Which do you think is more effective: session packages or training programs?

I think they go hand in hand. Clients need to know what the program entails and how you are able to deliver, safely and effectively. Clients need to know what they are getting into before purchasing sessions from the trainer.

Session packages are important because the client pays for a group of sessions up front. In my experience, at least 95% of the people in the world are flakey, unfortunately, and selling sessions in a group protects the trainer. If the clients does not cancel their sessions in an appropriate and timely manner, the trainer is already covered.

Nelson Chen
http://www.pugetsoundarearunningcamp.com

I think that clients understand and can identify better with "training sessions." This gives them a quantifiable thing and seems to be more concrete to them than a "training program" which we as trainers may completely understand but may seem very amorphous to lay people. It's probably more of an "educating your clients thing" but, in trying to define your work with a client in terms of a program you may have some initial resistance because the client doesn't (or may not) have a clear idea of what that means to them in terms of their financial and time commitment.

In my practice, I use BOTH of these concepts, but a lot of which I use with a specific group or individual depends upon their goal(s) and time commitment.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

It depends upon the client. Some clients do not care about programs or sessions, they just want results. Others, type A, want to know everything from what they are doing that day plus every day you meet to what the end goals is. As to effectiveness, it is individualize based on the client. What ever works, it is the results that count.

good question, I have never offered a training program other than the pass you PT test boot camps I used to do at the AF Fitness Center as part of my Fitness Assessment Cell duties. I don't know why I never offered it in my training services outside of work...I think I might just have to do that.

I do both.

I offer a training program for MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique) because it can be marketed as a technique with limited scope. It is also stand-alone and does not need to be done in conjuction with exercise (even though that would be great). This is also of benefit for people that are living further away and come for the explicit reason of wanting to learn this technique.

Most of my clients have sessions with me. I do not do session packages but charge at the end of the month based on the numbe of sessions.

I offer sessions in my area as majority of people do not understand the concept of training program. They want s results and they want to know when they can get, how much, and how long.