Ryan's Q&A Thread - Building Successful PT/Coaching Businesses

[jwarrenfit]

newport coast is where i do most my training about 30-35 hours a week. my other gym is located in orange, CA. most of them have been clients of mine for at least 3 years, a few of them train with another trainer (i get about 15/hr passive income from that session) one day a week and with me another.

the owner of the gym in newport coast is very comfortable, i think too much so and it prevents growth and other possible ventures like group training.. The price per sq ft is over $7 bucks and he has been there for 12 years, noone can really enter his market place as he has this whole area on lockdown and the price to enter is very high. it really is not a model that can be duplicated many other places in the world

[2020Wellness]

newport coast is where i do most my training about 30-35 hours a week. my other gym is located in orange, CA. most of them have been clients of mine for at least 3 years, a few of them train with another trainer (i get about 15/hr passive income from that session) one day a week and with me another.

the owner of the gym in newport coast is very comfortable, i think too much so and it prevents growth and other possible ventures like group training.. The price per sq ft is over $7 bucks and he has been there for 12 years, noone can really enter his market place as he has this whole area on lockdown and the price to enter is very high. it really is not a model that can be duplicated many other places in the world

If you got in on the property now, it could be duplicated in 12 years though!

[nctarheels21]

Glad I checked out this thread again! Just the topic I came to ask about.

1. What do you all use to accept payment?

2. Do you set up auto pay?

I feel bad charging clients for classes in which they don't attend, and I don't have enough clients to run an Open Class type session (Come to whatever class you can for $XXX a month).
So this leaves me trying to track clients' payments and how many classes left they have for prepaid.

[2020Wellness]

Glad I checked out this thread again! Just the topic I came to ask about.

1. What do you all use to accept payment?

2. Do you set up auto pay?

I feel bad charging clients for classes in which they don't attend, and I don't have enough clients to run an Open Class type session (Come to whatever class you can for $XXX a month).
So this leaves me trying to track clients' payments and how many classes left they have for prepaid.

Thanks for dropping in!

I use PayPal personally and always have. You can either get the person's CC information and run payments or you can invoice them through email. I invoice my clients through email, which doesn't require me to ask for their CC information.

I haven't set up auto pay, but it would be a good practice if you have the software to do it.

Well, sometimes people can get charged if they're committing to something and then they don't show up. If you prepared for them to come using your time and they no-showed without notice, they can be charged for that. Obviously, this is much easier if they're auto paying because you don't have to ask them for something they won't want to pay for.

Hope that helps!

Ryan

[dan987]

Would you consider writing an eBook on this?

[2020Wellness]

Would you consider writing an eBook on this?

Definitely, yes.

[MARCMANtheDUDE]

Hello Ryan!

I am in the process of building my PT website to do online training. Though I have over 20 years of experience, I am not known online at all.

What makes a good website?

[2020Wellness]

Hello Ryan!

I am in the process of building my PT website to do online training. Though I have over 20 years of experience, I am not known online at all.

What makes a good website?

Marc, I have to be honest and admit that website building is not my specialty. However, what I would suggest is that you visit multiple websites of online trainers and view them as a potential customer. I know for a fact that, even with 20 years of experience, some trainer websites will actually make you want to hire them.

When you find a site like that, it's worth learning from!

[MARCMANtheDUDE]

Marc, I have to be honest and admit that website building is not my specialty. However, what I would suggest is that you visit multiple websites of online trainers and view them as a potential customer. I know for a fact that, even with 20 years of experience, some trainer websites will actually make you want to hire them.

When you find a site like that, it's worth learning from!

Sounds good, Ryan -Thank you!

[2020Wellness]

Sounds good, Ryan -Thank you!

I should also add that it should be mobile-friendly and simple. Remember, most people are looking at the web on their phones and if the site doesn't pull up very well on a phone, they'll probably move on. You have a few seconds to grab the attention of a new visitor before they hit the 'back' button.

Keep your strong content as something they see first!

[2020Wellness]

Now that the US summertime slowdown is in full effect, what are you doing with your downtime?

[Ronin4help]

Now that the US summertime slowdown is in full effect, what are you doing with your downtime?

Summer isn't typically slow for me, Thanksgiving to Christmas is. Why would summer be slow?

[jwarrenfit]

Now that the US summertime slowdown is in full effect, what are you doing with your downtime?

Why would summer be slow? I guess people go on vacation but where I live in have 3-4 clients that stay here just for the summer so my summers are usually busier. Most established pts have had their clients for years so their shouldn't be any seasonal dip

[Ronin4help]

Why would summer be slow? I guess people go on vacation but where I live in have 3-4 clients that stay here just for the summer so my summers are usually busier. Most established pts have had their clients for years so their shouldn't be any seasonal dip

I agree. Sure you will have some folks taking a couple of weeks off, but that should be offset by the extra people who signed up in Feb and March in prep for the summer. Those folks will typically continue through.

[2020Wellness]

Summer isn't typically slow for me, Thanksgiving to Christmas is. Why would summer be slow?

Why would summer be slow? I guess people go on vacation but where I live in have 3-4 clients that stay here just for the summer so my summers are usually busier. Most established pts have had their clients for years so their shouldn't be any seasonal dip

People take vacations in general when the summer hits. Established PTs' clients take vacations too.

Also, consider this thread is meant to help the up and coming PTs, who aren't in the established category and aren't always busy.

[nctarheels21]

Yup. Lost all 5 clients to summer time off....



Back to square 1.

[2020Wellness]

Yup. Lost all 5 clients to summer time off....

Back to square 1.

This is exactly what I was talking about when I made my post above. Do they have remaining sessions in their name or are you expected to contact them once summer ends/school starts back up/etc?

Just like you found those clients earlier this year or last year, you'll find more!

[nctarheels21]

This is exactly what I was talking about when I made my post above. Do they have remaining sessions in their name or are you expected to contact them once summer ends/school starts back up/etc?

Just like you found those clients earlier this year or last year, you'll find more!

1 had a competition, and hasnt touched a dumbbell since haha.
3 from my group class decided to take June off. Now June has turned into July.
1 has been traveling with her kid's baseball.
A few others I had fell off because of money.

So I've been working hard on myself lately. Both training and personal development.

[Ronin4help]

People take vacations in general when the summer hits. Established PTs' clients take vacations too.

Also, consider this thread is meant to help the up and coming PTs, who aren't in the established category and aren't always busy.

True but sadly for those pts, it's always slow.

[2020Wellness]

True but sadly for those pts, it's always slow.

That's quite a bold statement, and also isn't true. There are plenty of rookie trainers who do very well, and like the guy two posts up broke down, there are definitely common themes in clients being busier than usual and less focused on training in the summer whether you're someone who has been in the game for years or months. If it hasn't happened to you, so be it. But remember, you are not everyone.

[2020Wellness]

1 had a competition, and hasnt touched a dumbbell since haha.
3 from my group class decided to take June off. Now June has turned into July.
1 has been traveling with her kid's baseball.
A few others I had fell off because of money.

So I've been working hard on myself lately. Both training and personal development.

Those are all realistic and common reasons NC. Some people compete just for the sake of competing. They may completely fall off after their show because it isn't something they're really into or passionate about. In that situation, there isn't much you can do.

Perhaps you can consider offering a 'come back special' to the three in your group who dropped out and aren't back on time. Reaching out never hurts, even if it's through a form of social media or email.

Parents traveling for sports isn't something you can really overcome. They aren't going to choose a training session each week over their kid's event. Aim to stay in touch with her, as the baseball games will eventually stop.

When it comes to falling off because of money, consider a lower meeting frequency. Sometimes dropping from 4 sessions a month to 2 will keep them on and if they work on their own, it's still beneficial for them to meet with you even if it is for 2 times per month. I know this from experience with clients in the past who I've taken this route with. I would not drop your price per session though. Have fait that you're worth it, find those new clients, and your business can get back to growing.

[Ronin4help]

That's quite a bold statement, and also isn't true. There are plenty of rookie trainers who do very well, and like the guy two posts up broke down, there are definitely common themes in clients being busier than usual and less focused on training in the summer whether you're someone who has been in the game for years or months. If it hasn't happened to you, so be it. But remember, you are not everyone.

An up and coming pt who isn't well established is a pt with few, if any, clients. Someone with few clients is the same as someone who always has slow days. A rookie, on the other hand, is a pt who is new to the profession. It doesn't say anything about how busy he/she may be.

[2020Wellness]

An up and coming pt who isn't well established is a pt with few, if any, clients. Someone with few clients is the same as someone who always has slow days. A rookie, on the other hand, is a pt who is new to the profession. It doesn't say anything about how busy he/she may be.

Semantics from both of us. If you need the last word, have it.

[nctarheels21]

LOL What an idiot.

Anyways, Ryan just as we suspected, clients are hitting me up to start again in August!

[2020Wellness]

LOL What an idiot.

Anyways, Ryan just as we suspected, clients are hitting me up to start again in August!

That's what I'm talk'n about NC! It's interesting, my wife has her own therapy practice and she experienced the exact same drought timeline. She had very little incoming calls in June and early July. Then all of the sudden last week she signed on 5 new cases and had a spike in website hits, book purchases, etc. I should also point out that she is well-established in our city too.

I also had the same drought through through June and have recently signed on multiple new clients and have multiple assessments waiting to be completed for more potential clients.

The summer slump is real for certain professions.

[JIMjunkie05]

Hello
I'm just wondering, for someone who has no college level education in health / fitness, and wants to become a personal trainer / online fitness coach, what are the best resources to learn about everything that's required?
- Thank You

[BRG47]

Ryan -

I read through the whole thread. Thanks for generously sharing expertise with everyone on the myriad of details concerning fitness and running your business. I appreciate that you spared no detail in that you discussed branding / marketing, payment, scheduling, equipment in a respectful, non - condescending way. it is interesting that both you and your wife are successful business owners, and have taken the risks in each endeavor. Usually when one spouse has their own business the other has a 'steady ' job, better to deal with the ups and downs. It seems that you both have drive and tenacity with a desire not to work for others.

I had worked out at a gym in Gainesville, FL and I fell in love with working out. It was an independent gym called Power Plant, then eventually taken over and turned into Gold's Gym. Between free weights and Nautilus I worked out 3 times a week diligently, not caring what was on TV or other distractions. Over time I went from 240 to 200 lbs, and was in the best shape of my life! I occasionally did stadiums, which is one walks up the 90 stairs of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, then walks down and repeats. The most I could do was 7 without stopping. i recognize some elite athletes RUN the steps as a regular part of their workout. In a way this workout was a bit social as I did it with friends.

The point is, I enjoyed working out as a form of exercise as opposed to running, which I always hated. Unfortunately life got in the way, and I fell out of it. After recently watching my Dad have health problems from a sedentary lifestyle I wanted to get back into it. I have started small workouts, dropped unhealthy acts such as smoking cigars and drinking, along with eating better and I along with others have noticed changes for the better.

This thread appealed to be because it was pretty comprehensive, and I am thinking about pursuing Fitness management. I had previously wanted to do Sport Management and the teaching aspect and the environment has great appeal verses being stuck in a cube all day. The paperwork and tracking aspect I would also enjoy.

I would obviously would have to get certified and get experience. The fact that more people are active and at a later time in life are positives. Other threads have talked about age not being a barrier to entry. The low pay wouldn't be a problem in the beginning.

Look forward to hearing more from others in this thread.

[2020Wellness]

Hello
I'm just wondering, for someone who has no college level education in health / fitness, and wants to become a personal trainer / online fitness coach, what are the best resources to learn about everything that's required?
- Thank You

Junkie,

I would first recommend choosing a certification type that is sought after in YOUR area. It makes no sense to seek out the biggest and best certification type if the gyms in your area aren't looking for that. You should contact a few gyms that you see yourself applying to and ask which certifications they prefer. Most gyms will likely honor any certification, but it's worth checking to be smart.

As far as educating yourself outside the scope of your certification material, I recommend signing up for Alan Aragon's Research Review, which is cheap and has great information on a monthly basis.

Also, look into a guy named Brad Schoenfeld(Schoenfield, not 100% sure on spelling) for information on training and muscle growth. I'm a big fan of Lyle McDonald when it comes to fat loss talk as well.

After you look into these guys and check with your local gyms, let me know what you find out.

Thanks for posting,

Ryan

[2020Wellness]

Ryan -

I read through the whole thread. Thanks for generously sharing expertise with everyone on the myriad of details concerning fitness and running your business. I appreciate that you spared no detail in that you discussed branding / marketing, payment, scheduling, equipment in a respectful, non - condescending way. it is interesting that both you and your wife are successful business owners, and have taken the risks in each endeavor. Usually when one spouse has their own business the other has a 'steady ' job, better to deal with the ups and downs. It seems that you both have drive and tenacity with a desire not to work for others.

I had worked out at a gym in Gainesville, FL and I fell in love with working out. It was an independent gym called Power Plant, then eventually taken over and turned into Gold's Gym. Between free weights and Nautilus I worked out 3 times a week diligently, not caring what was on TV or other distractions. Over time I went from 240 to 200 lbs, and was in the best shape of my life! I occasionally did stadiums, which is one walks up the 90 stairs of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, then walks down and repeats. The most I could do was 7 without stopping. i recognize some elite athletes RUN the steps as a regular part of their workout. In a way this workout was a bit social as I did it with friends.

The point is, I enjoyed working out as a form of exercise as opposed to running, which I always hated. Unfortunately life got in the way, and I fell out of it. After recently watching my Dad have health problems from a sedentary lifestyle I wanted to get back into it. I have started small workouts, dropped unhealthy acts such as smoking cigars and drinking, along with eating better and I along with others have noticed changes for the better.

This thread appealed to be because it was pretty comprehensive, and I am thinking about pursuing Fitness management. I had previously wanted to do Sport Management and the teaching aspect and the environment has great appeal verses being stuck in a cube all day. The paperwork and tracking aspect I would also enjoy.

I would obviously would have to get certified and get experience. The fact that more people are active and at a later time in life are positives. Other threads have talked about age not being a barrier to entry. The low pay wouldn't be a problem in the beginning.

Look forward to hearing more from others in this thread.

BRG,

I really don't feel that age is a barrier in this field. The thing is, there are ALWAYS going to be people in your age group who want to get in better shape for one reason or another. They may have it mandated by their doctor due to a health problem, they may have a health scare that jumpstarts them to get into the gym, they may have always worked out and aren't stopping due to age, they may just want to turn their life around physically. There are people who fall into any of these categories in all age ranges.

I used to be a little fearful that age would be a disadvantage to me and I'm only 35 years old. What I'm finding though, is that as I age, the age group of my clients just naturally changes with me. Why do I think this happens? Like I said, because there are people in every age group who need training in their lives.

Great post!

[BRG47]

Ryan -

Thanks for encouraging reply.

I live in New York City now and when I go to Prospect Park, especially early in the morning or on weekends, you would be amazed at how many people are working out: running, half jogging, walking, and most important, road cycling. You wouldn't believe how many people road cycle in the city on dedicated bike paths, sometimes in groups up to 20.

One thing I forgot to mention in my post has to do with sales. Many people have mentioned in posts on this forum how they are excellent in training but are put off by sales. I have five years of sales recently and also have sales training, formal and informal. I also have been told I am personable, which is something I don't think you can teach, either you have it or you don't, although you can work on it to be better. i also used to be a big talker / conversationalist, and sales and sales training made me a much better listener, which also I think would be crucial in this business.

Due to automation I wish I had looked into this field 20 years ago. I don't think robots will be teaching physical training any time soon

Have a great weekend!