As a personal trainer, you already understand the importance of building a connection with your clients. Training as complete strangers is extremely awkward and can lead to a lack of commitment and efficiency to and within your workout plans. At least a surface level connection is required in order to ensure that training plans are tailored to client’s individual needs. How, though, can you take it a step further and find even greater fulfillment in your work? The following tips will help you build a personal, trusting relationships with your clients to aid them in maximizing their training plans.
1. Ask genuine questions
The first step in getting to know your clients is to ask questions about their goals. Every trainer asks what their clients hope to achieve through their training and what their expectations are. Take this initial interaction further by asking them why they’ve set those goals. Understanding the “why” behind their decision to commit to improving their health can help you to better understand their needs and allow for you to become a trusted individual throughout their journey. As you tailor their training plan accordingly, continue to check in on their “why” and keep tabs on their mental progress as they work toward their goals. Building stronger relationships with your clients is made easier by demonstrating that you are genuinely invested in their success, and the reasons why they want to achieve it.
Actively listen to their answers to your questions and take notes so that you can refer back to conversations later. This will demonstrate to your clients that you are genuinely interested in their goals and that you are committed to helping them be reached .
2. Learn about their life outside the gym
Another way to get to know your clients on a personal level is to ask about their lives outside of the gym. Ask them about their hobbies, interests, and other activities they enjoy. This will help you understand more about their lifestyle, and it will also demonstrate that you care about them as people, not just as athletes or a source of income.
Trainers have the unique opportunity to spend rather intimate and vulnerable time with their clients, so take the time to check in with them. Nobody ever truly knows what is going on in someone else’s life, and a simple “How are you?” or “Are you feeling better?” can go a long way in showing that you care.
3. Celebrate their achievements
When your clients reach a goal or make progress, be sure to celebrate their success with them. Acknowledge their accomplishments and give them encouragement to keep going. This will help build a strong bond with your clients and it will show them that you are continuously invested in them.
It can be easy to get caught up in big picture goals in training, so be sure to take the time to recognize and celebrate your clients’ small victories as well. Simple compliments and encouraging statements can go a long way in motivating your clients to stay on track; all while applauding the work they have done already.
4. Offer support
Finally, be sure to offer your clients support and guidance throughout their training journey. Be available to answer any questions they may have and provide them with helpful tips and advice. This will show them that you care about their progress and that you are committed to helping them reach their goals.
Always provide your clients with positive reinforcement — or constructive criticism if needed — and remind them of their progress. This will help boost their confidence and keep them motivated to working toward their big picture goals.
Building a strong relationship with your clients is key to providing them with an effective training plan. But asking questions about more than just their goals, showing genuine interest in their lives, and celebrating their achievements, will allow for your connection with them to become far more personal. They will trust your decisions in planning, and you will get a greater fulfillment out of your work!
