Personal Fitness Professional - September 2008 - (Page 18)

Necessities By Lynn Bode Technical Increase trainer-client contact with online support Retaining and attracting clients today requires more than superior client training sessions or a state-of-the-art studio. To stand out from your competition, you must utilize advanced online technology so you can successfully support clients outside of training time. There are 168 hours in a week. A client will only spend a tiny amount of those training with you. Supporting your clients the remaining hours is critical to success — for both you and your clients. Bolster Your Website Your website is one of your best client support tools, but a simple brochure website is no longer enough — it’s considered static. To connect with today’s typical Internet-savvy client, trainers need their own interactive, dynamic site with newer tools such as streaming video, mobile phone workouts, online team training, audio casts and blogs, which can improve both your sales and retention rates with little ﬁnancial and time investment. Angela Ramos, owner of Inspiration Fitness, credits an increase in sales and client retention to the online community she created for her client base. “This helps me stand out from the competition due to the fact that I am more accessible than the average trainer,” says Ramos. She expands well beyond face-to-face support through online educational videos and audio casts. “Videos have become an integral part of my business. I have created videos for meal preparation, exercises, equipment instruction, motivation and encouragement.” The Streaming Video Revolution Anyone can easily record a video. All you need is a camcorder or digital camera with video recording capabilities. Using YouTube is one option for uploading, but for a more professional approach, ﬁnd an all-inclusive software solution that includes video capabilities. Create videos for one-time viewing, or add them to a members-only online library. Produce videos on unscheduled occasions, or commit to a weekly, monthly or quarterly schedule. Multi-part video series can be particularly eﬀective in keeping viewers interested. By oﬀering clients access to regularly-posted streaming videos, you further enhance the trainer-client experience. Practical video applications include workout tips, exercise demonstrations, equipment reviews and nutritional suggestions. Videos represent an opportune way to support clients and sell prospects. For a phone prospect, imagine pointing them to your website video to learn more about your training philosophy. You’ll display your professionalism before ever meeting in person. 18 SEPTEMBER2008 · WWW.FIT-PRO.COM http://WWW.FIT-PRO.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Personal Fitness Professional - September 2008

Personal Fitness Professional - September 2008 Contents Letter from the Editor, Writers Adding Pilates and Yoga to Your Clients' Workouts Combating Youth Obesity Prescription for Success NEW! The Balancing Act Technical Necessities Product Profiles Current Controversies Mark Your Calendar Coaching Your Client's Diet Life Coaching 101 Exercise Spotlight Product Profiles New on the Market [Spotlight] Gregg Miehle

Personal Fitness Professional - September 2008

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