Preparing customers for success in the new year

The start of the year is an exciting (and busy) time at most fitness facilities, as gym veterans often kick into high gear after a holiday break and newcomers arrive with New Year’s resolutions. While some gym-goers may complain about the lack of treadmills or the crowded gym, This time of year offers exercise professionals a great opportunity to capitalize on the increased motivation levels of their clients and potential clients.

For existing clients, the first sessions after the holidays can be used to help them reset and build momentum for the year ahead. For many, the holidays mean disrupted routines, different from normal meals and less time for workouts. If clients are feeling stressed or guilty about returning to their routine in January, remind them to embrace time with family, time off from work, and all the other joys the holidays bring. Everyone needs – and deserves – a break every now and then.

NNewcomers are usually optimally motivated and looking forward to it they are ready to conquer the world and dive into an extensive routine OOn day 1. This is where your role as a coach and trainer can come into play, by providing explanations that long-term success comes from the setting SMART goals and building sustainable habits. As you know, are all about consistency.

Find out where they are

Whether a client is a long-time veteran or new to the sport, it’s important to understand their baseline activities and fitness levels so you can meet them where they are and build from there.

When working with existing or returning clients, look back at what they did before the holidays (or when you last worked with them) and acknowledge any strength or cardiorespiratory fitness that may have declined since the last time they trained regularly. Then, develop a plan that builds on that foundation and empowers them to pursue their health and fitness goals. This is also an opportunity for you to reconnect with customers and remind them of their past successes. Finally, make sure you work with them on the plan moving forward.

This blog is not the place to discuss how to conduct assessments and lever the First sessions with a new client—that is a much bigger subject –But are important to help them become empowered and successful experiences with exercise And excercise in a gym settingwhich might be something for them not experienced before. Start by helping them build the confidence and self-efficacy they need staying consistent outside the initial a jolt of motivation they will feel at the start of their journey.

Collaborate on goal setting

Speaking of that sky-high level of motivation, many clients – both vets and newcomers – often start the new year thinking they can just flip the switch and do everything perfectly in one go. You might hear them say things like, “I’m going to the gym every morning at 6 a.m. before my work day starts” or “I’m going to cook a healthy dinner every day.” Your role is to help clients set realistic and achievable goals, as few things can derail good intentions like unreasonable expectations. Going to the gym just three times or cooking just four healthy dinners a week should never be considered a “failure,” but should instead be seen as steps in the right direction.

Remind clients to be behaviorally focused process goals, which are often more manageable and motivating. Losing 40 pounds may seem motivating on January 1stBut any early momentum can be difficult to maintain customers head into February and March with such a long-term goal. In addition to any long-term professionalchannel goals aimed at weight loss, health improvement or performance gHelp clients decide on short-term process goalswhich one can feel much more powerful. The combination of the two can unlock a client’s true potential.

Focus on Gradual progress

This can be difficult for returning clightBut are important to remind them of the strength or endurance they may have lost if they took a longer break. She can’t pick up where they left off without risking injury or other setbacks. If they squatted 50 pounds a month earlier But not in the gym ever since start at 35 pounds and gradually return to where they left off And Than past. Are worth doing ‘easier’ exercises for a few weeks to safe return to their pre-break fitness level. Of course, this may not be necessary if they do taken only a week off at the end of the year.

For newcomers, be sure that the initial sessions not only align with their goals and values, but also with them fitness and experience levels. For example if they have never lifted weights sooner, consider starting shorter sessions or “gym orientation” classes what the emphasis is on education correct shape and how to use the machines. Some clients may resist this approach they feel they are ready to get started right away, but are of vital importance that this one early stages of the program are safe and used strategically to enable long-term success.

Add responsibility and support

Veteran gym goers probably know what works best for them-group fitness classes or solo workoutsrunning groups or long walks on the treadmill with headphones on. Newcomers may not know it yet the types of exercises they like or the settings that motivate them most. Responsibility and social support are of vital importance when establish a routine, or that is with you as their personal trainer or a friend they meet for after-dinner walks around the neighborhood.

Naturally, camaraderie and social support should not be reserved only for newcomersas many people thrive in empowerment environment that sets the tone of ‘we are all in this together’. So please consider bidding small group personal training sessions or setting up walking or running groups outside the gym, where your clients can connect with like-minded community members who share their goals.

Final thoughts

Helping customers succeed isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building habits, trust and a supportive environment. Start implementing these strategies today to make 2026 the healthiest year yet for your customers.

	To learn how to use the initial consult with new customers and unlock the full potential of the client-trainer relationship, take a look Interview strategies to support early success with new customers (worth 0.2 ACE CECs).
	bcome one ACE Behavior Change Specialist (worth 2.5 ACE CECs) and make a difference in every customer’s journey by guiding them in discovering strategies to exercise more, eat better and make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. Completing this program will help you stand out from the competition and advance your career with confidence.