approaching people in the gym - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[freetimefitness]

Hey guys,

does anyone have any interesting openers for approaching people (prospective clients) in the gym.

The more creative and fresh the better.......


I just started in a gym today my first day, and one lad on the fitness team said a lot of the clients have heard the generic "hey hows your training going many times before" so any ideas .........

[multieventer]

I realize this is a late response but in my opinion I think people just want honesty and sincerity. I know that I have had good success in just approaching a person and saying hi. Followed by a few open ended questions that are designed to get a response - How is your day going, what have you planned for your workout today, when was the last time you changed your workout/how often do you change your workout. Have you ever had a ...offer an assessment you feel would be beneficial to the client...

Just a few ideas off the top of my head, sorry so late. I just found this website today

[ptraining12]

This was a question that I have been asking a lot of other trainers as well. I can't seem to think of any ways other than just going up to people in the gym and offering your assistance. It seems like a 20% effective way to get clients though. I was told that it's one of those things that you just suck it up and do it and don't be afraid of rejection because if you ask 100 people and 80 of them say no, you still have those other 20 that say yes and will hopefully be worth it.

Let me know if you think of any other ways though! I would really be interested to know myself.

[PTBizCoach]

When I worked in a big health club I was relentles on the gym floor.

I talked to everyone! Some people I just said "Hi. How are you?" and others I would ask about their workouts.

I wanted everyone to know me.

Then when I went out to actively look for new clients I approached it from the "Who can I help?" point of view.

My most successfull approach was to look around the gym and find somebody doing are exercise incorrectly.

I would approach them and say "Can I show you something with this specific exercise?"

Most members would look at me like "who the hell are you?" BUT they would say "Sure"

I would then show them the proper way to do the exercise and also things to avoid while doing it as well.

The terminology you use is very important so you do not offend the member.

Once I demonstrated the correct form i would have them attempt the exercise again while I watched and gently corrected them.

After the "Oh I see now" comments and the "Thanks" I would say "My name is Sean by the way and if there is anything else I can HELP you with let know".

I would then shake their hand and leave (most times) without pushing the issue any further.

The next time I saw that member in the gym I did my best to remember their name and then ask "How are you doing with that so and so execise I showed you?"

A lot of times they would say "Good good. You know I have thinking about getting some personal training".

I signed up TONS of new clients this way and have taught this same thing to plenty of new trainers.

It takes practice but it works.