First day as a Personal Trainer in a gym – What to do?
Hi, I’ve been a lurker here for a while, it’s a great community with lots of useful insights and I eventually joined to ask a question!
I’m really confused on how one should build a client base, starting from scratch, working in a commercial gym, assuming you have to build your own client base without any help from the gym itself.
A lot of advices and suggestions I see take for granted you have already a base to start from, but what if your completely new to the world of personal training?
What are your best advices for a new trainer looking to build a client base relatively fast? Should I approach everyone and give free sessions? Should I ever try to sell my services or just be nice, help people and try to build relationship and trust hoping someone will eventually request personal training?
To sum it up: please, share your knowledge on, going back, everything you would do in the first weeks in a gym setting. I’m very very confused (and… terrified)!
Hi Patrick,
You have gotten some good advice from the others! I would like to add that building a client base can take time. So, in addition to the actual tasks you want to accomplish to attract clients–also focus on how you present yourself. Always be professional (how you dress and act), offer to help someone if you see that they are in need, be friendly, smile, greet people in the gym, and just be genuine. Karin is correct–someone is always watching you! I have also gotten clients by having others watch me train, only to have them come up to me to request sessions.
Others will notice your passion for helping others and you will attract a client base. You will also build your client base through referrals. But, be patient! One of the most important things I’ve learned in this business is to have patience!
Best of luck to you!
Christine