client orientations?

[ryanpenne]

Im a newer personal trainer and have been doing quite a bit of orientations for our newer gym members. Basically just talking about their goals and showing them the equipment. The main goal is to get them comfortable at the gym, but we also try to show them how personal training can be helpful. I'ts been difficult getting clients excited, especially ones that have experience working out, because we are supposed to focus on the simpler machines during orientation. I was hoping for advice on how to make these orientations more engaging to clients, and how to emphasize the need for a trainer. Thanks for the help.

[germaine07]

I say you'd be lucky to get 1/10 out of your orientations into PT. Be patient.

[KyleAaron]

I'ts been difficult getting clients excited, especially ones that have experience working out, because we are supposed to focus on the simpler machines during orientation. I was hoping for advice on how to make these orientations more engaging to clients

You've already answered your own question.

A competent personal trainer chooses exercises which match the level of challenge the person is physically and mentally capable of handling. Don't worry about what you were told to focus on - you were ALSO told to focus on the member. If they can handle barbell squats or whatever rather than leg press, that's what you should show them. This then lets you demonstrate competence, establish trust and rapport.

Remember that only 1-6% of gym members will be interested in PT. It sounds like not much, but have a look around your gym during your next shift, count how many people there are in any hour. If there's 20, well then 1 of them is a current or potential PT client. If there's 40, it's 1-3. And so on. Talk to enough people and you'll find them.

[WoofieNugget]

When someone is actually new to exercise, it is a great thing to be able to introduce them to things safely, but also gives you a big edge trying to get them as clients. During an orientation typical trainers make the mistake of actually putting a client through a workout and trying to sell them that way.

You're better off showing them how to use whatever equipment they seem interested in, getting to know them and their goals and giving them a general idea of how things work. They are actually expecting to get a sales pitch, and if you just help them out it relaxes them and shows them you just want to show them what exercise is all about. Be friendly, answer their questions and build rapport. Then you are the first person they think of if they have questions, which can lead to clients down the line. Probably 90% of my clients were never closed during the first encounter. They were closed anywhere from a few days to months afterwards when the people either realize they have no idea what they are doing and decide hire a trainer - or they just leave.

For experienced people I usually used it as a way to show them that even they could benefit from sessions - ask them what their current program is, give them some form tips and again, don't push it. More often than not by the end of an orientation, they are the one asking you about PT, not the other way around.

[ryanpenne]

thanks for the knowledge and advice, I appreciate it