65 new year new me

NEW YEAR NEW ME

By Alex Hurst a Master Trainer for Matrix Fitness, Premier Global NASM and Head of Fitness and Conditioning at Preston Grasshoppers

A lot of new gym members starting in January end their journey before it even begins, according to last 2 years data from Strava. It shows that the 12th January in 2018 and 18th January in 2019 was the day most people gave up the health kick. Our job as fitness professionals is to keep people active, encourage results and prevent clients from giving up.

The best method to keep clients encouraged through January is focusing on the interests they have from your initial conversations and linking them to the topics covered through this article.

Increase Member interaction Group exercise is a proven formula for retention of clients. Research

from Fitness Institutes prove that gym members who engage in a form of group exercise leads to longer client retention. Trainers should use this to their advantage with members new and old having the same dip over the Christmas period, which includes overindulgence and reduction of activity. Small group and partner PT sessions as well as group exercise can be a powerful motivator with the clients having the same common goal – shedding those Christmas calories! Some group classes may prove more beneficial than others with target training becoming more popular and will only increase in the near future, examples being: Orange Theory, F45, and Matrix Ride Cycle Classes. All providing training outcomes that encourages the clients to beat focused data the next time they engage in the class, or at least work towards the same levels.

Calorie focused training will be a big motivation in the early part of the year with many clients focusing on the extra pounds gained over the festive period. The use of metrics via cardio consoles and heart rate tracking devices such as MyZone – a Heart Rate training systems will boost client motivation and give clear targets for each session.

How to Motivate Clients The new year acts as a perfect time to set new goals or a re-evaluation of current and previous goals. These goals act as building blocks for the client in the next step of their journey. Proof that the program is working for your client is one of the most powerful tools in creating a positive emotion for the client to keep focused. So ensure you check levels of progressions are happening.

To set this up, use a S.M.A.R.T goal. This simple but very effective goal setup for a clients to achieve in the short-term could be vital for keeping them from quitting:

Specific – Complete 2 sessions per week Measurable – Track via training log like My Fitness Pal or a personal diary Achievable – Following a progressive programme set by a trainer Realistic – The right amount in a schedule Time – 1 month

Set some targets for yourself. The gym floor in January is the biggest window of the year to gain new clients. Have you thought of offers to attract new clients, linking to the group exercise timetable? Consider referral deals or ‘bring a friend for free’. This may be nothing new, but doing the basics in the right way will always bring in extra business.

Another prediction is small group training. This will be one of the largest growing trends in the industry. Many trainers and companies should look to implement this system more effectively, get ahead of the curve and add small group training to your repertoire. Placing new members who will have similar goals and motivation together into the New Year will be a powerful tool for retention of clients.

Programming and Progression The general theme with this group is they go from very little or nothing to a busy and tiring fitness regime, which

isn’t maintainable. Their journey starts with their induction which is a key part of the process, at the end of this process we should be providing some structure and realistic goals.

Having a clear pathway and programme for the clients to achieve in this phase is going to be key to aid retention and give the client a focus. Up to 10% increase per week, for progressing the workouts, drives optimal results with an effective progression,. This is in relation to load, volume or frequency of training.

Members who receive a good quality induction to the gym and/or a taster PT session to your facility, can boost retention up to 15 months longer than members who do not receive an induction. Delivering an induction for up to 1 hour, will create the initial report with the new member and could be a lead for you as a personal trainer. This supported with 4 interactions within their first week, are up to 80% more likely to make a visit to the gym the following month. Keeping them with you and helping them get the ‘New Year, New You!’ Experience: Alex is an Ex-International Rugby League player who represents Matrix and Premier Global NASM. With 10 years in the Sports/fitness industry, 7 of which working with clients and the last 3 years adding tutor roles teaching personal trainers. He has now established himself as an experienced

fitness professional. Fitness Industry: In Australia and UK he has supported several Health club providers such as Fitness First Australia, Uber Shape Australia, DW fitness, Local leisure providers based from the council – Trafford/Salford as well other independent gyms. Current Work: Currently working as a freelance tutor and assessor for Matrix fitness UK, Premier Global NASM whilst also studying a Sports Rehabilitation degree at Bolton University. Alex also maintains Personal training clients and massage clients through a local clinic/ gym. These clients include professional rugby players, football players and professional golfers. Professional Sports: Other professional sports Alex has worked with include Triathletes, Golfers, Professional football and Rugby teams – currently 2 League One sides, 2 Super league clubs. Also, Alex is still currently playing for a National league Rugby Union side and combines this role with being their Head of Fitness & Conditioning. Head of Fitness & Conditioning for Preston Grasshoppers RFU Master Trainer for Matrix Fitness UK, RIDE trainer, MX4/MX4 Active trainer, Master Trainer for Premier Global NASM

M: 07572072381

E:Alex_hurst_378@hotmail. com Room