January is fast approaching…a critical time of year for fitness and weight loss facilities. It is when thousands of potential customers are looking in the mirror and making the resolution to lose weight and get in shape. So, what are you doing to capitalize on this sudden interest? What can you offer that will keep them coming back after the initial motivation has waned?
The answer is Metabolic Testing!
Metabolic testing uses oxygen consumption measured through a short breathing test to determine precisely how many calories a client burns at rest. This is referred to as Resting Metabolic Rate, or RMR. RMR can provide the basis for a weight loss program that is leading edge to attract clients, yet based on sound, scientific principles.
Easy to Market
Metabolism is the current buzzword in the weight loss industry. Just look at the magazine covers at the supermarket checkout! Most overweight people (especially women) are convinced they have a slow metabolism. Advertise a way to actually test it, and they will line up around the block to have it done!
The prospective weight loss client is frequently someone who has “been around the block.” They’ve tried other diets before and they are skeptical. Individualized metabolic testing offers something that no one else in the marketplace can offer them: Real answers based on their own unique bodies, showing how their own metabolism has frustrated their weight loss efforts in the past, and what they can do to be successful this time.
With Metabolic Testing, you can add more “punch” to your existing marketing budget. It adds something new and exciting for your mailers and ads. A banner hung outside of your facility, a table tent display at the local pharmacy, or posters strategically placed at the grocery store can all help entice potential customers to come to your facility for metabolic testing. The service will sell itself…you just have to get the word out!
Keeps Clients Coming Back
Once you test a client, you will want to encourage them to come back for re-testing every month. Any change in caloric intake can alter their RMR. These changes are often the cause for the dreaded weight loss plateau. With regular re-testing, your staff will be able to detect and adjust for changes to their metabolism. This is vital during the maintenance phase. Clients should be tested monthly for at least six months after reaching their goal weight. As clients experience success, they are less intimidated by exercise. As they drop weight, their exercise routine becomes more comfortable. Their changing body image helps them feel more confident in the club setting. And they will also have built a relationship with your staff that will help them feel supported and welcome in your facility.
Easy to Implement
Recent advances in metabolic testing have made it simple enough for anyone to operate the equipment. With just a few minutes of training, even your receptionist will be able to administer a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test. This means that you can implement this program utilizing your existing staff. And regardless of your staff turnover, the program will continue.
Survives Diet Trends
One thing holds true in weight management and that is energy balance…you have to burn more than you consume. Metabolic testing shows a person exactly how their own body can do that. So, no matter what currently popular diet strategy a client may want to try, metabolic testing will still apply. And when the next diet craze comes around, your investment won’t be obsolete. Metabolic testing will complement any diet the media throws your way.
Offers Return on your Investment Most markets report that clientele are willing to pay a minimum of $40 per test, with some markets charging as much as $90. Most systems will pay for themselves with the first 60 tests. When was the last time you had a piece of equipment that actually paid for itself?
Metabolic testing can give you something new and exciting to offer for the New Year! It will elevate the status of your facility with leading-edge technology. You can offer a program that is not only the latest and greatest, but also be confident you are offering something that is proven to work, permanently. And results like that will win you customers for life!
Scott Kofoed, Ph.D is the CEO of KORR Medical Technologies. He can be contacted at 800.895.4048, or by email at scott.kofoed@korr.com.
