Win-back Sequence for Fitness Coaches Email Guide
Why Win-back Sequence Emails Fail for Fitness Coaches (And How to Fix Them)
You had a client who hit every goal, praised your methods, then vanished. Many fitness coaches experience this silent fade-out.
You’ve poured effort into their success, only to see their commitment wane without a clear reason. But a client who achieved results with you before is not a lost cause.
They already trust you, know your value, and have experienced your solutions firsthand. They just need a strategic nudge, a reminder of what they achieved, and a clear path back.
That's where a win-back sequence shines. It’s designed to reignite that spark, overcome inertia, and bring your most valuable asset, past clients, back into your programs.
The templates below are crafted to do just that.
The Complete 4-Email Win-back Sequence for Fitness Coaches
As a fitness coach, your clients trust your recommendations. This 4-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Remember
Remind them of the value they received
Hi [First Name],
You remember that feeling, right? The day you finally hit that new personal best, felt stronger than ever, or looked in the mirror and genuinely liked what you saw.
That wasn't luck. That was the result of your hard work, guided by a plan we built together.
We celebrated those wins because they were earned. I've been thinking about your progress and how far you came during our time together.
The commitment you showed was truly inspiring. Sometimes life gets in the way, and staying consistent with fitness can feel like a battle.
But the foundation we built is still there. What if you could tap into that same drive and achieve even more now?
Just a thought.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses nostalgia and a positive memory recall. By reminding the client of past success and positive emotions associated with their coaching, it bypasses the typical 'sales' feeling and instead taps into their desire to re-experience those feelings. It's a gentle re-introduction, not a hard sell, making them open to future communication.
The Update
Share what is new since they last engaged
Hi [First Name],
Since you were last training with me, a lot has evolved in how I help clients achieve their fitness goals. I'm always refining my methods and adding new resources to deliver even better results.
For example, I've recently introduced a [NEW SERVICE/PROGRAM NAME, e.g., personalized nutrition tracking system/new group challenge focused on mobility] that clients are finding incredibly effective for [SPECIFIC BENEFIT, e.g., breaking through plateaus/improving recovery]. I also expanded my [TRAINING STYLE/AREA OF EXPERTISE, e.g., strength programming/online coaching platform] to offer even more flexibility and tailored solutions for busy individuals.
My goal remains the same: to help people like you feel their absolute best, inside and out. I'm curious if any of these updates align with what you're looking for right now.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the 'novelty effect' and demonstrates continuous improvement. By sharing updates and new offerings, it signals that the coach is evolving and not stagnant, potentially addressing any reasons the client might have drifted (e.g., feeling stuck, needing new challenges). It opens a dialogue by inviting curiosity about the new offerings.
The Offer
Give a special incentive to return
Hi [First Name],
It's been a while, and I genuinely miss seeing you crush your goals. I believe in second chances, especially your health and fitness.
Because you've been a valued client in the past, I want to extend a special invitation to help you get back on track without hesitation. For a limited time, I'm offering [SPECIFIC OFFER, e.g., a complimentary 30-minute re-assessment session/20% off your first month back/a bonus week when you re-enroll in any program].
This is exclusively for my returning clients. This isn't just about a discount; it's about reigniting your momentum and proving how much I value your commitment to your well-being.
Let's talk about how we can pick up where we left off, or even set new, exciting goals. [CTA: Claim your special offer here →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses reciprocity and scarcity. By offering a special, time-sensitive incentive exclusively for past clients, it creates a sense of being valued and urgency. The complimentary offer lowers the barrier to re-engagement, making it easier for them to take the first step back without a significant financial commitment.
The Final
Last chance before you move on
Hi [First Name],
This is the last message I'll send regarding your past training with me. I've genuinely enjoyed our time together and seeing you achieve your fitness milestones.
I understand that life happens, and priorities shift. But I also know the incredible potential you have when you're focused on your health.
If you've been thinking about getting back into a routine, now is truly your final chance to take advantage of the special returning client offer. That [SPECIFIC OFFER, e.g., complimentary session/discount] expires on [DATE].
After that, I'll assume you're set for now, and I'll focus my efforts on supporting my active clients. No pressure at all, but I wanted to make sure you didn't miss this opportunity if it's something you've been considering.
My door is always open for future conversations, but this particular offer won't be available. [CTA: Don't miss out, Re-engage today →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the principle of loss aversion and creates a clear deadline, making the offer more valuable. By stating it's the 'final message' and setting an expiration, it prompts a decision from the client. It maintains a respectful tone while clearly communicating that the special opportunity is closing, encouraging action from those who were on the fence.
4 Win-back Sequence Mistakes Fitness Coaches Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Assuming past clients are gone forever and never reaching out again. | Implement a structured win-back sequence to re-engage them, acknowledging their past success and offering a clear path back. |
✕ Sending generic, mass emails that don't acknowledge their past relationship or specific achievements. | Personalize your win-back messages by referencing specific results or memories from their time with you, making them feel seen and valued. |
✕ Only offering a discount as an incentive, which can devalue your services in the long run. | Consider offering a unique benefit like a free re-assessment, a bonus session, or early access to a new program, emphasizing value over just price reduction. |
✕ Waiting too long to initiate a win-back sequence, allowing the client to completely disengage or find another coach. | Set up automated triggers in your CRM to initiate a win-back sequence a few weeks or months after a client's program ends or their activity drops off. |
Win-back Sequence Timing Guide for Fitness Coaches
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Remember
Remind them of the value they received
The Update
Share what is new since they last engaged
The Offer
Give a special incentive to return
The Final
Last chance before you move on
Use after 3-12 months of no activity.
Customize Win-back Sequence for Your Fitness Coach Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Personal Trainers
- Reference specific exercises or personal bests they achieved during their one-on-one sessions.
- Offer a complimentary 'tune-up' session to assess current fitness levels and discuss new goals.
- Highlight new equipment or training methodologies you've adopted since they last trained.
Online Fitness Coaches
- Showcase testimonials from other online clients who successfully returned and achieved new milestones.
- Offer a free review of their current home workout setup or nutrition plan.
- Promote new online resources, exclusive content, or upgraded platform features they might not know about.
Group Fitness Coaches
- Remind them of the energy and community they experienced in your classes and mention specific class types they enjoyed.
- Offer a 'bring a friend' pass if they return, emphasizing the social aspect.
- Highlight new class formats, instructors, or special themed events you've introduced.
Strength Coaches
- Focus on their past strength gains and invite them to break through new plateaus with advanced programming.
- Discuss any new specialized equipment or advanced lifting techniques you've incorporated.
- Offer a free 'strength assessment' to identify current weaknesses and plot a new path to greater power.
Ready to Save Hours?
You now have everything: 4 complete email templates, the psychology behind each one, when to send them, common mistakes to avoid, and how to customize for your niche. Writing this from scratch would take you 4-6 hours. Or...
Get Your Fitness Coaches Emails Written In Under 5 Minutes.
You've got the blueprints. Now get them built. Answer a few questions about your fitness coaches offer and get all 7 emails written for you. Your voice. Your offer. Ready to send.
Stop guessing what to write. These are the emails that sell fitness coaches offers.
One-time payment. No subscription. Credits valid 12 months.