Trainerize Client Management: How to Pause, What Happens, and Best Practices

How Do I Pause a Client on Trainerize?

Pausing a client on Trainerize is a straightforward process designed to temporarily suspend their program access and billing without deleting their valuable data. This function allows trainers to manage client breaks due to vacations, injuries, or other personal circumstances while maintaining their historical progress and communication records.

Understanding the "Pause" Function in Client Management

Effective client management is a cornerstone of a sustainable fitness coaching business. The "pause" feature within platforms like Trainerize is a critical tool, distinct from archiving or deleting a client. It acknowledges that a client's fitness journey isn't always linear and provides flexibility for both the trainer and the client.

Why utilize the pause function?

• Client Breaks: For extended vacations, work trips, or personal leave.
• Injury or Illness: To allow for recovery without the pressure of an active program.
• Financial Hardship: Providing a temporary break in service and billing.
• Trainer Unavailable: If the trainer needs to take a personal break.
• Maintaining Data Integrity: Preserving all historical workouts, measurements, progress photos, and communication logs for future reference.

This function ensures client loyalty by offering adaptability, demonstrating empathy, and simplifying the re-onboarding process when they are ready to resume training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pausing a Client on Trainerize

Pausing a client in Trainerize is an intuitive process. Follow these steps to temporarily suspend a client's service:

1. Log In to Your Trainerize Account: Access your trainer dashboard via the web application.
2. Navigate to Your Clients List: On the left-hand navigation menu, click on the "Clients" tab. This will display a list of all your active and archived clients.
3. Locate the Specific Client: Use the search bar or scroll through your client list to find the client you wish to pause.
4. Access the Client's Profile: Click on the client's name to open their individual profile page.
5. Go to Client Settings/Options: On the client's profile page, look for a gear icon, "Settings," or a similar option that allows you to manage their account details. This is typically located near their name or profile picture.
6. Select "Pause Client": Within the client settings, you will find an option to "Pause Client." Click on this.
7. Confirm and Set Pause Details (if prompted): Trainerize may ask for confirmation or allow you to specify a reason or a re-activation date. Confirm your choice.
8. Verify Client Status: Once paused, the client's status on your client list will typically change to "Paused," and their profile may display a clear indication of their paused status.

What Happens When a Client is Paused?

Understanding the implications of pausing a client is crucial for managing expectations for both you and your client.

• Program and Workout Delivery: All scheduled workouts, programs, and habits will typically cease to be delivered to the client's app. They will not receive new program content.
• Billing Suspension: For clients on recurring subscriptions managed through Trainerize Payments, the billing will be suspended for the duration of the pause. It's essential to confirm this aligns with your specific billing setup.
• Client App Access: The client's access to their Trainerize app may change. While they usually retain access to view their past activity and messages, they will not receive new content or be able to log new workouts as part of an active program. The app often displays a "paused" status.
• Data Retention: Crucially, all of the client's historical data—workout logs, body stats, progress photos, messaging history, and completed programs—remains intact and accessible to both you and the client. This is a key advantage over deleting a client.
• Communication: You can generally still communicate with a paused client through the messaging feature, which is vital for check-ins or discussing their return.

Best Practices for Pausing Clients

A well-managed pause can strengthen client relationships and streamline your business operations.

• Proactive Communication: Always discuss the pause with your client beforehand. Explain why it's happening, what it entails, and what to expect during the pause and upon their return.
• Set Clear Expectations: Inform the client about what they will and won't have access to during the pause.
• Document the Reason: For your internal records, make a note of the reason for the pause (e.g., "vacation," "injury recovery") and the agreed-upon duration.
• Plan for Re-engagement: Before pausing, discuss a potential re-activation date or a plan for follow-up to check in on their readiness to resume training.
• Review Billing Implications: Double-check your billing system and Trainerize Payments settings to ensure the pause correctly suspends billing according to your service agreement.
• Offer Alternatives (Optional): Depending on the reason, you might offer resources for active recovery, light bodyweight routines, or nutritional guidance that doesn't require active coaching during the pause.

Re-activating a Paused Client

When your client is ready to resume their training, reactivating them is as simple as pausing them.

1. Locate the Paused Client: Go to your "Clients" list and find the client marked as "Paused."
2. Access Their Profile: Click on their name.
3. Find the "Unpause" or "Activate" Option: Within their profile or settings, there will be an option to unpause or reactivate them.
4. Confirm Re-activation: Confirm your choice, and their status will revert to "Active."
5. Restart Programs and Billing: Remember to reassign their program, set new goals, and ensure billing resumes according to your agreement. This is an excellent opportunity for a fresh consultation.

Conclusion: Strategic Client Management

The ability to pause a client on Trainerize is more than just a software feature; it's a strategic tool for effective client management. It reflects a modern understanding of fitness journeys, which are often non-linear and require flexibility. By utilizing this function thoughtfully and communicating clearly, fitness professionals can maintain strong client relationships, preserve valuable data, and foster a more adaptable and supportive coaching environment, ultimately contributing to client success and business longevity.