What If Personal Trainers and Fitness Experts Offered a Money Back Guarantee?

With obesity on the rise across the country, what would happen if health clubs, gyms and personal trainers did more to motivate and encourage consumers by guaranteeing results? What if they offered their members a money-back guarantee? Or is there too much money to be made from those who sign contracts and then don't attend or follow through? If the fitness industry is really intent on making a difference, then perhaps it needs to start selling results, not just memberships.

Most fitness instructors and personal trainers I know really want their clients to achieve their goals. But I suspect that few, if any, would be willing to guarantee results or give back to their client every penny he or she paid if the client's goals are unmet. However, I was recently told about a fitness instructor in Europe who does just that. This is how the European plan was described to me:

When a client has a goal in mind, he or she and the personal trainer or fitness expert work together to come up with an individualized and measurable plan to achieve that goal. Some may simply want to lose weight or reduce their body fat percentage. Another may want to run in and complete an upcoming marathon, while yet another is looking to compete in a sport or activity requiring a change in his or her fitness level.

Regardless of the goal, the plan begins with a thorough assessment by the personal trainer or fitness expert. The assessment examines a wide range of things, including how realistic the goal is, the strength and nature of the individual's support system, the person's nutritional habits and daily stress levels and his or her overall health. Depending on the individual and the goal, the plan may also include requirements away from the gym, such as a dietary program.

Once a goal and plan are agreed upon, a contract is signed, a fee is paid and work begins - all with a money-back guarantee.

The health club, gym or personal trainer certainly doesn't want to give back money to anyone - and they shouldn't have to. If an accurate assessment was done, and the client follows through on the agreed upon plan, the health or fitness goal will be met, and everyone wins. If the individual does not reach their goal, despite fulfilling their end of the contract, a reputable and experienced personal trainer should gladly refund his or her client's fee. After all, that's what you're paying for, and a well-paid personal trainer or fitness expert shouldn't be paid for anything less than expert advice and training.

What a concept! Perhaps it's time personal trainers and other fitness experts do something similar in the U.S. Setting up a gym with lots of shiny equipment and taking money from those who impulsively join out of desperation or because they live or work nearby is not enough. There are more health clubs and personal trainers out there than at any other time in history, yet obesity rates continue to rise. Perhaps a new approach on the part of personal trainers and fitness experts would be another step in the right direction.