How do trainers feel about taking on part-time clients?

[liftnlady]

I can't afford to work with trainers all the time, but I do believe that I can learn a lot from a good one. In the past, I've hired trainers sporadically to help me bust through plateaus, learn new exercises, routines, training ideas, etc.

I would classify myself as an intermediate lifter. Most people I know say I don't need to work with a trainer (not because I am so great but because I don't have any desire to compete, etc.) but I really do like to learn new things and I see a lot of value in working with a trainer on a part-time basis. I liken it to any other hobby or pursuit--playing music, golf, whatever, no one knows everything, so sometimes you would want to take lessons or attend workshops to learn new things...

However, I'm very self-motivated and am willing to push myself so even if I could afford it, I really don't need someone with me all the time.

I'm curious as to whether trainers don't really like to work with clients like me, whether they'd rather just have clients that need their hands held or who have specific sports or competition goals and will therefore buy expensive longer-term packages...

[John Prophet]

I guess all trainers are different. For me, in the end, it has to come down to economics. There are only so many slots available and im not going to keep my bills paid if I have too many people who just want to train a few times and then drop off.

But as I say, all trainers are different. It could come down to the difference between "training" and "working out". If all a trainer wants to do is give someone a good workout for that one session, then they probably dont mind part time people. On the other hand if the trainer actually wants to "train" someone for long term gains etc, then why get involved with someone who will only be there for a few sessions?

From the viewpoint of the trainer, the most hassle is at the beginning with paperwork, getting to know the client, measurements, etc etc....so why go thru all of that hard hassle only to have them drop off quickly?

The alternative would be to just train with the trainer 1x per week. That might be a workable compromise

[liftnlady]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

I guess all trainers are different. For me, in the end, it has to come down to economics. There are only so many slots available and im not going to keep my bills paid if I have too many people who just want to train a few times and then drop off.

But as I say, all trainers are different. It could come down to the difference between "training" and "working out". If all a trainer wants to do is give someone a good workout for that one session, then they probably dont mind part time people. On the other hand if the trainer actually wants to "train" someone for long term gains etc, then why get involved with someone who will only be there for a few sessions?

From the viewpoint of the trainer, the most hassle is at the beginning with paperwork, getting to know the client, measurements, etc etc....so why go thru all of that hard hassle only to have them drop off quickly?

The alternative would be to just train with the trainer 1x per week. That might be a workable compromise

I can see the logic to what you're saying, and I never really thought about it from the trainer's pov much until recently. I'd always read in articles that a great way to bust a plateau or shake up your routine is to hire a trainer for a few sessions, so I thought that was a pretty commonly accepted practice. What I've done in the past is pay for for three, four, or five sessions to be done within two weeks and then go back and do the same thing a few months later.

So it really does seem like you need to make more of a commitment when hiring a trainer, that it's not something you can pick up here and there. Thanks for the feedback.

[NDame616]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

I guess all trainers are different. For me, in the end, it has to come down to economics. There are only so many slots available and im not going to keep my bills paid if I have too many people who just want to train a few times and then drop off.

But as I say, all trainers are different. It could come down to the difference between "training" and "working out". If all a trainer wants to do is give someone a good workout for that one session, then they probably dont mind part time people. On the other hand if the trainer actually wants to "train" someone for long term gains etc, then why get involved with someone who will only be there for a few sessions?

From the viewpoint of the trainer, the most hassle is at the beginning with paperwork, getting to know the client, measurements, etc etc....so why go thru all of that hard hassle only to have them drop off quickly?

The alternative would be to just train with the trainer 1x per week. That might be a workable compromise

Um. Weren't you complaining about how you have zero clients, and weren't you getting liek $20 an hour?

Maybe you should look at it as ANY client you have, regardless of how many times they train with you, is a representative of you and your work. Your clients are your marketing. If you take on a "part time" client (which, there's no such thing) and they look good and lose weight, you might get 2 or 3 new clients because you succeeded at one.

Someone who doesn't have any clients and is barely getting paid for the ones they DO have shouldn't be picking and choosing who they work out with.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by NDame616

Someone who doesn't have any clients and is barely getting paid for the ones they DO have shouldn't be picking and choosing who they work out with.

I totally disagree. I had about 5 clients and was really only happy with 1 because my whole set up was wrong as far as my rates and cancellation policy etc. I definitely needed a fresh start

your logic is like saying "a girl with no boyfriend should just take anything that comes along"


you are not going to make any significant difference in someones appearance in 4-5 sessions


thanks for all the attitude anyway.

[NDame616]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

you are not going to make any significant difference in someones appearance in 4-5 sessions


thanks for all the attitude anyway.

you're welcome.

However..

Say someone buys a five pack. Sees you every Monday for 5 weeks. You take them through one workout and give them a detailed plan as what to do for every week.

This woman loses 12 or so pounds after five weeks. I would think you made a difference in her appearence.....

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by NDame616

you're welcome.

However..

Say someone buys a five pack. Sees you every Monday for 5 weeks. You take them through one workout and give them a detailed plan as what to do for every week.

This woman loses 12 or so pounds after five weeks. I would think you made a difference in her appearence.....

yeah, as I said, seeing them once a week over a certain period might be different because you could still be giving some guiding advice for their overall approach. But as far as like selling someone 6 sessions over 2 weeks when they know ahead of time thats all they are going to do...I barely see the point unless its of course that being seen training them is a form of advertisement. 5-6 sessions and u barely get to know anything about them.

Hey, find me where I ever said I was perfect or where I even say I am very knowledgeable on the subject. Good luck finding me saying that.

On the contrary I have stated MANY times that I am finding my way in the dark as far as PT goes. I fully admit that my ideas and approaches need a lot of tweaking. Yet and still, I am going to state my opinion on these forums because its a great way to learn.

[nickmanzoni]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

yeah, as I said, seeing them once a week over a certain period might be different because you could still be giving some guiding advice for their overall approach. But as far as like selling someone 6 sessions over 2 weeks when they know ahead of time thats all they are going to do...I barely see the point unless its of course that being seen training them is a form of advertisement. 5-6 sessions and u barely get to know anything about them.

Hey, find me where I ever said I was perfect or where I even say I am very knowledgeable on the subject. Good luck finding me saying that.

On the contrary I have stated MANY times that I am finding my way in the dark as far as PT goes. I fully admit that my ideas and approaches need a lot of tweaking. Yet and still, I am going to state my opinion on these forums because its a great way to learn.

I wouldn't give any advice then honestly.

"It is better to remain quiet and thought a fool than to open mouth and remove all doubt." Mark Twain paraphrase.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by nickmanzoni

I wouldn't give any advice then honestly.

"It is better to remain quiet and thought a fool than to open mouth and remove all doubt." Mark Twain paraphrase.

hehe..spoken by someone who is deep in the red. Seems your advice hasnt exactly earned you much pos feedback.

I know, I know, youre 25 and you know everything. Funny, when I was 25 I knew everything too.

[NDame616]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

yeah, as I said, seeing them once a week over a certain period might be different because you could still be giving some guiding advice for their overall approach. But as far as like selling someone 6 sessions over 2 weeks when they know ahead of time thats all they are going to do...I barely see the point unless its of course that being seen training them is a form of advertisement. 5-6 sessions and u barely get to know anything about them.

Barely a point? It's money and experience, isn't it?

Each client and session you take on is a training and learning experience. If you srtart to turn away client because you don't like their dedication level then you're train of thought is bass ackwards.

What is they buy 6 sessions for 2 weeks and decide they actually love you and want to train with you for a year? Or they do their two weeks and tell their rich friend who signs up her and her husband as partner workouts for the next year? You could've lost thousands of dollars in business because you didn't see the point of 6 sessions in a few weeks.

[nickmanzoni]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

hehe..spoken by someone who is deep in the red. Seems your advice hasnt exactly earned you much pos feedback.

I know, I know, youre 25 and you know everything. Funny, when I was 25 I knew everything too.

I could hang out in the misc. all day and attack someone and make fun of their logic and get a green bar next to my internet avatar, or I can give steady advice and not worry about offending someone who is obviously not capable of taking constructive criticism.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by nickmanzoni

I could hang out in the misc. all day and attack someone and make fun of their logic and get a green bar next to my internet avatar, or I can give steady advice and not worry about offending someone who is obviously not capable of taking constructive criticism.

wouldnt know, ive never really hung in the misc. I earned my greens thru 3 years of giving advice etc. Evidently a few people out there disagree with your assessment of me

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by NDame616

Barely a point? It's money and experience, isn't it?

Each client and session you take on is a training and learning experience. If you srtart to turn away client because you don't like their dedication level then you're train of thought is bass ackwards.

What is they buy 6 sessions for 2 weeks and decide they actually love you and want to train with you for a year? Or they do their two weeks and tell their rich friend who signs up her and her husband as partner workouts for the next year? You could've lost thousands of dollars in business because you didn't see the point of 6 sessions in a few weeks.

ok.

[nickmanzoni]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

wouldnt know, ive never really hung in the misc. I earned my greens thru 3 years of giving advice etc. Evidently a few people out there disagree with your assessment of me

Last thing I'm going to say that's addressed to YOU.


you're 40 years old and just a few years ago you decided to become a personal trainer.

I on the other hand am only 25 years old and for the 3 years I've done this I knew from the start this is the life I want to live.

Which one of us is smarter?


P.S. I refer you to your post about not being able to sell an hour session for 20 dollars.

[carl.c]

Liftnlady: Nice job with the body transfermation.
There is nothing wrong with using a trainer for a tune up. One of my freinds is starting to see the light on this style of training in these tough times. Problem with using a trainer for tune ups is motivation. Dosnt look like you have a problem with motivation but many do.

[John Prophet]

Originally Posted by nickmanzoni

Last thing I'm going to say that's addressed to YOU.


you're 40 years old and just a few years ago you decided to become a personal trainer.

I on the other hand am only 25 years old and for the 3 years I've done this I knew from the start this is the life I want to live.

Which one of us is smarter?


P.S. I refer you to your post about not being able to sell an hour session for 20 dollars.

smarter? id ask which of us is an obvious asshat, lol. youd win.

You might not even make it to 40. Save the arrogance for when u get here.

[EMISGOD]

Originally Posted by liftnlady

I can't afford to work with trainers all the time, but I do believe that I can learn a lot from a good one. In the past, I've hired trainers sporadically to help me bust through plateaus, learn new exercises, routines, training ideas, etc.

I would classify myself as an intermediate lifter. Most people I know say I don't need to work with a trainer (not because I am so great but because I don't have any desire to compete, etc.) but I really do like to learn new things and I see a lot of value in working with a trainer on a part-time basis. I liken it to any other hobby or pursuit--playing music, golf, whatever, no one knows everything, so sometimes you would want to take lessons or attend workshops to learn new things...

However, I'm very self-motivated and am willing to push myself so even if I could afford it, I really don't need someone with me all the time.

I'm curious as to whether trainers don't really like to work with clients like me, whether they'd rather just have clients that need their hands held or who have specific sports or competition goals and will therefore buy expensive longer-term packages...

I think John's got a point that all trainers are different. As to me, if you only bought sessions for a couple weeks, which is maybe 5 or 6 of them, I'd probably turn you away unless I knew of a upcoming vacancy. If I didn't turn you away and maybe added you to someone else's training time, if they were willing to share, you'd almost certainly wind up paying a far heftier price.

Think of doctors/hospitals/dentists/mechanics for a second (this is a very simplistic view, but go with it). Most people only go to them only when they have to, which means all those individuals have to charge more so they don't go out of business. As long as you paid the higher price and you were able to fit into the schedule (you couldn't realistically expect to get everything the "regulars" would), then it could be workable.

[jando]

I think it's incredibly foolish for John not to take someone doing a small pack of training like 4 sessions. I've had people buy these packs then like the training and they reupped with 24 sessions a few times. Money is money you shouldn't be limiting yourself when you're struggling to gain clients.

[liftnlady]

Originally Posted by carl.c

Liftnlady: Nice job with the body transfermation.
There is nothing wrong with using a trainer for a tune up. One of my freinds is starting to see the light on this style of training in these tough times. Problem with using a trainer for tune ups is motivation. Dosnt look like you have a problem with motivation but many do.

Thanks Carl! I have worked hard but I still have some work to do, and I do still have a lot to learn. I know I can learn on my own by reading and asking questions and looking at videos, etc., but I definitely believe I can make better/faster progress if I work with a trainer.

Originally Posted by EMISGOD

I think John's got a point that all trainers are different. As to me, if you only bought sessions for a couple weeks, which is maybe 5 or 6 of them, I'd probably turn you away unless I knew of a upcoming vacancy. If I didn't turn you away and maybe added you to someone else's training time, if they were willing to share, you'd almost certainly wind up paying a far heftier price.

Think of doctors/hospitals/dentists/mechanics for a second (this is a very simplistic view, but go with it). Most people only go to them only when they have to, which means all those individuals have to charge more so they don't go out of business. As long as you paid the higher price and you were able to fit into the schedule (you couldn't realistically expect to get everything the "regulars" would), then it could be workable.

We all need to go to doctors and mechanics though; we don't need to go to personal trainers--it's more a luxury I guess to be able to afford that all the time. So maybe personal training is more for the wealthy and I should just forget about it, just like I don't think about mansions, lol.

I don't think I would like doing the once a week thing.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm considering what to do next and it does help. I've liked doing this on and off training when I've been able to find people who would work with me this way, but lately I've been considering making a longer-term commitment to help me learn more exercises and become more confident in designing my own routines, etc. But I'm afraid of the opposite occuring and becoming dependent on a trainer, and that's something I definitely can't afford...

[EMISGOD]

Originally Posted by liftnlady

Thanks Carl! I have worked hard but I still have some work to do, and I do still have a lot to learn. I know I can learn on my own by reading and asking questions and looking at videos, etc., but I definitely believe I can make better/faster progress if I work with a trainer.

So why don't you just get one and stick with it a while?

We all need to go to doctors and mechanics though;

Do we? I'm afraid you're missing the point here. I haven't been to most of those people I mentioned in years and the only time I went was when something was over my head and beyond my ability to fix, which is the exact reason I used that analogy here. People only go to trainers if they think their situation is beyond their ability to fix themselves. You could extend this to plumbers and HVAC people also...

we don't need to go to personal trainers--it's more a luxury I guess to be able to afford that all the time. So maybe personal training is more for the wealthy and I should just forget about it, just like I don't think about mansions, lol.

Let's think this through. Cars are a luxury as well, which, by extension, makes mechanics a luxury. Does everyone need to go to a personal trainer? Of course not. Does another mechanic need to go to a mechanic? In some cases, though, it makes sense for them to do so, which is why you see some trainers being themselves trained. Your commentary almost seems to me like you're trying to have your cake and eat it, too. You want a service, but you don't need the full service, so you want only part of it, but it takes up the time of the full service, but since you only want part of it, you think you should only be paying for the part that you want...I'm not saying you're wrong or that no one will ever work with you on this, but there's the other side of the equation to consider and having your mind be more definite would probably be of some help here.

I don't think I would like doing the once a week thing.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm considering what to do next and it does help. I've liked doing this on and off training when I've been able to find people who would work with me this way, but lately I've been considering making a longer-term commitment to help me learn more exercises and become more confident in designing my own routines, etc. But I'm afraid of the opposite occuring and becoming dependent on a trainer, and that's something I definitely can't afford...

You might consider online training. I personally don't think much of it, but a lot of people seem to be interested in trying it.

Also, there is no such thing as becoming dependent on a trainer, at least not a good one. Trainers, in fact, should be training you so that, unless you're getting into really specialized stuff (such as high level athletics or competitive bodybuilding), you never need a trainer, unless it's to provide you with a kick in the ass.

[EMISGOD]

Originally Posted by jando

I think it's incredibly foolish for John not to take someone doing a small pack of training like 4 sessions. I've had people buy these packs then like the training and they reupped with 24 sessions a few times. Money is money you shouldn't be limiting yourself when you're struggling to gain clients.

Let's not worry about what John is or isn't doing or what he should or shouldn't be doing, unless we're going to make a separate thread for it. This thread is about the particular poster asking a question which will come up fairly frequently for trainers and this may be helpful in finding a way to answer it when confronted with it...

[John Prophet]

I was speaking more theoretically....I dont think ive actually turned away much business. As a matter of fact I havent really sold many "packages" per se....ive pretty much taken people on a week by week basis.

one lady I took where she paid me for like 2 sessions. At the end of the first session she was like "you've sold me" and she supposedly was going to do more but then she fell by the wayside after maybe 3-4 sessions, lol.

The only time I can think that ive turned down buziness was a like 2 weeks ago. This guy that I know in the gym was deadlifting. His form was atrocious. I helped him and in like 5 minutes his form was 90% there. He asked if I ever did single sessions to just teach certain lifts etc. I just sort of jokingly blew it off. Id already approached him about training before.

My reaction against "short term" clients is more based on the fact that so far thats what ive BEEN doing, lol. I have just been taking people on more of a day-by-day basis as opposed to selling certain packages. So to me, selling 5 sessions isnt much different than what ive been doing (which hasnt worked so well so far)

[liftnlady]

Originally Posted by EMISGOD

So why don't you just get one and stick with it a while?

Also, there is no such thing as becoming dependent on a trainer, at least not a good one. Trainers, in fact, should be training you so that, unless you're getting into really specialized stuff (such as high level athletics or competitive bodybuilding), you never need a trainer, unless it's to provide you with a kick in the ass.

How long do you need to stick with it in order to learn enough to not ever need a trainer though? That's what I'm sort of confused about.

Thanks for your thoughtful response. It totally makes sense. Because I have been training a couple of years and don't have any really specialized goals, that may be why my friends and family are saying I don't need to work with a trainer. It may be that it makes no sense for me to be doing this at the intermediate level...

I'm really not trying to rip anyone off or have my cake and eat it too; I honestly thought that what I was attempting to do was acceptable.

But I can see where it might not be financially or professionally beneficial for most trainers to work with someone who isn't committing longer term.

I suppose I need to back up and write down my overall goals and what I hope to get out of working with a trainer at this point. Then I can make a decision about whether it makes sense to commit more substantially to it.

[jando]

Originally Posted by John Prophet

I was speaking more theoretically....I dont think ive actually turned away much business. As a matter of fact I havent really sold many "packages" per se....ive pretty much taken people on a week by week basis.

one lady I took where she paid me for like 2 sessions. At the end of the first session she was like "you've sold me" and she supposedly was going to do more but then she fell by the wayside after maybe 3-4 sessions, lol.

The only time I can think that ive turned down buziness was a like 2 weeks ago. This guy that I know in the gym was deadlifting. His form was atrocious. I helped him and in like 5 minutes his form was 90% there. He asked if I ever did single sessions to just teach certain lifts etc. I just sort of jokingly blew it off. Id already approached him about training before.

My reaction against "short term" clients is more based on the fact that so far thats what ive BEEN doing, lol. I have just been taking people on more of a day-by-day basis as opposed to selling certain packages. So to me, selling 5 sessions isnt much different than what ive been doing (which hasnt worked so well so far)

I wouldn't do single sessions but I would sell packages with price breaks that give incentives for larger packages if you don't already.

[carl.c]

Theres nothing wrong with hiring a trainer to evaluate your program and form.
So long as you use the same trainer for your tune ups they should'nt have any trouble with it.
Exceptions would be trying new things like stability ball training, kettle ball, and other specialty programs, no one trainer know everything.
Exsept for me

[EMISGOD]

Originally Posted by liftnlady

How long do you need to stick with it in order to learn enough to not ever need a trainer though? That's what I'm sort of confused about.

It depends entirely on the person being trained and, to a much lesser extent, the trainer. What I mean by this is a person who is interested and dedicated to reaching their goals, whatever they may be, will be researching things on their own or taking a cue from whatever the trainer says, rather than letting the trainer come up with everything. As your knowledge increases, the necessity of a trainer decreases. The fastest I've ever seen anyone do this was about 3 months. Typically, 6 -12 months was where the majority who were so inclined fell. Some, of course, don't want to be bothered with doing it on their own and just want to be trained...

Thanks for your thoughtful response. It totally makes sense. Because I have been training a couple of years and don't have any really specialized goals, that may be why my friends and family are saying I don't need to work with a trainer. It may be that it makes no sense for me to be doing this at the intermediate level...

Choosing a goal is one of the most undersung but critical aspects of training. With all due regards to oversimplification, I'd say that if you don't have some kind of goal in mind, you're probably just floundering...

I suppose I need to back up and write down my overall goals and what I hope to get out of working with a trainer at this point. Then I can make a decision about whether it makes sense to commit more substantially to it.

This is definitely the best course of action. There are tons of people on these Forums that will be happy to take your money and train you via email, but once you get a direction in mind, much of the rest will fall into place...

[liftnlady]

Originally Posted by EMISGOD

It depends entirely on the person being trained and, to a much lesser extent, the trainer. What I mean by this is a person who is interested and dedicated to reaching their goals, whatever they may be, will be researching things on their own or taking a cue from whatever the trainer says, rather than letting the trainer come up with everything. As your knowledge increases, the necessity of a trainer decreases. The fastest I've ever seen anyone do this was about 3 months. Typically, 6 -12 months was where the majority who were so inclined fell. Some, of course, don't want to be bothered with doing it on their own and just want to be trained...



Choosing a goal is one of the most undersung but critical aspects of training. With all due regards to oversimplification, I'd say that if you don't have some kind of goal in mind, you're probably just floundering...



This is definitely the best course of action. There are tons of people on these Forums that will be happy to take your money and train you via email, but once you get a direction in mind, much of the rest will fall into place...

You sound like an excellent trainer. Thanks for all your feedback--I'm glad I posted this question today as it's helped me to think this through more.

[Spiceygamble]

I wonder in some cases, if the type of training being offered would have a greater influence on the scheduling.

For example, if you're training a competing athlete or an obese individual, wouldn't you encourage a more consistent "package" from them?
Whereas if you were focusing on teaching Yoga or a specialty dance... perhaps there could be a more flexible attendance?
I'm just speculating on the matter & any input is appreciated. I understand the bulk of trainers are going to aim for a regular client over a here & there one... but wouldn't both still count, in their own right?

I see it as long term & short term business. You want to aim for long term clients, but you never want to reject those little filler clients, if you can help it.

...my 2 cents...

[liftnlady]

In going back through the thread, I read about 4 people saying short-term, part-time, (whatever you want to call it) is fine with them b/c it can bring more sessions or referrals. Two people were against the idea, and a few posted without really saying one way or the other. So from this limited sample, it seems like more trainers are interested in doing this type of training than aren't.

To be honest, it seems like a win-win b/c you have a motivated client who will possibly bring you referrals and who will hopefully make you look good b/c they are applying what you taught them.

I wouldn't use single sessions since it doesn't seem like you'd get much out of that. In one gym I went to, the least you could buy was packages of 5 1/2 hour sessions. I did a few of those as a newbie and found them really helpful. If I had been told I had to buy 10 or 20 sessions at a time, I probably would have forgone the training. But in the end, I purchased 15 from the same trainer over the course of several months. I learned tons and was really happy with my results. I would refer him to people if they were looking for someone at that gym.

I always tell people I think trainers are worth it if you can afford it. But what I have gotten from this thread is that as you progress you really need to be clear on what your purpose for hiring a trainer is. As a newbie, I had so much to learn and so much weight to lose that that part was easy.

[mitchFCB]

As far as im concerned, my week is never too full in terms of clients and sessions... especially when allowing for me on average 5-10 cancellations every week. In saying that lots of trainers wont take on part-time clients, for their own reasons, so totally depends on the trainer. Shouldnt have trouble in finding a good one who will be happy to train part-timers.