As a gym owner or personal trainer, you know that creating a successful training plan is essential to helping members achieve their fitness goals. But with so many factors to consider, knowing where to start can sometimes be difficult.
That is why I am writing this article especially for you! We will go through the steps needed to create a successful training plan. I will also give you tips on making your plan enjoyable and engaging, so members are more likely to stick with it.
1. Assess your members’ fitness levels
The first step in creating a successful training plan is assessing your members’ fitness levels. This helps you determine the intensity and duration of workouts, as well as which types of exercise suit your members.
There are several ways to assess members’ fitness levels. You can use a fitness tool such as PAR-Q, or the handy tool in the Workouts Wizard platform to determine your members’ levels.
2. Set goals
Once you know your members’ fitness levels, you can start setting their goals. What exactly do they want to achieve through exercise? These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
For example, a specific goal for a member just starting out could be losing 5kg in 12 weeks. A measurable goal for the same member could be running 5km in 30 minutes. An achievable goal for that member could be doing 10 push-ups and 15 sit-ups.
3. Create a plan that is both challenging and achievable
Your training plan should be challenging enough to keep members motivated, but also achievable so they do not become discouraged.
A good way to create a challenging yet achievable plan is to start with a basic routine and gradually increase workout intensity and duration as members become stronger and fitter.
You should also vary the exercises in a plan so members do not get bored.
4. Track your members’ progress
It is important to track members’ progress so you can see what works and what does not. This also helps you adjust the plan when necessary.
There are several ways to track progress. You can use a fitness tracker such as a Fitbit or Apple watch, closely monitor workouts in the Workouts Wizard platform, or ask members about their progress at each workout.
5. Feedback
It is also important to give feedback from time to time, so members know how they are doing and what they can do to improve.
Feedback can be as simple as telling someone to adjust the weight or number of repetitions. It can also be more detailed, such as giving tips & tricks to improve their form or suggesting new exercises to try.
Feedback can work in the other direction too. Encourage members to give feedback on the training plans you make for them. After each workout, the Workouts Wizard platform asks members the simple question of how they found that day’s training. They can choose ‘too easy’, ‘too hard’ or ‘manageable’. They can also explain why the workout was too easy or too hard.
6. Make it fun
Fitness should remain enjoyable, so make sure your training plan is fun and challenging. If members enjoy themselves, they are more likely to follow the plan.
There are several ways to make your training plan more enjoyable. Vary the exercises, add games or challenges, or simply create a positive and supportive environment in your gym.
During holidays and festive periods, for example, you can create training plans around a special theme. Make Christmas or Easter plans for members, or add excitement with a special summer or winter workout. Let your creativity run free!
Conclusion
Creating a successful training plan takes time and effort, but it is certainly worthwhile in the long term. Following the steps in this article lets you create a training plan that helps your members achieve their fitness goals.
Here are some additional tips for creating a successful training programme:
- Listen to your members. Pay attention to what they say and adapt the plan accordingly. If they dislike the exercises, they are more likely not to follow or finish the plan.
- Be flexible. Things do not always go to plan, so be prepared to adjust the training plan if necessary.
- Be patient. Results take time, so do not become discouraged immediately if members do not see results straight away.
Following these tips lets you create a successful training plan with which your members can undoubtedly achieve their fitness goals.
