What is the best method to train a client that contacts you for training them while traveling?
This would be in person training only. I was wondering how other trainers handle training someone that contacts you to train them and they are in town for 1 day, a weekend or longer. How does that work well with assessing, programming and keeping in line with what they want to accomplish? What about paperwork (health questionnaires, waiver, etc) Do you charge the same rates as well? I will be in a situation where I will be training people as they check in to a hotel if requested and just needing some insight.
How do you feel you could be the most help to these individuals? What do they want from you?
You might want to make a short questionnaire / menu that has several offerings.
1) I’m fit, I just want someone to work me really hard for an hour because I don’t want to think stuff up by myself.
2) I’m on vacation, I have a few days to work with you, and I want to learn more about my body, my health, etc. I am interested in a thorough assessment and several simple things I can learn from you and take home with me.
3) I have a trainer at home. I have several injuries. I need something that fits with my existing training.
4) I’m a regular traveler and I can see you once a month. I need a program I can do at home and will check in with you on fitness coaching once a month when I’m in town.
If you have a SHORT questionnaire like that, it can drive your programming. I would maybe charge 15% more than normal because they typically charge more at in-hotel spas and restaurants for the convenience. It depends on how high-end the hotel is where you’ll be located.
Maybe look at some of the hotels nearby that have fitness centers and spas. What services do they offer? What do they charge? Then price what you do accordingly.
I’ve been to several destination spas with fitness centers. The price is pretty high, but the service is equally specialized, such as access to a bod pod, an on-staff physician / dietitian to take blood and make specific dietary recommendations, etc.
Hello Dawn Baker,
I do a quick group fitness assessment and charge my same rate. Everyone signs a waiver and we find out more about each other during warm up and the rest of the session. I treat travelers like group participants; whereas, the individual is responsible for their intensity with my watchful eyes.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
I live on the Big Island and get the occasional visitor from the resorts or hotels. I have found that teaching them something new is well recieved. If they work with a trainer back home, I work very hard not to make judgemental statements on what I perceive as a lack of program design. You can’t really know what happens at their gym. Sometimes I get contacted by someone who knows a past visitor I worked with on a specific issue and wants similar assistance. That requires more preparation. My fees don’t change for these types of clients. Fees are based on what the client wants and needs and what I need to put into preparing. Everyone signs a risk/release form, in the case of visitors a refusal to attain medical clearance release form and a disclosure/lack of disclosure release form. I am not a legal professional, so I can’t advise you as to the forms.