Offering free body fat analysis a good idea?

[notgumbel]

I was wondering about offering a free body fat analysis, once I get my PT cert, just to get some contacts & tell them a little about the programs I'll be offering.

Good/bad idea?

[W.Chapman]

Originally Posted by notgumbel

I was wondering about offering a free body fat analysis, once I get my PT cert, just to get some contacts & tell them a little about the programs I'll be offering.

Good/bad idea?

It really depends on how you do it. I thought about that at one time but was afraid I would get everyone in the gym wanting it done with no intention of hiring me.

[askthetrainer]

Originally Posted by notgumbel

I was wondering about offering a free body fat analysis, once I get my PT cert, just to get some contacts & tell them a little about the programs I'll be offering.

Good/bad idea?

Whether it's a good or bad idea depends on whether it works or not in your setting. Give it a try.

I have seen many trainers at gyms set up booths offering free body fat tests but they are like annoying salesman grabbing people as they walk in... If you can post fliers in the locker room explaining the test and catch people on their way out it may work better...

[notgumbel]

Actually it wouldn't be done in conjunction with a gym, as I'm going to try being solo at first.

The gym I attend already offers something similar, which is where I got the idea

[broad.stance]

Originally Posted by notgumbel

Actually it wouldn't be done in conjunction with a gym, as I'm going to try being solo at first.

The gym I attend already offers something similar, which is where I got the idea

Body fat analysis is generally a good idea; it's one of those mysterious fitness things normal people off the street don't know how to measure themselves. But it depends on the approach. I've seen some trainers focus so much on heath risks the potential client can't think of anything but death, and others go the positive route and inform people of everyday methods to lower or keep their body fat in a healthy range.

Not everyone is as interested in their body composition (as they should be), so you could also offer quick assessments on overall strength or endurance. A toddler-wrangling father might be concerned with his energy levels, and a direct assessment can be more appealing. Also, strength and CV tests will give people an idea of your training style, and with many, administration and consultation take the same amount of time as body fat analysis.

[hublife]

Originally Posted by broad.stance

Body fat analysis is generally a good idea; it's one of those mysterious fitness things normal people off the street don't know how to measure themselves. But it depends on the approach. I've seen some trainers focus so much on heath risks the potential client can't think of anything but death, and others go the positive route and inform people of everyday methods to lower or keep their body fat in a healthy range.

Not everyone is as interested in their body composition (as they should be), so you could also offer quick assessments on overall strength or endurance. A toddler-wrangling father might be concerned with his energy levels, and a direct assessment can be more appealing. Also, strength and CV tests will give people an idea of your training style, and with many, administration and consultation take the same amount of time as body fat analysis.

Solid advice. Most fat people KNOW they are fat. To what degree they are fat usually doesn't matter.

[notgumbel]

Originally Posted by hublife

Most fat people KNOW they are fat. To what degree they are fat usually doesn't matter.

The main reason I'd offer it is to get attention of potential clients - otherwise completely agree. For obese clients I'd typically just do tape measurements and check progress in those areas.

[hublife]

Originally Posted by notgumbel

The main reason I'd offer it is to get attention of potential clients - otherwise completely agree. For obese clients I'd typically just do tape measurements and check progress in those areas.

Tanita scale > caliper body fat

Not because it's accurate but because it creates curiosity. Plus it's less invasive than grabbing hold of some womans back fat. I used to do both but not anymore. Now I just use the Tanita and do tape measure. Unless of course I have a client that is in phenomenal shape and wants an accurate bf%.

The whole premise of doing a body fat station is good though. I think the best thing you can do is just chat with everyone at the gym. Workout near them etc... Find your niche.

I noticed you're 44yrs old. I'm not sure if you're in good shape or not but men love to talk with men their own age. I bet if you just focused on enrolling and marketing to men your own age by touting yourself as an "Expert" of the 40+ male community you would have more clients than you knew what to do with. Just my .02

[jules_d1]

It CAN be useful but its what you do after it.

Its really important to show people how you can help them once they find out they truly are fat.


You create a problem = they realise they are overweight

You provide a solution = training with you. but you gotta make them feel like training with you and the ONLY answer.

[cris_queens]

Originally Posted by notgumbel

I was wondering about offering a free body fat analysis, once I get my PT cert, just to get some contacts & tell them a little about the programs I'll be offering.

Good/bad idea?

thats a great idea.. you have to make an impression and build clientele.....you have to convince the client that the service is worth more than the money....try it out no harm done.

[notgumbel]

Originally Posted by jules_d1

It CAN be useful but its what you do after it.

Its really important to show people how you can help them once they find out they truly are fat.


You create a problem = they realise they are overweight

You provide a solution = training with you. but you gotta make them feel like training with you and the ONLY answer.

^^ this is what I'm going for, very succinctly stated.

Originally Posted by hublife

I noticed you're 44yrs old. I'm not sure if you're in good shape or not but men love to talk with men their own age. I bet if you just focused on enrolling and marketing to men your own age by touting yourself as an "Expert" of the 40+ male community you would have more clients than you knew what to do with. Just my .02

I'm not in great shape compared to many ... but I am when compared to where I was 2 years ago. If i'm this age, and can show that I've lost fat & gained muscle, then that's a selling point. The 40+ expert is a great suggestion!

[trance__dreamer]

Originally Posted by jules_d1

It CAN be useful but its what you do after it.

Its really important to show people how you can help them once they find out they truly are fat.

yea man. i'm hopin' my before pics will do this. =) my embarassing past is gunna help me make a shit-ton of moolah. $$$ all of my group fitness participants are completely blown away whwn they see it. they're like "=O =O =O!!!!!!!!!! wtf ... it looks NOTHIN' like ya! =S =S =S"

You create a problem = they realise they are overweight

You provide a solution = training with you. but you gotta make them feel like training with you is the ONLY answer.

/agreed. we're very sneaky like this; eh?

[andrew_stine]

good idea...gets you a one on one with the potential client and is your chance to sell yourself

[notgumbel]

Originally Posted by hublife

Tanita scale > caliper body fat

Not because it's accurate but because it creates curiosity. Plus it's less invasive than grabbing hold of some womans back fat. I used to do both but not anymore. Now I just use the Tanita and do tape measure.

Which Tanita do you use?

I had seen a few Omron models on Amazon that had 6 points of contact (2 for hands, 4 for feet) & they seemed better reviewed than those with contact on just hands or feet.