New Year Sequence for Personal Trainers Email Guide
Why New Year Sequence Emails Fail for Personal Trainers (And How to Fix Them)
Your best client just told you they're "taking a break" from training in the new year. That's a gut punch.
Many trainers find that January brings a surge of new inquiries, but also a wave of cancellations from existing clients who lose focus or feel overwhelmed. The initial burst of New Year motivation often isn't enough to sustain long-term commitment.
A strategic New Year sequence doesn't just attract new leads; it re-engages your current clients, reignites their commitment, and positions your services as the essential solution for their goals. It helps them bridge the gap between their New Year's resolution and lasting change.
The templates below are designed to guide your clients through a powerful journey, transforming vague aspirations into practical plans and securing their commitment to another year of progress with you.
The Complete 4-Email New Year Sequence for Personal Trainers
As a personal trainer, your clients trust your recommendations. This 4-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
Hi [First Name],
Another year is fading. Did you hit your fitness goals, or did life get in the way again?
It's easy to push those thoughts aside, but a moment of honest reflection can be powerful. Think about your biggest wins.
And then, consider where you felt stuck, or where your commitment wavered. Was it consistency?
Motivation? Knowing what to do next?
Pinpointing these areas isn't about judgment; it's about clarity. It's about understanding what truly held you back.
This reflection is the first step towards making next year different. More focused.
More effective.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses a psychological technique called "cognitive dissonance." By prompting clients to honestly compare their past year's aspirations with their actual outcomes, it creates a discomfort that motivates them to seek a solution for the upcoming year. It positions the trainer as a guide, not a judge.
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
Hi [First Name],
What if next year wasn't just another year of resolutions, but a year of real, tangible progress? : you wake up feeling energized, strong, and ready to tackle your day. Your clothes fit better.
Your confidence soars. You're consistently hitting your workouts, not because you "have to," but because you genuinely enjoy the results.
This isn't a fantasy. It's the outcome of consistent effort, smart planning, and the right support.
It's about building habits that stick, understanding your body, and pushing past plateaus with expert guidance. This is what's possible when you commit to a clear vision and have a trusted partner by your side.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs "future pacing" and "emotional priming." By vividly describing a desired future state and linking it to positive emotions, it helps clients visualize their success. This creates a strong emotional connection to the idea of achieving their goals, making them more receptive to solutions.
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
Hi [First Name],
The new year is almost here, and with it, a perfect opportunity to turn that vision into reality. I've created something specifically designed to help you not just start strong, but stay strong all year long.
It's called [PRODUCT NAME]. Here's how [PRODUCT NAME] helps you achieve your goals: • Personalized workout plans, tailored to your body and lifestyle, not a generic template. • Nutrition guidance, practical strategies to fuel your body without restrictive diets. • Accountability & support, consistent check-ins and motivation to keep you on track. • Progress tracking, celebrate your wins and adjust as needed.
This isn't just another program. It's a partnership designed to get you lasting results. [CTA: Learn more about [PRODUCT NAME] →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the "New Beginning Effect" and "solution-oriented framing." The new year naturally creates a psychological reset. By presenting the offer as the direct catalyst for achieving the vision painted in the previous email, it positions the trainer's service as the clear, practical solution to their previously identified gaps.
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Hi [First Name],
The excitement of New Year's resolutions is powerful, but it can fade fast. You know the drill: grand plans made on January 1st often lose steam by the second week.
Don't let that happen to your fitness goals this year. This is your chance to lock in that initial motivation and turn it into consistent action.
Enrollment for [PRODUCT NAME] closes on [DATE/TIME - e.g., Friday at midnight]. Don't wait until motivation wanes to seek support.
Secure your spot now and make this the year you finally achieve what you've been striving for. [CTA: Claim your spot in [PRODUCT NAME] →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs "loss aversion" and "scarcity." By highlighting the common problem of fading motivation, it creates a sense of urgency to act now to avoid future regret. The clear deadline for enrollment adds scarcity, prompting immediate decision-making before the opportunity is gone.
4 New Year Sequence Mistakes Personal Trainers Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Focusing only on new client acquisition in January. | Create a re-engagement strategy for existing clients, reminding them of their progress and the value of continued support. |
✕ Offering generic, one-size-fits-all New Year challenges. | Provide personalized consultations or a tiered approach to your services, allowing clients to choose solutions tailored to their specific needs and goals. |
✕ Neglecting follow-up after initial New Year inquiries. | Implement a CRM or email marketing sequence to nurture leads, share testimonials, and educate them on your unique approach to fitness. |
✕ Over-promising quick fixes and unrealistic results. | Emphasize sustainable habits, long-term health, and the process of gradual, consistent improvement, setting realistic expectations and building trust. |
New Year Sequence Timing Guide for Personal Trainers
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Reflection
Help them review the past year and identify gaps
The Vision
Paint a picture of what their next year could look like
The Fresh Start
Present your offer as the catalyst for change
The Momentum
Create urgency before New Year motivation fades
Start the last week of December, peak on January 1st.
Customize New Year Sequence for Your Personal Trainer Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Online Personal Trainers
- Host a live "New Year Goal Setting" webinar, offering free value and leading into your [PRODUCT NAME] offer.
- Utilize client success stories and video testimonials, showcasing transformations achieved remotely.
- Offer virtual "discovery calls" to personalize the client's journey and demonstrate your online coaching capabilities.
In-Person Trainers
- Organize an in-person "New Year Kick-off" event at your facility, combining a workout with goal setting.
- Partner with local health food stores or wellness centers for cross-promotional workshops.
- Offer a limited-time "buddy discount" for clients who sign up with a friend, encouraging social accountability.
Group Fitness Trainers
- Launch a "New Year Group Challenge" within your existing classes, creating a sense of community and friendly competition.
- Create a special "Beginner's Bundle" for new clients, including a few intro classes and a consultation.
- Use your class schedule to highlight specific New Year themed classes (e.g., "Resolution Reboot Bootcamp").
Specialized Trainers
- Create content (blog posts, short videos) addressing common New Year's resolutions specific to their niche's challenges.
- Offer a specialized "New Year Assessment" to identify specific needs before recommending your tailored [PRODUCT NAME].
- Highlight testimonials from clients who achieved specific, niche-relevant outcomes with your unique approach.
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