Goal Digging in 2016

There is no denying that in the fitness industry, the start of the New Year is a very exciting time. With the excitement, however, comes new expectations and a lot of added pressure. As fitness professionals, this is the time of year we have to be extremely prepared for.

January always brings an influx of new members and potential new training clients. We must work hard to show value in our personal training and paid group programming, so that people will make a commitment to their health and fitness and invest in our services.

Clubs across the country begin promoting their training programs in November and December by offering discounted rates and gift cards for members to purchase during the holidays. The first quarter is typically the busiest and best time to service promoted sessions, sell new training, and ultimately try and obtain long-term clientele.

Many people who embark on their fitness journey at the start of the New Year have vague goals and are probably not fully committed to the services provided by your club.

Above all, personal trainers must know the importance of communicating fitness goals clearly with potential and existing clients. In order for members to see value in your services, they need to be able to picture a goal and have confidence that the fitness professionals and programming within your health club will help them reach that goal.

Communicating and goal setting is the key to not just gaining, but retaining clientele. Showing a true interest in their needs and setting realistic, attainable goals builds a strong rapport and establishes self-efficacy with personal training clientele right off the bat.

Once goals are established, trainers need to provide their clients with the right tools to facilitate a positive experience and ultimately produce results. Creating positive experiences and results will always generate revenue, because your clients will want to keep coming back for more.

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Brittany Horton is the personal training manager at The Club Fitness Centers. For questions on programming she can be reached at brittany@theclubms.com.