Lifetime introduces new Interactive Instructor programme
Following consultation with the industry on skills gaps, Lifetime has teamed up Dr Paul Bedford, Kris Tynan and Rob Gregory – three of the industry’s most respected retention specialists, to develop a new Interactive Instructor Programme, which will be available in May.
This initiative has been developed as a flexible programme that evolves training into a bespoke operational solution. The programme is introduced via a comprehensive training course combining traditional classroom teaching with practical workshops and providing fitness instructors with all the skills and knowledge needed to better interact with members on the gym floor. Students will review the personal experiences, performance and techniques of instructors, gaining skills in interaction and conversational behaviour change. The programme is evidence based yet delivered utilising the ‘live’ environment to ensure that theory passes through to practice and staff feel confident to continue the skills in all areas of their role.
Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime, says: “As part of Dr Paul Bedford’s extensive research spanning six years into member expectations and the realities of their health club experience, 24,000 health club members were interviewed. The overwhelming feedback highlighted not only the lack of interaction, which is part of the critical path to repeat visits but also the quality of that interaction that drives the member experience.”
“Our new programme sets out to address this issue by providing instructors with the skills and confidence they need to approach and talk with members. This in turn will improve the member experience and lead to a positive impact on retention.”
Kris Tynan, a former FIA Board member, and Rob Gregory, an expert in the field of customer experience and retention, have also played an important consultancy role in the programme’s development. Wallace adds: “In association with Lifetime Kris Tynan has also developed a book that directly complements the teachings of our course. The book will be available from Lifetime in the late spring and should be viewed as essential reading for anyone who works in our sector”.”
For more information on the Interactive Instructor Programme call Lifetime on 0870 702 7273.
