We’ve reached the time of year – for both you and your clients – when the family and social calendar start to fill up fast. So much to do in so little time, right? What tends to be the first thing to go from your client’s weekly routine? Workouts. However, that’s why they have YOU – the trainer – to help keep them focused and on track.
So how do you get your clients on board to kick start their New Year’s Resolutions early, especially during a time of year when they look for every excuse to cancel their session?
First, and probably the simplest way to get refocused is to change up their workout routine. Put together new training focuses and/or exercises that are different from what they might have come to expect. Return to the programming that is engaging and fun such as partner drills with medicine balls. Use slam ball exercises to give your clients a way to work through that holiday stress. Or perhaps shift your sessions to include more time for core training and restorative movements. Grab a yoga mat and a stability ball and train with exercises that improve core strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
You know your clients best – select a “change up” that will suit them with the ultimate goal of providing a new training stimulus that is challenging and refreshing. If clients are excited about coming in to train – they are more likely to prioritize their training session; even during the hustle and bustle.
Another way to change up the routine is to take advantage of the extra space in your facility this time of year. Daily membership check in numbers take a dip this time of year. Use this as an opportunity to take your clients into a new area of the gym.
For example, if you typically train in an open area or “functional training space” because the free weight floor is always crowded – now is the time to get in some great strength training sessions in front of the mirrors. Use this time to really dial in on form and execution. Don’t forget to point out the strength gains your clients have undoubtedly made from all the HIIT and functional training you have been working on together.
On the contrary – maybe you find yourself training on the weight floor because your client might be intimidated by the kettlebells and whistles of the functional training area. This space is likely to be less crowded this time of year as well. Take advantage of the opportunity to take them into a less crowded space to teach functional training fundamentals with battle ropes, kettlebells, and the BOSU.
Don’t let your clients sell you on why they must wait until January to focus on their goals. Remind them that sticking to their fitness routine will not only keep holiday stress down, but also minimize the extra lbs. and regret come January.
