10 Factors that Differentiate a Great Walking Leader

After years worth of experiences, we’ve come across some “great” characteristics in Walking Trainers and some “average” characteristics.

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What makes a great walking leader?

1. Workout plans and nutrition plans

Walking leaders should consider their client’s goals and develop a workout plan accordingly. The workout regimen should be customized to the client’s body type, physical capability and focus on areas the client would like to advance. Our commitment as walking trainers is to create a workout plan with the client’s goals in mind.

Aside from a workout plan, other lifestyle advice should be not be discussed. Walking trainers should remain within their domain of expertise. As such, walking trainers should withhold providing guidance on nutrition plans, diet regiments or meal planning. Discussing subject matters outside of your purview of expertise may open up more questions on the topic and cast doubt on your lack of professional competence. Ultimately, discussing topics such as nutrition has shown to not correleate in a renewal of clientele. Instead, refer clients to other trusted counselors or encourage them to conduct their own research.

Tip; Clients find it tedious receiving excel and word documents. Instead, use an app that enables trainers to edit and upload workout plans for clients.

2. Communication

Personal and ongoing communication helps establish strong, influential relationships. Moreover, as more and more people experience quicker response rates with the connectedness of mobile devices, it is important to adjust accordingly. Commit to responding to emails and messages within 24 hours and consider using an app to help you manage your client communication. Also explore online platforms for quick and recurring payment methods from clients. Using mobile solutions will help alleviate the stress of having to remember to follow up with every client indvidiually. (Recommended apps will be discussed in future chapters of the Course.)

4. Being inspirational

Workout trainers conduct their trainings either online or in-person. Online trainings are easily accessible but after a while, participants usually lose interest. It is hard to stay committed to a group or goal that does not give your personal feedback.

In-person training, on the other hand, is a great medium for engaging and inspiring walkers. Take advantage of the face-to-face interaction by getting to know your individual client, sharing your story, and relating their goals to wider concepts of motivation. Consider sharing examples of other clients who have progressed impressively. Relating to other people and seeing examples of success can help motivate clients.

5. Educating clients

Many walking trainers share the bare minimum information about health and fitness to motivate their clients. People want to learn about the realm of walking and its many benefits – that’s why they turn to you! Make the expectation worthwhile by sharing knowledge and values that help inspire and educate your clients. Explain the rationale behind the exercises you chose, describe the considerations of various walking styles and shed light on risks to avois. Your knowledge will help the client perform the exercises more effectively – thereby, seeing more results – as well as respecting you for the knowledge you bestow.

6. Monitoring form and diet

Whether you are mangaing your client relationship online or in-person, it is important to monitor your client’s form and diet. You can request they send photos of their meal regiment or ask them to demonstrate proper form to you. Showing interest in your client’s health and well-being will keep the motivated to improve. Demonstrate your commitment to their growth by checking in with them regularly offline and in-person.

7. Level of service

It is important to match your quality of training with your rate of payment. Strive for a high quality of service and people will be willing to pay. If you have a waitlist to join your workout schedule, you can also encourage clients to wait for an open spot by demonstrating high customer service and reviews. Clients are interested in quality over quantity, so invest in delivering high quality serivce.

8. Fair pricing

When regarding pricing, focus on the quality of your service than the quantity of clients. With the right quality of service, you will be able to price your training at a higher rate. Also, with having fewer clients, you can each person more attentive focus and personalized attention. Some walking trainers even charge up to 100$ per month, thus indicating the market for quality workout experiences. “Never chase money, chase excellence, and money will follow” — Anon.

9. Professionalism

Professionalism is key to conveying your credibility as a walking trainer. Clients come from different backgrounds and professional services. People will respect you based on how you present yourself. Ensure professional communication by proofreading for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Dress for the part with neatly picked out clothes and good hygiene. Clients will respect someone who carries themselves with self-respect. Strive for a professional experience even though it may feel like a casual setting.

10. Being Social

• Recent studies discuss the importance of social currency, or the value you carry through social interactions. Clients can increase a walking trainer’s social currency by recommending them online and posting about them on social media. Herein, clients act as a form of promotional advertising for trainers. As more people hear about you, you are more likely to attract new clients. Staying active on social media platforms is key to recognition.
• Unluck the power of social media in your marketing and promotion strategy. While social media is not a silver bullet, you can develop a meaningful strategy to increase engagement and awareness online. We discuss more about harnessing the potential of social media in the WEWALK Group Leader Course. In the meantime, learn more about the value of social media in the TED Talk below.