst for their own goals. If you notice a client tends to defer to your judgement, remind them that it’s their session. Let them know that you’re here for them and can help them with whatever they want or need. Your first session should revolve around learning your client’s interests and fitness goals. Then, personalise their workout based on their goals — not what you like best.

3. Bust Fitness Myths Early

There are a ton of pervasive myths surrounding fitness. Some of them are even quite dangerous, such as one rumour which suggests that rest days aren’t necessary. Shed some light on these myths as early as you can. Education is a powerful tool and helping clients learn can influence better decision making and a healthier lifestyle.

4. Be Patient

Get ready for one of the best pieces of personal trainer advice we can give: Patience is a virtue. Most clients may not have any prior fitness experience. As a result, they may have a hard time developing a routine or may lose motivation early on. Be patient with your clients and it’ll pay dividends. If you notice a client struggling, take a break and talk about it. Get a sense of what specifically they’re struggling with and set a goal to work on it together. Early workouts should start slow and with low intensity. Only when your client seems comfortable and confident should you focus on longer, more intense workouts.

5. Keep Clients Accountable

Part of helping your clients succeed means expressing some tough love from time to time. One of the best motivators is accountability. If your client skips a workout, for example, don’t let it slide. Talk about it and ask why they missed it. Though you should always be understanding, that doesn’t mean you can’t be firm at the same time. Let them know what missing a workout means for their overall fitness goals and don’t let them get away with poor habits like overeating.

6. See the Person, Not the Money

Of this entire list, this is the simplest personal trainer tip. Yet it’s also the most profoundly impactful. You’re in a special position as a personal trainer. You can help others reach their full potential and reach their goals. But to do so, you’ll need to look at your clients less as a means of lining your pockets and more as people with real hopes and dreams. See the people beyond the goals and don’t be afraid to get invested. A friendly approach will often work better than a strict one.

7. Share Your Own Fitness Story

A lot of your clients may find the idea of working out with a personal trainer intimidating. After all, you’re the expert. Assuaging these fears is quite easy, and can help you bond with your clients. So, what’s the trick? Share your own fitness story. Let them know that even you were a beginner at one point. You’ll bond over shared experiences and your clients will feel more at ease working out with you.

8. Lead by Example

On a similar note, don’t be afraid to lead by example and workout with your clients. Telling them how to do something isn’t always as effective as showing them how to do it. Aside from teaching them the ropes (quite literally, in some cases), you can use this time to teach them about fitness equipment safety. Gym-related injuries are more common than you may think, and something as simple as overexertion — the leading cause of all injuries in gyms — can result in serious injury. Protect your clients by teaching them how to exercise safely, and don’t forget to protect yourself with gym insurance.

9. Encourage Referrals and Reviews

When it comes to how to become a successful personal trainer, it’s impossible to ignore the power of marketing. You’ll need to advertise through social media and your own personal website. But your strongest source of new clients will often come from your clients themselves. Encourage happy clients to go online and review your services and offer a referral bonus. Not only do people trust the opinions of their friends, but most people put an equal amount of trust in online reviews. Build a strong library of reviews and you’ll have more clients in no time.

10. Make Yourself Accessible

A great personal trainer is one that takes a vested interest in their clients. Sometimes that means lending a helping hand, even after business hours. Keeping yourself open and available to answering client questions is a fantastic way to set yourself apart and show your clients that you care about their well-being.

These Personal Trainer Tips Will Help You Better Understand Your Clients

These personal trainer tips will help current and future trainers alike build their business while improving the lives of their clients. Remember, it’s all about the people. Be friendly, keep clients motivated, and use your platform as an educator to help inspire a lifetime of fitness. Looking to protect your blooming new career? Be sure to get a quote and see how affordable insurance can keep your personal training business running smoothly.