Disclaimer – please use common sense

While it is possible to set up a personal training business without any certifications, you are strongly advised not to do so. Get the qualifications! It is also highly recommended that you get Personal Liability Insurance, first aid/CPR qualification, and become a member of one of the professional fitness industry bodies. This will not only cover your back if something goes wrong, but will give you credibility, bring in more clients, and enable you to give the best possible service to your clients. You will feel much more confident that you are doing the best for your clients, and at the same time increasing your profits. It is in the end, your livelihood.

The documents outlined in the Personal Trainers - Occupational Essentials Pack are intended to be used in addition to the knowledge accumulated while undertaking recognized qualifications in personal fitness training. You use them at your own risk. Information in these documents should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information relating to its content. Additional sources of information may be listed herein. No warranty, either express or implied, is made with respect to the information contained herein. I am not responsible for any loss, inconvenience, damage (whether special or consequential) or claims arising out of the use of the information contained in these documents. This is especially the case for any of the legal documents; you are advised to have them checked for whether they will legally cover you for the country/state you are working.

Inquiry Phone Script

Hi, this is <your name>

         Prospect: Hi...I'm looking for a personal trainer...

I'm a qualified Personal Trainer, I show people how to exercise properly and safely so that they can achieve the results they're  looking for.  As a Personal Trainer, I'm qualified to prescribe exercise programs and work one-on-one with my clients or lead a group of clients with similar goals.  How can I help you?  What type of training are you looking for?

         Prospect: I need to lose weight......

I see.  Well before we go any further, can I ask you a few questions to see whether I'm the right trainer for you?

         Prospect:  OK

Have you ever worked out before?

         Prospect: I've tried, but I get bored easily, and never have the time.

Where do you live?

         Prospect Answers

Do you have any workout equipment?

         Prospect: No, I don't have anything.

I have plenty of equipment, I can bring it with me. 

[OR]

I have everything you need here at <gym name>.

Is there any reason you can think of that might require clearance from a doctor before you start training?

         Prospect: No, I don't think so.  

In that case, do you have any questions or concerns that I haven't covered so far?

If Yes. - answer them.

Then ask,  "Do you have any other questions?"

         Prospect: No

If Yes. - answer them.

Great, then what we need to do now is schedule an initial consultation.  It's free by the way, and it's a fact finding exercise to make absolutely sure that we're right for each other.  We'll discuss your previous medical history, any injuries you might have, your previous exercise experiences, your lifestyle, and your goals.  This will help me get an idea of what you like to do, what exercises you hate, or what we need to avoid so I know what type of program to design for you. 

This consultation also gives you a chance to get to know me and decide if you think you'll be comfortable working with me to help improve your fitness, health, and vitality.  Additionally, we'll go through the various options I offer and the pricing of those options.

After the initial consultation, if you decide you want to work with me, the first session will be used to assess your current level of fitness.  I'll use that data and information on your preferences of exercise, time you have available to work out, set the types of exercises, and intensity of your first training program.  This will also be used to monitor your progress as time goes on so you can see how much improvement you've made.

Does that sound OK?

         Prospect: Yes.

[The follwing is something that I have found works well to land the client.  Once they have departed with some money, they are more serious and committed and your time is wasted less often.]

Good.  Now, the initial consultation is by appointment only at <location> and as I said the consultation is free.  However, there is a catch.  There's always a catch, right? <laugh.. be personable> I need a security deposit from you to hold the appointment.  The reason I do this is so that I can immediately see which clients are serious about wanting to get in shape and which ones like the idea of becoming fit, but lack the get up and go to start the initial process.  If you don't show up, you lose your deposit.  If, however, you keep your appointment and decide to proceed with my services, your deposit is applied toward your training package.  If you meet with me, but decide that my services are not for you, then I will refund your deposit to you in full.

I'm hoping you're the type that is both serious and committed!

[I only except credit cards for this purpose.  If, however, your potential client is apprehensive about such a transaction over the phone or if you do not have the necessary equipment to process credit or debit card transactions, there are other options. These options can be found online by clicking on the like provided below or typing the link address into your internet browser's address bar.  You need to be connected to the internet for this to work.]

http://budurl.com/cconline

Do you want to meet on a weekday or weekend?

[When landing a client it is important to ask leading questions (either option A or option B)]

Do you prefer a morning or evening appointment?

         Prospect: Morning.

[Agree on a time.]

Great.  Can you give me your first and last name and spell it out for me?

And your home phone number with area code?

Do you have a cell phone?

[If yes, then take that number with area code as well.]

How about an email address?

[Comes in handy for emailed newsletters, coupons and promotions,  or website marketing.]

[If they give you an email address, continue...]

Fantastic, I'll email you a confirmation of your appointment along with a map to the gym.

I look forward to meeting you!