Keeping clients motivated can be one of the toughest jobs for both in-person and online fitness coaches.

Often, when people seek out personal trainers or fitness studios, they’re seeking the extra support and accountability that comes along with working with a coach or with others in a group fitness atmosphere.  

But even the most dedicated clients can start to waver a bit in their commitment to their fitness—especially around holidays and during the summer. If only there was a hack that could help keep clients motivated and increase their engagement…hello fitness challenges!

Fitness challenges work like a charm. And we’re not talking about putting your clients on a strict smoothie diet for four weeks or having them work out seven days a week for a whole month. The challenges that are typically the most beneficial, for both client motivation and business growth, are the ones that make clients aware of their fitness habits and help them establish a routine. This routine will build accountability… plus, a bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone! Let’s take a closer look.

5 Ways to Use Fitness Challenges to Up Your Client Engagement

#1: Get as Many Participants Signed Up for Your Challenge as Possible

A larger pool of participants creates a stronger sense of community and support within the group. Participants can share experiences, offer encouragement, and celebrate achievements together, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that enhances motivation and engagement.

Market your fitness challenge to both your current clients as well as other prospects. Your prospects include your social media followers, your newsletter subscribers, and your website visitors. This will help you get a few new clients signing up, which then hopefully turn them into future clients post-challenge.

It’s completely up to you whether you charge money for a challenge or not, but often when people pay money to invest in a challenge, they are more likely to commit to it than if they got it for free. The price you charge should be based on how much time you personally will be putting into the challenge, and the value of the new leads you’ll acquire.

Check Out: A Complete Pricing Guide for Personal Trainers and Online Coaches

#2: Create a Group for Challenge Participants

Take everyone who has signed up for your challenge and add them to an online group. You could do this through ABC Trainerize’s group messaging feature. Group communication will give people a sense of community and help them feel more supported throughout the challenge. They’re not alone! 

As the coach, you should engage in the group as much as possible by providing helpful tips, motivational videos and messages, and by providing challenge updates on a regular basis. This will encourage conversation from the participants and keep the challenge at top of mind.

#3: Provide Rewards to Hype People Up

Create badges or establish milestones that your challenge participants can work towards and eventually reach throughout the challenge. These milestones will help to keep them motivated all the way through. Badges could be something like “First person to complete 10 workouts,” or “Week 2’s Most Positive Group Member.” Milestones could be “20 Meals Tracked” or “Week 1 Complete!”  

Being recognized for their hard work will encourage participants to challenge themselves and stay motivated. It’s your choice if you’d like to offer prizes, as often the recognition is enough for people… and they’ll feel much better about themselves when they reach those targets.

Check Out: How to Succeed as a Remote Personal Trainer

#4: Incorporate Technology for Another Layer of Fun

Trainers and coaches can easily take their fitness challenges up a level when they incorporate fitness tech.

Utilize fitness tracking apps, wearable devices, or online platforms to facilitate challenge participation and progress tracking. These tools can provide clients with real-time feedback, personalized recommendations, and a sense of accountability, enhancing their overall engagement and adherence to the challenge.

It also makes it easier for you, as a coach, to recognize and reward participants (like we spoke about above) when you have access to in-depth data.

Check Out: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Fitness Challenge

#5: Use Variety to Keep the Boredom of Repetition Away

Introducing variety into clients’ workout routines can prevent boredom and plateaus, keeping them engaged and motivated. 

Trainers can organize challenges that encourage clients to try new exercises, fitness classes, or outdoor activities. These challenges can include themed workouts, cross-training activities, or outdoor adventure challenges. By keeping workouts fresh and exciting, clients are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their fitness goals.

Through challenges, trainers can teach clients how to live a healthy, balanced life. They can learn that they don’t have to starve themselves and work out seven days per week to see results and feel great.

Power your next challenge with ABC Trainerize. Sign up for a 30-day free trial below!