How do you get that first client?

Ask friends to come out so you can build your skills. Try your new routines, cueing, music, transitions out on them. Tell them to bring a few friends. Then transition to a paying session, giving your friends plenty of notice and your information so they can pass it along to others. Place a small add in the church bulliten and let people know that they can now attend a fitness class in their very own church. Once you have those first people coming, others will follow!

Hi Wendy,

getting the first client is always a tough one. However, I see that you are a fitness instructor and teach classes. This should give you some exposure to potential clients. I looked at your profile and saw that you teach Turbo Kick.

However, you list as specialties that you are also a yoga and Pilates instructor and an athletic trainer. Those are substantial credentials, and you should make the most of them. I believe that yoga and Pilates are much better taught in a very small group, and they have the added benefit that they require very little equipment.

Have you considered offering small group instruction in somebody's home? It may not be that much per person and is thereby not such an investment for the clients but you can begin to build your resume. And one of them may have the desire to train with you individually.

From what I read through your answers, it appears to me that you enjoy lifting heavy weights and high-intensity activity. Good for you! But: this is not necessarily the ambition of the paying clientele. Clients want to identify with you as a trainer.

Wendy, sometimes the best place to start is the place that gives you traffic: start part-time at a gym. Corporate gyms want you out on the floor, talking to people, building relationships, and earning people's trust. When someone sees that you're knowledgeable, they will agree to pay for your services.

Your best bet is to talk to lots of people and build relationships. Be confident about your knowledge. Make them want to learn more from you.

Good luck!

Hi Wendy,

As I think back over the years I can remember when I had that same question. I think the best way to pick up a new paying client is to get out in front of the potential clients you want to market. If you are working at a local health club. Offer your help and guidance .Introduce yourself and let them know you are there for them if they need any help reaching their goals. Once you break the ice, not only will that give you more confident, you will also allow the potential client a direct connection with a Fitness professional. You will be surprise on how many members are watching you and want your help, they are not sure how to ask for it.



Best of luck to you, now get out there change some lives!!

Wendy, my approach was really different.

At the time I was teaching group fitness in London, England. It was my practice to follow what was happening in the fitness industry in the United States. I learned about Step Reebok. It had not yet arrived in the UK.

I recognized it as a viable opportunity start working independently. Hence, I started to looking for space to rent and found a local hotel where I decided to rent space to hold step classes. I between that time, I took the STEP Reebok, Power, Step and Circuit Step course and became proficient. Thereafter, I purchases 51 steps and started charging for classes. Back in 1990 I was charged three pounds per class and teaching three classes on most days.

That was perhaps one of my most proudest experiences in my career. I was able to make a professional name for myself so it became easy to market to individuals who wanted personal training services.

I hope my experience gives you some insight.

I got my first paying client off of the ACE board..they contacted me. On another note I also got my Air Force contract through that board as well.

One easy way of getting your first "client" is if you provide group classes or Boot Camps, where many people show up. This way they get a feel for you, your personality, and the intensity/education you bring with your service. Once they've seen this, there's good chance they'll come to your for 1 on 1 Personal Training. I've received many clients this way.