Keep Your Personal Training Clients Over Christmas

The gym industry is predictably slow at certain times of the year. Usually, clients become inconsistent during the summer months and during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, people are bombarded with extra family commitments, work functions, parties and travel. Many people do not make going to the gym a priority during this time. The holiday season can be financially stressful, and some clients may cut back on their training in an effort to save money.

This poses a problem monetarily for the trainer and it may set back client goals and results, thereby slowing progress. The fewer sessions that a client trains, the less money that is earned and the more likely fitness results will suffer. In addition to the decrease in physical activity, it is common for the average American to gain weight due to increased alcohol and food intake. Trainers need to find ways to motivate their clients so that training continues to be a priority. Especially through the holidays.

One way to get your clients into the gym is to offer promotions or discounts. You can offer a percentage discount, like 25% off a package of 10 training sessions, or buy 10 sessions and get one free. You can also recommend that clients give gift cards for personal training as holiday gifts.

Another important way to ensure consistency with your clients is to continue to educate them about overeating, holiday weight gain and the effects of alcohol. You can weigh them and take their body measurements before Thanksgiving and offer weekly weigh-ins to ensure your clients stay fit.

This might also be a great time to organize a competition between clients or gym members, or to have your clients start training for an event or race. Clients will be more committed to staying in shape and to making sure they eat right and make time for the gym.  It is the trainer’s job to encourage their clients to stay fit during the holidays.  Don’t wait until the first of the year for their New Year’s resolutions. Make sure your clients stay healthy and fit through this Christmas season!

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About

Denise Groothuis MS, RD and CPT has a BS from Cornell University and an MS in Applied Physiology and Nutrition from Columbia University. She is certified by the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) and licensed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration through the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics. She is a personal trainer and RD with her own nutritional practice, Worth Your Weight Nutrition Experts.