Why Most Health and Fitness Professionals Do Not Retain Clients (And What They Can Do About It)

Dec 30
09:34

2010

Melonie Dodaro

Melonie Dodaro

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Are you suffering from "disappearing clients" syndrome? Chances are that you're frustrated because your clients seem to lack commitment, and you constantly have to replace clients. Your clients start missing appointments after a few weeks or months, only to drop out altogether, usually far short of their goal.

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Are you suffering from "disappearing clients" syndrome?

Chances are that you're frustrated because your clients seem to lack commitment,Why Most Health and Fitness Professionals Do Not Retain Clients (And What They Can Do About It) Articles and you constantly have to replace clients. Your clients start missing appointments after a few weeks or months, only to drop out altogether, usually far short of their goal.

And the reason why they drop out is simple:

Your clients are getting frustrated because their weight continues to go up and down. They had high hopes that this time, it would be different -- yet it wasn't.

If you recognize yourself in this scenario, you're not alone. 

In fact, gung-ho beginnings that quickly fizzle seem to be the usual pattern, one that most traditional weight loss and fitness programs share. People just don't stick around, although they may come back occasionally to try again, generally with the same result.

I know the disappearing client syndrome only all too well because I've been there myself.  I used to own and run 5 weight loss centers and have found myself struggling with the same frustrating pattern.

So what can you do to fix the "disappearing clients" syndrome? 

Fortunately, it's relatively easy to fix.  But it does require one thing that doesn't always come easy to "old school" trainers and coaches. You have to think outside the box, at least outside the traditional box that focuses just on diet and exercise. Calories in and calories out is only a small part of the story.

The real key to success is sorely missing this new paradigm…

Your client's mind and emotions!

Sure, these are a bit less tangible than calorie counts and laps ran, but as it turns out, they're even more important to your clients' success than the physical aspects of losing weight. Because if you don't add emotional and mental aspects to your program, your clients will just keep falling off the wagon and back into their old patterns.

You need to change your clients’ mindset so they can become more committed and invested in their success. If you're tired of that revolving door pattern that's not only hard on your ego but also on your pocketbook, then here's the solution:

1) Recognize the problem

Once you've recognized the problem, you're already halfway on the path to the solution.  You now know that you need to add mental training and incorporate your clients' emotional issues into your program.  The question is how.

2) Add the missing mental and emotional aspects to your program offerings

Knowing what to do is one thing.  Actually doing it is quite another.  If you've been focused on just the physical aspects of weight loss for years, it will be a bit of a challenge to make that leap. First, there's the required change in attitude -- yours!  Then, there's the know-how that you may not yet have.

3) Get training in mind/body techniques

In order to be most effective as that new kind of trainer and coach who offers a well-rounded program that can guarantee results, you may want to consider special training on just how to implement those components.

As for where you can get that training -- that's the easiest part of the equation:  You'll find that the MindBody FX Facilitator Training program will give you everything you need, and then some. That program has been created by Melonie Dodaro, author and weight loss master coach, and Tom Terwilliger, former Mr. America and celebrity personal trainer.

After going through the facilitator training program, you will not only have developed your skills with the mental and emotional aspect of weight loss. You will also be able to attract the right type of clients -- and retain them. Best of all, you will be able to guarantee weight loss results that last!

Join us for a sneak preview webinar simply by going to:

http://www.builda6figurecoachingbusiness.com/