How to ask for and showcase gym client testimonials

Your gym’s best marketing tool might already be walking through your doors every day—your clients. Learning how to collect testimonials from gym clients and using them the right way can turn your current members into your strongest advocates.

Below, we’ll walk through how to gather high-impact testimonials and where to showcase them to attract new members and build lasting trust.

Why testimonials matter for gyms

Client testimonials are powerful because they offer authentic social proof. New leads want to know what your gym is really like—and who better to tell them than your current members?

Benefits of collecting testimonials

• Builds trust with potential clients
  
• Highlights member success stories
  
• Increases conversions on landing pages and websites
• Boosts community credibility through shared experiences

How to Collect Testimonials from Gym Clients

The key to collecting great testimonials is to ask at the right time,
make it easy, and be genuine in your approach.

Identify the Right Moments to Ask

Timing is everything. Choose moments when members feel proud or accomplished:

• After they hit a milestone (weight loss, muscle gain, first competition)
• Following a great class or personal training session
• When they renew or refer a friend

Ask in a Friendly, Non-Pushy Way

Use a casual tone. For example:
“You’ve made amazing progress! Would you be open to sharing a quick testimonial we could feature on our site or social media?”

Make It Easy to Respond

Offer multiple ways for clients to share:

• A quick video on their phone
• A written quote via email or form
• A short response to guided questions like:
  • What do you love most about our gym?
  • How has our training helped you reach your goals?

Offer Gentle Incentives

If you’re struggling to get responses, offer small incentives like branded gear,
a guest pass, or entry into a giveaway. Be sure incentives don’t influence what
they say—just encourage participation.

Get Written Consent

Always get permission before using any testimonial, especially video or photos.
A simple release form or email confirmation works.

How to showcase gym client testimonials

Once you’ve collected some great testimonials, it’s time to show them off.

Website testimonials section

Create a dedicated page or slider on your homepage featuring:

• A headshot or video
• The client’s name and brief context (e.g., “member for 2 years”)
• A short quote or full success story

Social media content

Post testimonials as:

• Video reels or Instagram stories
• “Client spotlight” carousel posts
• Before-and-after image quotes

Email marketing campaigns

Include testimonials in welcome emails, drip campaigns, or monthly newsletters to reinforce community trust.

Landing pages and ads

Use quotes or videos on lead generation pages to improve conversion. People are more likely to trust real stories than just marketing claims.

Testimonial do’s and don’ts

Do:

• Keep it real and authentic
• Use diverse voices (age, fitness levels, backgrounds)
• Rotate fresh testimonials regularly

Don’t:

• Use stock photos or fake quotes
• Over-edit the client’s voice
• Forget to ask for permission

Grow through your members’ words

When you learn how to collect testimonials from gym clients strategically and use them well,
your gym gains credibility, community, and conversions. People trust people.
So let your members be the voice that drives your brand forward.

Related: 5 Gym Member Retention Ideas for 2025 New Year’s Joins

Want to learn how Zen Planner helps you automate testimonial collection, manage leads, and grow your gym?
Book a Demo today and see how simple it can be.