With treats plentiful between now and January 1st, your personal trainers have their work cut out for them helping clients avoid the major diet pitfalls of the holiday season.
Ryan Bruggeman, the owner of Genergy Human Performance, a personal training company within Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Tampa Bay, Fla., gave some advice your trainers can utilize to help clients avoid the typical holiday weight gain.
CS: What’s a great way trainers can motivate clients during the holidays?
RB: Give credit for the little things. Holiday shopping may require hours of loaded carrying — this can be a fun way to tackle the task of finding that perfect gift. Encouraging maximal effort in exchange for the ultimate cheat day offers a unique motivational tool. Feel free to dangle this carrot as a trade-off.
CS: What are some things trainers can do to capitalize on New Year’s fitness resolutions?
RB: When motivation is running high, fitness professionals are in high demand. Capitalize on prime time slots by booking in advance. Guaranteeing appointments is a great way [to] increase renewals. Create urgency with early enrollment options at reduced rates. Nobody wants to pay a premium or go on a waiting list to get the trainer or time slot desired.
CS: How should clubs position or utilize their personal trainers around this time of year?
RB: Reflect upon past productivity and make the necessary adjustments. This is a great time of year to work out the kinks while improving the current model. Keep what works, scrap what doesn’t and put new ideas to the test. January 1st brings a fresh start.
CS: How can you best market personal training during the holidays?
RB: Personal training makes a great gift idea. Offering your services to current clients provides them the opportunity save money with referral credits. The scenario basically presents three benefits: The client’s purchase is a gift to the trainer (revenue), a friend or family member gets the gift of health, and the friend or family re-signing for more sessions is a great way to promote referral incentives (free session).
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
