- Last Updated:
- 1/8/2024
- Julis Navarro
The beginning of the year brings an influx of optimistic resolutionists ready to finally make health and wellness a priority.
That sometimes means a quick burst of business after those fireworks fizzle. But, you can increase your client base long-term by making intentional choices with every new signup.
New Year’s Fitness Goals Statistics
Here are some statistics and facts about New Year’s fitness resolutions to get you pumped for a strong year ahead.
This crowd starts the year excited to crush their fitness goals — with more gym signups and more insurance policies secured to match. It’s partially up to you to keep your clients’ momentum going!
8 Ways to Help Your Clients Achieve Their Fitness Goals for the New Year
1. Educate on Realistic Expectations
Be upfront about what your client can achieve in the number of sessions they’ve booked. For example, let them know that if they signed up for a month of training you’re not guaranteeing visible abs, but they can expect to notice increased energy and flexibility.
2. Set a SMART Primary Goal
Collaborate with your clients to set goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).
Focus on one major goal, like running a 3k by March, and a few secondary goals, like running twice a week.
3. Encourage Long-Term Healthy Habits
Remind your clients that sustainable lifestyle changes, like exercising three times a week, are more impactful than short-term “beast mode” routines that lead to burnout.
4. Use Visual Progress Trackers
Tracking progress visually can keep clients motivated. Use fitness apps, progress photos, or even simple charts to show them how far they’ve come.
5. Host an Accountability Challenge
Pair up your clients as accountability partners and set fitness tasks, like “log 20 workouts in January” to keep them engaged. You can offer a small prize (like vouchers for smoothies or small discounts off sessions) if they complete the challenge.
Simple challenges like these help your clients feel less alone in their New Year fitness goals and can encourage a little friendly competition, too!
6. Celebrate Non-Scale Victories
When it comes to fitness, every win is worth celebrating. Highlight improved endurance, better sleep patterns, or bigger lifts to show your clients that you’re rooting for them — and that they’re getting a lot of value from your training! This can be as simple as a high-five or a congratulatory text.
7. Pair Nutrition With Knowledge
“Abs are made in the kitchen.” Whether you love or hate the phrase, there’s truth behind the sentiment — nutrition and fitness go hand in hand. Even if your client’s goals have nothing to do with their physical appearance, they need to have a basic understanding of how they’re eating habits affect their fitness.
If you have the credentials required to become a nutritionist, you can provide general nutrition and meal advice to supplement your clients’ training.
8. Stay Connected
Check in with your clients regularly via follow-up texts or emails.
Above all, be human. Take note of personal details — their pet’s name, interests, family plans they’re getting fit for — to weave into the motivation you offer.
Remember that these fitness resolutions are a big deal for them, so showing up for your clients with expert support goes a long way in helping them feel like they got this!
“The challenge with New Year resolution clients is getting them to commit. Weight loss and ‘toning’ don’t happen overnight, so setting real, reasonable expectations is essential. If they’re only working out with you once a week for 30 minutes, and don’t do any additional work on their own, they’re not going to see a lot of progress. They’ll probably feel defeated and give up. Making sure they really understand this can be a big help.”
– Chelsea Ramsey, ACE-certified Personal Trainer
How to Retain Clients Past New Year’s
- Create a “next step” pathway: Once your client achieves a goal, immediately suggest a new challenge, such as muscle toning after weight loss.
- Introduce periodized training plans: Keep workouts feeling fresh with monthly programs, like endurance in January and strength in February.
- Set up yearlong accountability groups: Group your clients into support teams and encourage them to start group chats — social accountability can be a powerful motivator!
- Offer discounts for long-term signups: Allow clients to save more money by signing up for a 6-month or year-long discount package that you promote as an investment toward their New Year fitness goals.
- Incorporate seasonal themes: Right after the New Year’s period, hook clients with a seasonal package, like a “Spring Strength Challenge.”
- Host group events: Host a group hike or boot camp to foster a sense of community; help clients feel like they belong and that they should stick around!
- Celebrate milestones publicly: Shout out clients at the gym, in group chats, or on social media (with permission) when they crush their goals. Think the Peleton leaderboard IRL — everyone loves a little recognition.
- Address slumps proactively: If you notice a client is not motivated to work out, talk to them! Sometimes you just need to dig a little to address your client’s needs and pivot accordingly.
- Be their go-to expert: Consider getting a specialization through a top personal trainer certification program to level up your skills.
- Revisit your strategy: Now’s a great time to reevaluate your personal trainer pricing and marketing strategies.
“Setting up realistic expectations and goals, establishing a positive relationship with your client, and finding ways to make it as easy or enjoyable as possible for your client to be consistent are all going to help with keeping New Year’s clients past February,” says Ramsey.
Fitness New Year’s Resolutions Safety Tips You Need to Know
- Assess baseline fitness levels and use a PAR-Q form (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire).
- Maintain a safe environment by conducting regular risk assessments.
- Have clients sign fitness liability waivers.
- Emphasize proper form and offer modifications as needed.
- Train within your scope of practice.
- Carry personal trainer liability insurance.
Pro Tip: Get excellent-rated coverage from $15/month with Insurance Canopy online to protect yourself from third-party claims of injury, property damage — and even unmet client expectations.
FAQs for Trainers Helping With Health and Fitness Resolutions
What Tools Can I Recommend to Help Clients Track Progress on New Year Fitness Goals?
Some client management software programs, like TrueCoach, allow clients to track progress within your coaching platform.
How Can I Balance the Needs of Resolutionists With My Existing Clients?
Remember that your new and existing clients have unique needs. New Year’s clients are often focused on quick wins and need guidance to build long-term habits, while existing clients benefit from maintaining their progress and staying motivated with fresh challenges.
Check in regularly with both groups to ensure they feel supported!
