In this final blog of the series, we take a look at how to induct a member or client most effectively.
In this induction session, one or two activities may be enough for Sam (client) for two reasons.
Firstly, Sam has taken a huge step in just getting prepared and coming into the gym. By the time Alex (PT) has explained, potentially demonstrated and shown Alex how to set up correctly, it’s likely that the threshold has been met for remembering what to do.
Secondly, Sam’s level of conditioning is likely to be low and by the time they have spoken about the set-up of the bike, demonstrated its functionality (including the workouts), Sam may have done 10 – 20 minutes of work. Add this to heightened stress levels and Sam may well be experiencing fatigue. Remember, it’s not about what Alex can do or consider normal, it’s what Sam has actually achieved.
Sam is starting at zero and with guidelines suggesting to add no more than 10% volume or intensity per week, less is more. Obviously, you can’t add 10% to zero, however, we don’t have to feel pressurised into providing a 60-minute workout or even a 30-minute workout on day one!
The outcome of the induction should be to raise Sam’s overall confidence. Being in the gym, beginning to build a rapport and a relationship with Alex and learn something new about one or two movements or exercises, that is it. To quote Tom Purvis of Resistance Training Specialists, “have clients do what they can, not what they can’t!”
Finally, in terms of building confidence, we have the follow up. For this, Alex needs to get a verbal confirmation that firstly Sam has enjoyed and understood what they have done together and secondly, that there will be more sessions in the future.
Alex might want to say something along the lines of, “Well done today, you’ve done a decent amount for a first session. Did you find it worthwhile? Superb, next time we’ll progress you and show you more of the equipment and more exercises, would that be okay?” Also “So, when can I see you next? Most people like to come back in within the next couple of days to get into the habit.
When can I expect to see you? Can you confirm that? Excellent, I’ll drop you an email/ message…”
By asking these types of questions, Alex has been encouraging. With Sam focused on the positive aspects of the session, there is an agreement on when they will return to the facility and a confirmation of their next session. By following this pattern, Alex has improved the chances of Sam returning dramatically.
So far, we have examined how Alex can make Sam feel comfortable or safe within the facility. We have also looked at methods Alex can apply to allow Sam to develop trust in their relationship by making Sam feel valued. In the following blogs, we will examine how we can develop these feelings further as we layer in a little more of a sense of enjoyment for Sam.
