Lift The Bar

Building a strong sense of community is one of the most powerful ways to keep clients engaged and motivated. While training sessions are the core of your business, adding social events and activities can transform your client experience. These gatherings create opportunities for connection, accountability, and fun, making your clients feel part of something bigger than just a workout.  

Whether you train individuals, small groups or large classes, here are practical ideas for organising socials and events that suit different demographics and interests.

 

Why Socials Matter

Social events help clients bond with each other and with you. They foster loyalty, improve retention, and make your business stand out. For many people, fitness is about more than physical health, it’s about belonging. By creating spaces for interaction outside of training, you strengthen that sense of community.

 

Fun and Relaxed Social Options

Not every event needs to involve sweat and burpees. Sometimes, a simple get-together is all it takes to build relationships.

• Coffee Meet-Ups: Host a monthly coffee morning at a local café. It’s informal, easy to organise, and perfect for clients who enjoy a chat.  Plus it can help you build relationships with other businesses in the local area.
• Book Clubs: Great for clients who love reading, learning and discussion. Choose fiction or go for books on fitness, mindset, or wellbeing.
• Themed Parties: Seasonal events like Christmas socials, summer BBQs, or fancy-dress parties can be a hit. Add games or quizzes for extra fun and to encourage interaction.
• Workshops: Partner with a local chef or nutritionist to run a session on meal prep or healthy recipes or pick a training related topic and create an interactive learning based session.

 

Active and Adventure-Based Events

For clients who love a challenge, physical activity socials can be exciting and rewarding.

• Internal Competitions: Organise a friendly client challenge. These can be smaller challenges such as a “plank-off”, group challenges like climb / run / walk / row / cycle the equivalent of a significant landmark or distance or larger team events.
• Group Walks or Runs: Plan a scenic walk or park run followed by brunch. It’s inclusive and suitable for different fitness levels.
• Fitness Classes in the Park: Take your sessions outdoors for a change of scenery and a community vibe.
• Obstacle Course Events: Sign up as a team for events like Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. These create camaraderie and shared achievement.  Depending on your clients this might also require some group training in preparation for the event.
• Charity Challenges: Host a fundraising workout or sponsored event. Clients love contributing to a good cause while staying active.

 

Tailoring Events for Different Demographics

Consider your client base when planning socials. For example:

• Families: Offer kid-friendly activities like outdoor games or family fitness sessions.
• Older Adults: Choose low-impact options such as walking groups or gentle yoga socials.
• Corporate Clients: Networking breakfasts or team-building fitness challenges can work well.

The key is to make events inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.  If it’s a physical related challenge it needs to be something everyone feels they can achieve and it shouldn’t unfairly penalise any of your clients.

 

Practical Tips for Organising Socials

• Plan Ahead: Schedule events well in advance and promote them through email, social media, and in-person reminders.
• Keep Costs Clear: Decide whether events are free, paid, or subsidised. For paid events get money up front.  Transparency avoids confusion.  
• Gather Feedback: Ask clients what they’d enjoy.  This ensures good attendance and engagement.
• Celebrate Success: Share photos and highlights on your platforms to build excitement for future events.
• Encourage Interaction: Remember you are the host of the event and ensure your attendees are having a good time.        If they don’t know each other or don’t interact much then it’s a good idea to have activities or conversation starters planned to help things along.

 

Final Thoughts

Client socials and events aren’t just “extras”, they’re powerful tools for building community, boosting motivation, creating memorable experiences and helping people feel good about you and your business.

Start with one idea, keep it simple, and watch how these events strengthen your relationships and grow your business.

Members can explore more in the Running A Seminar For Your Clients course.

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