How to connect with clients over the holidays: 5 ways to do it As the holidays get closer, it can be hard to keep clients excited and committed to their workouts. If you have a lot of family obligations, work parties, or holiday shopping, you might not get to work out. To keep your clients moving and coming to classes, you need to have a plan and think of ways to keep them moving and coming to classes. That way, you can keep your current members and keep growing your membership through the holidays, too. People usually don’t work as much during this time of year. Here are five ways you can Connect with Clients and keep going during this time.

People and things to think about.

Many gyms and studios hold challenges at the start of the year, when people are most excited and motivated to work out. You can also use these challenges to inspire and motivate clients at this time of year, as well. If you host a weekly or two- to four-week challenge when your clients are most distracted by other things, it could help them stay on track with their workouts. Consider having themed workouts, shorter workouts, or mixed classes. People who participate should be celebrated on a board in your lobby, and prizes should be given out to encourage more people to do so.

Workouts you can do on the internet

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many health and exercise professionals switched to teaching online so they could keep their clients motivated, connect with them, and inspire them to keep going. Are you still giving people the chance to shop online? In busy times of the year, having an online option for clients makes them more likely to stay and keep them engaged. People who travel, or who have little time to get to the studio, will find this very useful. Before or after work, it’s easier to get a quick workout in. Without having to drive, it’s easier. Having shorter workout options also makes it easier for people who have a lot on their plate to get in a work out. How about coming up with short “pre-party workouts” for the days that clients go to events? Before a work Christmas party, for example, your clients could take a 15-minute meditation and stretch to get in the right frame of mind. If they want to relax in a different way, they could do a 20-minute boxing workout before the party. Another way to count down to New Year’s is to do workouts that are meant to relieve stress, burn calories, or put you in a positive mindset to start the new year off on the right foot. Have a lot of online options for your clients during this time of year and for a long time to come, too.

There are friends and family.

Clients should be able to bring a friend, family member, or co-worker to a class or training. The holidays are a good time to give away free or discounted guest passes, or you can make some classes open to friends and family. This could also help you get more clients.

Reach out to someone.

The following question is for you: Do you send out emails to your clients often? There will be more than just promotional emails. They will get content that will be useful to them, not just spam. In order to stay in touch with their clients, independent health and exercise professionals as well as the owners of studios and gyms need to have some kind of “keep-in-touch” campaign. Use an email service like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Mailerlite to stay in touch with your customers. You can also stay in touch with your friends and family on social media, as well. It’s also a good idea to Connect with Clients on social media and comment on their posts. This way, you can get to know them better and help them out. Even snail mail isn’t a bad idea. This year, can you send out a holiday card? Take a few pictures with your phone, make a beautiful postcard on Canva, and print it out with Canva or Vistaprint. Clients will love the personalised Christmas card.

Give something back

People might want to host a donation-based workout to help a local charity. Giving to charity is a good thing for both you and your community. You could also run a clothing or food drive to help a local food bank. In order to give back and Connect with Clients motivated to work out, set up a donation area where they can drop off their money.