Your First, Second, and Third Workout
By Joe Mullen
Although this is written from the perspective of a Fitness Instructor, it directly applies to individuals who need guidance, in establishing a result producing way to learn proper fitness techniques.
First workouts are always a wakeup call for members. The first workout refers to a member who joins without the benefit of a Free Trial visit.
However, the first workout should follow the exact procedure recommended in the Free Trial Visit.
The only difference is the Free Trial is offered to someone considering a membership in your facility. In either case, give the member every consideration.
A person who joined without a sales pitch, should not be treated as a sure thing, because you have his or her money. Consistency
After several years of using different workout procedures for a Free Trial and a different procedure for the First Workout, we finally realized, it would work better for the client and Instructor, if consistency existed between the Free Trial and the First Workout procedures.
This allows Instructors to concentrate on one basic workout for both proceedings.
Guesswork is Eliminated
Since workout design is similar, it sharpens the sales presentations of the staff. It also improves the interpersonal relationships with members.
By keeping both workouts consistent, a prospective member will not feel slighted when it is explained that the Free Trial is the same as the is the First Workout.
Time Saving
The time of the presentation is as short as possible, while still getting the message of proper exercise across to interested parties.
It is a good idea not to overeducate the client on the first few visits. Most people, will not retain everything explained to them, until they become comfortable and inquisitive.
Gauging the Second Workout and the Third Workout, will be easier, since the Free Trial and the First Workout are identical.
Keep a complete record of all exercises, the resistance and repetitions.
The Second and Third Workouts
The procedure for the Second Workout and Third Workout are quite similar to the First Workout. However, there are a few differences. Let's cover them in order.
The member has entered your facility, was greeted by name, changed into exercise clothing, and appears in the exercise area ready to perform the workout
Follow One of These Procedures
The Video Presentation
Explain to the member that you would like him or her to watch the second workout video, if it is part of your services.
Escort the person to the video area. Start the program, and then excuse yourself While the member watches the video program, you are free to perform other functions around your facility.
The second workout video should present educational information needed to perform the second workout. This information will answer many questions that a staff person would have to present in a one-on-one situation.
As the program ends, be sure that someone is available to take charge of the situation. Never allow the member to sit staring at the blank video screen. Go on to the exercise area and briefly go over what is going to happen.
Second Option. Use prior to the video presentation or if the client did not view a video. You will briefly explain what is about to happen during the Second (or Third) Visit.
Eight exercises or less are performed during the second visit. If the client is very deconditioned, it would be appropriate to perform less than eight exercises.
Use the following language, explain what is about to take place:
"During the first workout, five exercises were performed."
"Today, we will do those five, plus three more exercises. During the last workout, we used 15 repetitions for each exercise."
"Today we will change to the standard, recommended repetition system. This will be 15 to 20 repetitions for the lower body. Eight to 12 for the upper body."
Instruct the member to recognize their own failure point. Do not push them as if they are an athlete.
Inform them, that during lower body exercise, a minimum of 15 repetitions should be performed, going as high as 20. They may stop anywhere between 15 and 20.
For upper body exercises, they should perform a minimum of eight reps and as many as 12 reps, it is OK to stop anywhere between eight and 12, if they must. Remember It Is A break-in workout
You should encourage a client's to look forward to the next visit Do not try to prove you can humble them. It will only discourage them.
The first few workouts set the stage for future visits. Stress proper style. Do not overload with resistance. Otherwise, they will not concentrate on proper style. Instead, they will be concerned with how heavy the weight is.
After a few workouts, most members become aggressive and will automatically work harder.
Begin the Workout
Having briefed the member, begin the workout. Gauge the intensity of the second workout, to the fitness level of this person.
Add three new exercises. The choice is yours. The choice of exercises will vary from facility to facility, depending on the equipment available.
This approach works well, as long as you do not add three new exercises for the same muscle group. Otherwise, the member may not have the fitness level to finish the program.
As the member performs the exercises, mark the workout card. Do not give credit for improper repetitions. Be sure to allow adequate rest between exercises, depending on the fitness level of the person.
Encourage flawless style. Commend the member on exercises properly performed.
At the end of the workout, ask if he or she have any questions, about the exercise program. If so, answer them directly.
Then, inform the member that on the next visit, the eight exercises completed today will be repeated, plus about four more.
Most members will be capable of performing 12 exercises during the Third Visit. Some will not. Let common sense be your guide. Less is also all right.
More is probably too much.
After finishing the Second Workout and answering all questions, ask the member to place the workout card in the file, then excuse yourself and get on to other things.
If the member has questions that require an in-depth explanation, let video do the educating or, sit by appointment, with the member and answer questions in that manner.
Remember do not attempt to over educate, which can initially discourage a person.
The Third Workout and Beyond
The Third Workout procedure is the same as the second, with one difference. If the client was capable of doing eight exercises in the Second Visit, add up to 4 more for this visit. Otherwise, adjust the workout accordingly.
In addition, when starting the workout, hand the workout card to your member. Instruct on properly marking the card, adjusting the seating positions, and adjusting the amount of resistance for each exercise.
If all goes well, the member, from this visit onward, will be self-sufficient, and capable of working out, with only visual supervision.
Motivation becomes a very important aspect of exercise now. It will pay dividends in membership and client retention if one offers congratulations on workouts well done.
A well run fitness center will always have at least one Instructor working the floor area, visually supervising the members.
Lack of supervision, education and motivation are major complaints of fitness center members throughout the USA. |