Business GrowthClient Retention 10 Ways to Combat Fitness Boredom as a Personal Trainer

Let’s start here: routine is great for clients. It’s probably the reason they signed up with you! However, you also need to keep their routines engaging. I’m sure you’ve heard your clients say they feel as though they are in a rut with their routine, or how they can feel their motivation dropping

These are times you will most likely see your clients skipping workouts, complaining of not seeing any changes, and ignoring your messages. In turn, this leads to a decrease in client retention, which subsequently results in a decline in revenue. 

Below are 10 ways to combat fitness boredom and get your clients back on track: a motivated person who wants to see results, and a strong foundation for your business.

10 Ways to Combat Fitness Boredom as a Personal Trainer

#1: Add Interval & Mixed Format Workouts

How many workout formats have you included in your client programs this month? 

If it’s always the same routine, boredom is bound to creep in. That’s where intervals, circuit training, and hybrid sessions (strength + cardio + core) come in. Mixing formats keeps workouts dynamic and challenges clients in new ways.

For example, swap a regular strength session for a 20-minute EMOM (every minute on the minute) alternating squats, burpees, and kettlebell swings. Or build a hybrid circuit with three resistance moves and two cardio bursts to push intensity without feeling repetitive.

This is also quick and easy to add to your Master Library as an On-Demand Program, and from time to time, you can suggest it as a  “Boredom-Buster” across your communication channels, too. 

📝 Read More: What is an On-Demand Program and How to Build One

#2: Run Mini-Challenges & Competitions

You can also get creative with mini-challenges, competitions that your clients can rally around. Friendly competition adds energy and accountability, whether it’s one-on-one or across your whole client base.

Think of a 7-day step challenge, a month-long core streak, or a weekly “AMRAP” showdown where clients compete for most rounds completed. 

Alternatively, you can create a themed challenge, such as a “Holiday Hustle” or “Summer Shred.” This will add extra excitement and provide clients with a clear, short-term target to chase.

First, pick one theme and launch a mini-challenge. Keep it simple, trackable, and achievable for all fitness levels.

You can use group challenges and leaderboards to create real-time competition, track progress, and celebrate wins with in-app badges and shoutouts.

📝 Read More: Creating Challenges for Your Clients in ABC Trainerize 

#3: Reassess Goals & Conduct Second Consultations

Sometimes boredom isn’t about the workout, it’s about the destination. If clients feel like they’re training without a clear purpose, motivation fades fast. That’s why regular check-ins are as important as the first consultation.

A 15-minute video call to review progress, re-map goals, or even set a new milestone can reignite excitement. For example, if a client started with “lose 10 pounds” but now wants to focus on “run a 5K,” updating their plan keeps training fresh and personally meaningful.

Although scheduling a mid-program consultation for every client in your roster right now may be too much, we suggest doing so for clients who have shown signs of either a lack of motivation or slowed progress. 

How can ABC Trainerize help here? You can host video check-ins directly in-app, update goals, and share adjusted programs instantly so clients see the change right away.

📝 Learn More: How to Retain Clients and Keep Their Motivation High 

#4: Get Client Feedback to Customize Your Service

Clients might not know exactly what to do to fight boredom, but they most likely know what they want more (or less) of. 

Too often, personal trainers try to guess rather than just get that feedback they’re so desperate to know about.

Perhaps a client prefers bodyweight circuits over heavy lifting or wants shorter, high-intensity sessions instead of longer workouts. By listening and adapting, you not only keep training exciting but also show clients they have a voice in the process.

Here’s how you can get started: Create a two-question poll this week, ask clients which workouts they enjoy most, and what they’d like to see added. Use those answers to refresh next week’s programming.

📝 Check Out: How to Use Client Workout Comments 

#5: Hybrid On-Demand + Live Classes

The perfect cure for boredom? Flexibility. By combining live-streamed sessions with on-demand workouts, you provide clients with the best of both worlds—real-time energy when they crave connection and accountability, and on-demand options when life gets busy.

Some clients thrive on the energy of live coaching, the chance to ask questions, and the motivation of seeing others train alongside them. Others prefer the convenience of pressing play at their convenience. Offering both ensures your clients always have a way to stay consistent—no excuses, no drop-offs.

You can create a weekly schedule with one or two live sessions, then record and upload them to your on-demand library. That way, clients who missed the live stream can still join later—and those who loved it can do it again!

With ABC Trainerize, you can easily upload recorded workouts, categorize or set goals for them, and send reminders to join your next live stream. This hybrid approach keeps your clients connected to you, even when they’re training solo, and adds that sense of flexibility and freshness that keeps boredom at bay.

#6: Share Short-Form Video on Social Media

Well, maybe they’re just bored with you! Ouch! But don’t worry, sometimes all it takes is a quick spark to keep clients motivated. And there is no better place for this than social media, especially Instagram and TikTok.

Check Out: The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Marketing for Fitness Professionals 

Short-form content, like Instagram Reels, TikToks, or Stories, can deliver bite-sized tips, mini-workouts, or technique cues that clients can try instantly. These snackable videos not only fight boredom but also remind clients you’re there to support them outside of scheduled sessions.

Film at least one video this week, edit it, and reuse it across your social media platforms. You can also send it to your clients as an additional resource to re-engage them with your social media. Keep it casual, clear, and actionable.

With ABC Trainerize, you can upload short clips to your on-demand library or drop links directly into in-app messages so clients get value where they already train.

📝 Read More: Spot the Warning Signs: How to Tell When a Client is About to Quit

#7: Leverage Gamification

Gamification is the process of incorporating game-like elements into non-game settings, such as fitness, learning, or work, to make them more engaging and motivating. Studies have shown that game elements such as badges, leaderboards, and challenges can influence habit formation.

A little healthy competition, whether with themselves or other clients, can be used to add excitement and keep engagement high.

Think of celebrating a 10-day streak badge, creating a monthly leaderboard for most workouts logged, or rewarding clients who hit a new PR with a digital badge. These small wins build momentum and help clients feel like they’re leveling up every step of the way.

Set up one gamified element this month, like a streak reward or a “most workouts logged” recognition. You can do this using ABC Trainerize’s group challenges, leaderboards, and in-app milestones to track streaks and highlight progress in ways that feel fun and motivating.

#8: Add New Equipment or Modalities

Sometimes, all a client needs to break through boredom is a new tool or training style! 

Switching from dumbbells to resistance bands, adding sliders for core work, or introducing kettlebells can make even familiar movements feel brand new. Beyond equipment, you can also shake things up with modalities like HIIT, yoga, mobility sessions, or even breathwork.

A client who’s been lifting heavy might love the challenge of a bodyweight-only circuit. Someone who is accustomed to steady-state cardio might be excited when introduced to sprint intervals. These shifts keep training interesting while expanding skills and confidence.

With the new Tags feature on ABC Trainerize, you can add equipment tags in workout descriptions, create separate “modality tracks” (e.g., strength, mobility, yoga), and make it easy for clients to experiment without losing structure.

#9: Change the Environment & Training Setting

A new setting can completely change the energy of a workout. Moving a session outdoors, switching from a home setting to a studio, or pairing clients up for partner drills helps keep things from feeling routine. 

Even subtle changes, like rotating stations around a gym floor, can make clients feel like they’re doing something fresh.

Picture a Saturday circuit in the park, a partner-based HIIT session, or a simple swap from treadmill intervals to hill sprints outdoors. The environment plays just as much of a role in motivation as the workout itself.

You can save alternate versions of programs (e.g., home vs. gym, solo vs. partner) so clients can switch environments without losing their structure.

#10: Build Accountability Structures & Habit-Tracking

Even the most exciting workouts lose their power if clients drift off track. Building accountability systems helps prevent that. Buddy systems, daily habit reminders, and wearable integration all keep clients connected to their goals and to you.

For example, pair clients as accountability partners, set up a “drink 2L of water daily” habit, or encourage them to sync their wearables so that progress is visible in real-time. These small structures create a sense of momentum that makes it harder to drop off when motivation dips.

Read more: 10 Workout Accountability Ideas to Engage Your Clients  

Habit trackers might be the number one feature you’d want to have in your platform or your service delivery system, and ABC Trainerize has a great one

You can add one non-workout habit to your clients’ plans this week, such as sleep tracking or setting daily step goals, and set reminders to reinforce it.

📝 Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to High-Impact Habit Coaching 

Combatting Fitness Boredom: Conclusion

Boredom is one of the most common reasons clients drift away from personal training, but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent. With variety, personalization, and consistent feedback, you can turn every program into something clients look forward to.

Start small: choose two of these strategies and put them into action this week. Whether it’s a new challenge, a hybrid workout, or a simple habit reminder, even small changes can reignite motivation and boost adherence.

ABC Trainerize makes it simple to bring these strategies to life without adding extra hours to your schedule. Here’s how you can apply the features directly to your programming:

  • Interval & mixed formats: Use the built-in interval timer to design EMOMs, Tabatas, or hybrid circuits.
  • Challenges & gamification: Launch group challenges, set up leaderboards, and reward streaks or milestones.
  • Accountability: Build habits into programs and reinforce them with push notifications or wearable integration.
  • Video variety: Upload on-demand workouts, stream live sessions, and repurpose short-form clips into your client library.
  • Customization: Tag clients (@beginner, @injury, @hybrid) to adapt programming quickly and make personalization seamless.

With these tools, you’re not just programming workouts; you’re building an engaging system that keeps clients motivated long term.

Use ABC Trainerize free for 30 days to build and deliver varied, engaging workout plans that keep your clients excited and coming back.

Start your free trial today! 

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