Perception, value and inspiration can be the building blocks of commitment through the lenses of potential personal training clients. However, those ideals can take time to be digested from a prospect. Some may take longer to step into a training program in comparison to others, and that’s OK.
Offering short-term training experiences can significantly highlight your unique training protocols and the victories they can produce, while also capturing the attention of those who require the motivation that is necessary to understand that healthy happens when commitment comes with a coach.
We want individualized programming to be long-term for the purpose of longevity from our standpoint and the quality of results for our clients.
At the same time, offering the opportunity for people to test-drive your services can build the foundations for attachment to the process of success. Additionally, it exposes them to the enjoyment that can be received in your training program.
A paid, one-month training experience can offer insight to create an understanding of the totality of the experience you offer. Many come in thinking the value of what they pay for only resides in the hour they are with a coach. We can over-deliver through many other aspects of coaching.
When you have a person in a short-term training experience, follow up with them and encourage them with resources outside of your sessions, like you would for any other client. Send them educational articles related to their goals, mail a letter telling them how much you enjoy witnessing their efforts, and don’t shy away from hi-fives.
Introduce them to long-term clients of your facility to create relationships and reinforce your already established community. Also, gather and assess their stats for both performance and composition to celebrate results.
Showcasing all of what your training programming encompasses through the short term will create a long-term client, and maintaining that standard for the long-term can change their life.
With this in mind, consider offering trial training experiences in an effort to create long-term clients.
Ethan Smoorenburg is a regional director for three Anytime Fitness locations in South Louisiana.
