In-home training is in high demand, and the need is only expected to increase. Technological advancements, a stronger interest in health and fitness amongst the population, and the transition to in-home activities due to the pandemic have caused the market to grow considerably in recent years. In-home training is projected to reach more than 17 billion within the next decade.
At the same time, individuals over 70 comprise a large percentage of the personal training market. People on average are living longer and healthier lives. Older people have the funds and time to invest in their personal health and will seek out a personal trainer to help them reach their fitness goals.
For these reasons, personal trainers who already work with seniors should consider offering in-home training options. This may require adapting some facets of a traditional gym-based business model.
Considerations Before Setting Up An In-Home Training Program
In-home training programs offer some advantages when compared to gym-based training. The flexibility of in-home training can help personal trainers attract clients who would otherwise not have access to their services.
In-home training can also cut overhead costs, as trainers would not have to pay rent or commission costs.
However, in-home training programs incur other expenses. Trainers must travel to different client locations, which increases the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance. In-home training also requires additional insurance coverage to protect the trainer from liability. In many cases, trainers will also have to purchase and transport their own exercise equipment.
Marketing and Client Retention for In-Home Training Programs
Since gyms have foot traffic and a pool of clients, personal trainers working in traditional settings can achieve success by simply marketing to existing members. With in-home training, finding and securing new clients requires more effort and resources.
First, personal trainers must develop a strong personal brand that appeals to their target clientele. Trainers interested in working with seniors should describe their offerings in a way that appeals to this demographic’s needs and concerns.
For example, words like “intense” or “power” may put off older clients who are concerned about the risk of injury. Marketing terms that focus on fitness and strength would be more appealing.
Emphasizing personalization and customization is also important in attracting older clients. Seniors often need to tailor training programs according to their physical capacity and may have health needs that limit which exercises they can safely perform. Personal trainers who can create workout plans based on these considerations are better positioned to work with older clients.
After securing clients, delivering an outstanding experience is key to retaining customers. Seniors are among the most loyal client base for fitness instruction, so personal trainers should put a lot of effort into building and sustaining these relationships.
Assessment and Goal Setting
Before starting with a new client, trainers should have a thorough understanding of his or her medical history and fitness goals.
Some trainers use a categorization system based on the individual’s fitness level. The spectrum ranges between active individuals who frequently engage in some type of demanding exercise and inactive individuals who may be starting a fitness routine for the first time in many years.
Each category of client will require a tailored plan to achieve their goals. Trainers should set goals that are achievable and safe, but at the same time are challenging enough to keep their clients engaged.
For example, older adults with a lifelong history of high activity levels have stronger heart and muscle systems, which increase the level of fitness they are able to reach.
While any senior can benefit from consistent exercise, clients with a history of inactivity may struggle to achieve the physical conditioning needed to exercise at an intense level.
Selecting Appropriate Equipment for In-Home Training
While some clients have exercise machines at home, most personal trainers bring their own weights and portable equipment to their in-home training sessions.
Trainers who specialize in working with seniors should choose equipment that reflects the needs of their clientele. For example, many older people begin personal training as part of their discharge or treatment plan. In these cases, trainers may want to invest in physical therapy equipment such as balance pads, elastic bands, and rollers.
Likewise, since some seniors have a heightened fall risk, training equipment that is affixed to a door or wall may be more suitable. Trainers should also bring workout mats or equipment that clients can use while seated.
Safety Considerations for In-Home Training
Serving clients in their homes comes with safety considerations that are not present in a gym environment. It is up to the trainer to make the area safe by scanning the workout space and removing any possible obstacles, such as rugs or large furniture.
The trainer must also ensure that pets or small children cannot unexpectedly enter the space and potentially cause an accident. If the client has a very small or crowded space, trainers must adapt their plan to work in the environment, or consider a different location, such as the client’s outdoor space.