Summer is finally here, and along with it the season for that great American cultural phenomenon known as summer vacation. Added to this is the practical fact that, in many cases, clients are busier than ever with children’s camps, seasonal activities and family events. All of these things make it difficult to maintain a consistent schedule for not only your clients exercise programs but also your training business.
Traditionally, along with the weeks preceding the Christmas holiday, the summer season is the most difficult to keep your training sessions consistent and schedule full. I’ve found that this is especially the case with personal training clients as often they have the financial freedom to take more frequent and longer vacations. Not only does this disrupt your training hours, but also can serve to set clients back in their movement toward their goals.
Vacation and time away are necessary for all of us, so how can a trainer cope with the fluctuations between now and September? The answers vary upon your practice and the clients with whom you work; however, here are a few tried and true methods that have worked for my practice and many other trainers through the years.
Increase the Frequency of Training Sessions.
Often summer events are tied to catching up with family and friends, showing more skin (enough said) and increased physical activity. Helping clients prepare for these events, and umm, exposure, can mean increasing the number of sessions in advance of inevitable summer vacations. There is real practicality in doing so, as we know that the more intense and frequently someone works out, the more likely they are to get their summer body (and keep it) along with reducing the chance for soreness and injuries while enjoying recreational activities.
Before increasing sessions with your clients, you must know what their plans include so that you can craft a program to meet their summer goals. Most importantly, talk to them and be prepared to provide recommendations for intensifying your time together on the front (and perhaps back) end of their excursions. Be reminded that the reasons for increasing sessions and support must be sincere and personalized to each client.
Plan Ahead and Schedule Accordingly.
This one may seem obvious, but if you are reading this, chances are that your clients’ summer plans are already in full swing. It’s important to sit down with clients and schedule the entire summer around their schedule as best as possible. If you don’t, you may find that you have a client who gradually falls out of training with you entirely. Get out calendars and schedule your sessions with clients through the entire summer if possible.
Be Creative Around the Season.
This is a great time to break the monotony of your routine and build in the variety of getting outdoors for at least some of your sessions with clients. This will invigorate training for both you and your clients. Be sure to discuss the recommended changes with them in advance and ensure they are comfortable training in an outdoor setting.
Stay In Contact – Even While Away.
So much of personal training includes support and accountability. This is more challenging to accomplish when a client is out of town. Many trainers now have web sites or use e-mail as a regular course of business for supporting their clients from a distance. Putting a distance-based plan in place that takes into account the destination spots of your clients is valuable and they will appreciate it. Be flexible knowing that providing remote training either by phone or using the internet will be as individual as your clients themselves. Again, communication and planning are the keys.
Hold Summer Activity Clinics.
With the summer, many of your clients are likely to have their hands full with children and teens. Assess your client base and see if there is a common need for sports-specific coaching or providing clinics for youth. These can be very beneficial, supplement your income and are much appreciated by overwhelmed clients who are also parents.
Keep in mind that these are but a few suggestions, and your decisions must be driven by the lifestyles of your client base. You know them better than anyone else but must start by asking questions and responding with creative answers.
Finally, as important as this is, you must commit to taking a vacation for yourself. You’ll be better for your clients and re-charged for your business. Here’s to a great start to the summer season!
Mr. Florez is the founder and CEO of First Fitness, Inc., a personal training and fitness consulting company that has been in business since 1988. Read his full bio here.