Benefits of Offering a First Session Free

Many trainers first starting off in the business often wonder why we give away "freebies" to clients for their fist visits. While it may seem like a direct loss of income to the trainer, offering a free session can often be the first step in acquiring and retaining a new client who will continue to use your services in the future. This happens in a few ways, all of which can be positively attributed to the way that clients relate and think about fitness.

Often times, when someone comes in to a gym for the first time, they are nervous and unsure of themselves and their abilities. Many individuals find themselves in a state of anxiety, not really knowing who they can turn to for guidance. If left for long enough, this can trigger a flight or freeze response, which forces the potential client into a position where they feel uncomfortable, and unwilling to try the services. By engaging a new client from the beginning, and allowing them an opportunity to get involved with their fitness plan from the beginning, you are battling back that anxiety.

Once a client begins to get comfortable in the session, you will be able to see a drastic difference in how they react and respond to your requests. As they begin to feel better about themselves and the way that they can accomplish the tasks you give them, they will feel better about continuing on in future sessions with you. By developing a sense of trust with that client, you are able to chase away any misconceptions or fears that they may have about a personal trainer, and show them that they do have the potential to work well with a trainer.

On a neurological level, exercising through the first session will release dopamine into their systems, allowing them to feel good about what they are doing, and begin to see a trip to the gym as a type of physical reward. This allows the client to reason quickly, and brightens their alertness. By appealing to the client through a reward system, it is easier to outline for them in a logical sense the benefits of having a personal trainer and continuing to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Offering a free first session can be a great way to boost business if you do it correctly. Be sure to be open and honest with your potential clients and work hard to build up a relationship of trust with them. You will find that once people quell their initial fears, they will continue to work with you to attain the benefits of your knowledge.