advice on scheduling clients
I’m new to the personal trainer world and am not sure how to go about scheduling clients without my schedule seeming disjointed and chaotic. Right now, my appts are sprinkled throughout the day/week and, with the other fitness classes i’m teaching and my family’s schedule… it just seems really chaotic. I would love to hear what other pt’s have done with scheduling.
Hi Eileen,
That is a pretty common theme in personal training! That is how I started, too. My schedule was early morning through evenings with a lot of back and forth. There are certain times of the day that people like to train, depending on their own schedules with work, school, family, and life. Unfortunately, those times can be at opposite ends of the day for the trainer.
How you handle it really depends on your own needs and availability. You can always have a set time that you are available to train and stick with it. As a new trainer though, you may want to try and build a client base first by being somewhat flexible.
I work part time and have adjusted my schedule–I train and teach classes early mornings through afternoons plus mornings on the weekends. Evenings are out for me right now with family and activities. I had to learn to say no!
You’ll find what works for you, just be careful not to get burned out by trying to accommodate everyone. Good luck!
Christine
Hi Eileen,
My schedule is usually all over the map as well. It starts early in the morning and it can go till late in the evening (depending on the day). There is really not much you can do if you are in it to make money. The only suggestion I have for you is to limit the clients you train each day and/or schedule them during those hours that work best for you. Anyone outside that time frame you can decline taking them as a client. Or you can hire someone else to work for you as an employee or a contractor and start passing them those clients you cannot handle (it’s a great way to grow your business if it’s something you want to/feel comfortable doing).
Welcome to the chaotic world of PT :-)!
Best,
Harris
Eileen, if you are working at a gym, schedule them about 15 minutes apart. That way you have time between clients to get their paperwork ready, go to the bathroom etc.
If you have other commitments – and it sounds like you do -and this is not your sole source of income then tell clients “I can only train on these days.” if you are good they will make time for you.
Only being able to train on certain days may be good from a marketing standpoint because it creates scarcity and that can be a powerful motivator.
Joe
www.Joe-Cannon.com
Hi Eileen,
Welcome to the world of Personal Training – where scheduling can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, most people want to train 5 – 9AM and late in the afternoon, into the evening. And let’s not forget about weekends! It’s definitely tough in the beginning since you don’t want to turn down work. Once you start getting established and picking up more clients, your schedule should start to take shape. Then you have to decide where to draw the line as far as your availability goes. If people really want to work with you, it’s amazing how flexible their schedule can become. Good luck Eileen.
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
Decide how many hours a week you need, or are willing to work
Personally I train 4 days a week. I only offer time slots that are conducive to my schedule and I am totally booked.
When booking a client it’s ok to not have to explain why you can or cannot see them It’s ok to say “I have 1 available on that day” period.
If you’re good, they will book with you when you’re available!