One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions people set is to be healthier. Nearly 60% resolve to exercise more, while 54% say they want to eat healthier. Another 48% resolve to lose weight.
Unfortunately, only 9% of Americans successfully keep their goals by the end of the year. Many people fail because they set unrealistic goals, don’t track their progress, or lack help.
As a fitness trainer, keeping your clients motivated to accomplish their goals is important. Motivating clients can help you retain clients, helping you become a successful business owner. Read on to discover how to become a source of motivation for your clients today.
Set SMART Goals
Remember, one of the reasons people don’t accomplish their New Year’s resolutions is that they fail to set attainable goals. Help motivate your clients by encouraging them to set SMART fitness or health goals. SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Timely
For example, perhaps a client wants to lose two pounds a week by adjusting their diet, strength training three times a week, and doing daily cardio. Make sure each goal has a deadline. Then, break your client’s larger goal into smaller, easy-to-achieve benchmarks.
Creating small, easy-to-achieve short-term goals can help keep your clients motivated. They’ll easily see how much they’ve accomplished since becoming your client. Remembering their previous successes can keep them on track to accomplish their long-term goals.
Ensure each goal is accompanied by a key performance indicator (KPI). How will you track your client’s progress along the way? For example, you might track their strength based on how much they can bench press.
Establish Rewards
Continue motivating clients by using positive reinforcement as they accomplish their smaller goals. For example, you can:
- Praise them for a job well done
- Showcase their accomplishments on social media
- Add them to a “wall of fame” at your gym
- Reward them with a free guest pass
Find small ways to reward your clients as they meet certain benchmarks within the set deadline.
If your clients don’t meet their goals, help them recognize why they’re struggling. For example, perhaps they’re not completing workouts or following their diet. Maybe they’re binge eating due to stress.
Recognizing the roadblocks they’re facing can help them make informed changes moving forward.
Create Fitness Challenges
Your clients might not feel motivated if they no longer feel challenged. A competitive factor can make working out fun. It can also give your clients a structure to follow.
Start dividing larger goals into small challenges. The instant gratification they experience by completing smaller tasks will boost their self-confidence. That confidence can empower them to achieve their larger goals.
Track Their Progress
Remember, tracking your client’s progress as they work to accomplish their SMART goals is important. Make it easy for your clients to visualize their progress over time. For example, they can:
- Keep a workout journal
- Take front and side pictures
- Use a tape measure
- Wear a fitness band
- Check body composition
- Perform regular fitness tests
You can use various apps to track your client’s fitness achievements. Show them how far they’ve come since hiring you as their fitness trainer.
If they can’t visualize their progress, they might think they haven’t progressed at all.
Use multiple tracking methods. Sometimes, the scale or tape measure won’t tell the full story. Tracking multiple metrics can give your client a well-rounded picture of their progress over time.
Remain Positive and Patient
Remain upbeat when communicating with your clients. A positive attitude can help them remain positive. Compliment them to keep their drive alive or to boost their self-esteem.
Maintaining a positive attitude will help clients recognize they can accomplish their goals. The hurdles in front of them won’t appear as stressful.
Leverage Social Media
Use social media to continue motivating your clients. For example, you can:
- Share motivational messages
- Showcase client accomplishments
- Create online support groups
- Show progress photos
- Create workout challenges
Your clients are already on social media. Engaging them where they spend most of their time will help you remain at the forefront of their minds.
Remember, many people fail to accomplish their New Year’s resolutions because they forget about their goals. Creating visual reminders on social media can keep your clients on track.
Offer Something New
Try switching up your offerings. If your clients are getting bored, they might not feel motivated to go to the gym. Mixing up their fitness routine can present them with new challenges.
For example, you can earn new certifications to offer new classes. You can explore these group fitness certifications to learn more. Small group training sessions allow clients to motivate one another.
If you’re not sure what to offer your clients, talk to them! Ask them what they’re looking for from your fitness trainer business. Meeting client’s needs and expectations will encourage them to stick with you as their trainer.
You can also bring your clients together by creating a fitness community. For example, your clients can give one another tips through an online forum. Consider holding regular events, creating a Facebook group, or creating a buddy system for new clients.
Success as a Fitness Trainer: Motivate Your Clients Today
Want to become a successful fitness trainer? Learning how to motivate your clients to achieve their goals is essential! Use these tips to keep your clients motivated and, in turn, boost your client retention rate.
Discover how to become a fitness trainer and successful business owner using these tips today!
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