what questions to ask potential client on initial phone call?

Hi Bryan,

The most important things to ask a potential client are their specific fitness goals, the obstacles that have been preventing him/her to reach those goals, as well as any health issues or limitations.

You should also establish yourself as a reliable expert during the initial consultation by explaining how you can help the client achieve his/her goals and suggesting a minimum number of fitness sessions necessary for results.

I hope it helps.

Best,
Izabela
www.thefitapple.com

Hi Bryan,

First I would ask for their health and medical history to see if indeed is someone I can work with. Then I ask what their goals are and their availability for training so I will have a better idea about the program I will have to design for them. If all check out good I set up a time for an assessment and I go from there. I hope this helps.

Best,
Harris

Hi Bryan,

when I am first approached by a client over the phone and I have never seen this person, I first ask about their reasons for contacting me to get a feel for the scope of personal training they are looking for. I quickly move onto logistics of where and when to train and how much it costs. There is no reason to talk to a potential client at length only to find out at the end that the only time he can train is when I cannot.

After that, I let the client talk as much as possible. I want to know about the source of the referral, why they chose to contact me and not another trainer, and I definitely ask about their medical history.That is usually the longest part of the conversation. Often the goals of training are found in their medical history, but the client’s expectations also need to be discussed.

It is really all about building rapport and finding out whether it will be a good match. It not always is. I have told clients at times that I did not think that I would be a good trainer for them and referred them to somebody more suitable.

Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

I ask them what their goals, medical history, past experience with exercise or diet if they are calling for health coaching.
I ask them if they have tried to reach these goals on their own? if so , what happened.

I ask them about their schedule and how much time they have to commit to their training.

I don’t give out my price right away. I want to build on my services first.

I offer a free consultation. I have had 100% success with it.

Remember you are being hired for a service, a service that has to be valued and appreciated.

Cost is only one factor.

I also charge all clients up front for 10 sessions with an expiration date and strict cancellation policy. (this shows they are serious)

Hi Bryan,

You have some really good answers from the others already. In addition to goals and medical history, I would like to add that it is important to ask the client 1. How much time do they have to devote to their workouts? (1/2 hour, one hour, etc). And 2. Where will he or she be doing the majority of their workouts when on their own? (gym, in their home, outside, travel for work, etc.).

This will help you prepare and design a program for them to use on their own. While getting and retaining clients is great, I feel it is also important to educate and empower that client to do the work on their own. I also do a free consult session, and have always had luck with that.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Christine