How should trainers keep in contact with clients outside the gym? These days personal trainers are much more than exercise coaches. They are motivational specialists, part time orthopedic specialists, wellness coaches and nutritionists. In order for them to meet all the expectations a client has, trainers need to be well versed in efficient communication.
Staying in contact with clients between sessions is important. We find that the following methods are good ways to keep in touch with clients:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Texts
- Software that monitors workouts (i.e. Fit Pro)
- Social Media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest)
Now when it comes to contacting clients out of the session hour, trainers need to be careful and professional about how they communicate. When clients receive a message from a trainer, they need to understand that this is a professional communication, not a personal message (trainers should state that in their initial meeting with clients). In regards to social media, trainers should get permission to visit clients’ Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest pages. Communicated content should be kept restricted to dietary subjects, pre/post workout nutrition, how a client feels physically and motivational statements to help clients on their own workouts.
Other great ways trainer can communicate with clients is by posting messages to a group. This method motivates and encourages people, while maintaining a professional distance. Sending out group texts to encourage workouts or tell clients what their workout should be for that day is a great idea. Posting motivational quotes on Twitter or motivating videos on Facebook is another really good idea.
Trainers need to remember that even though the session ends, they are ultimately responsible for getting clients to their goals. So if they need to spend a little extra time following up with their clients, the results are worth it — a happy and satisfied client!
Vic Spatola is the Director of Personal Training for Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club in Greenwood Village, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Contact him at vics@greenwoodatc.com.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
