Jun 9, 2025
Introduction
If you're an online coach or a personal trainer, you already know check ins are the secret sauce of long term client success. But here's the thing: most coaches ask the same surface level stuff, weight, energy, adherence. Useful? Sure. But if you want to really understand your clients, keep them engaged, and deliver results that make them rave about you, it's time to dig deeper.
In this blog, we’re uncovering 5 underrated check in questions that can unlock powerful insights into your client’s mindset, habits, and obstacles. These aren’t your typical "how was your week" questions. They’re designed to give you context, not just data.
1. What felt easy this week?
Most coaches focus on what went wrong. But what about what went right? Asking this helps highlight:
Where their habits are becoming second nature
What areas no longer require willpower
What can be scaled up without extra stress
It shifts the focus from friction to flow, vital for positive reinforcement.
HubFit Tip: Use the long text question type in HubFit’s form builder for open-ended reflections like this. It gives clients space to think and share in detail.
2. What’s one thing you’re proud of this week?
Coaching isn’t just about macros and workouts. Clients are humans first. This question builds rapport, builds confidence, and gives you insights into their self esteem and life wins outside the gym. It also helps you coach the whole person, not just the protocol.
HubFit Tip: This is another great one for long text. You can also follow it up with a star rating or scale question (1 to 10) asking how much that win meant to them.
3. Was there a moment you considered skipping a task but didn’t? What helped?
This digs into motivation, decision making, and the early signs of resilience. It’s gold for:
Understanding triggers
Identifying what actually keeps them on track
Spotting trends in behavior and mindset
These micro victories are often where long term transformations are born.
HubFit Tip: Pair a yes/no question ("Did you consider skipping anything this week?") with a long text follow-up ("What helped you push through?") using HubFit’s flexible form setup.
4. What’s one thing you wish had gone differently this week?
A non judgmental way to explore setbacks. Instead of asking what they "failed," this re frames the reflection into a growth opportunity. You’ll discover:
Hidden pain points
Situations they’re struggling to manage
Areas to improve your program or support
HubFit Tip: Use the long text or short text format here, depending on how in-depth you want the response. You can also use multiple choice if you want to explore common setbacks like time, energy, mood, or environment.
5. On a scale of 1 to 10, how supported did you feel this week and why?
This isn’t just a client retention tactic (though it's great for that). It’s a feedback loop for your coaching. Use it to:
Improve your delivery
Spot early signs of disengagement
Make changes before a client ghosts
HubFit Tip: This is the perfect place to use the scale question format. Follow it up with a long text to ask why they chose that number.
✅ Bonus Tip: Use Loom for Deeper Check In Reviews
Many top coaches now use Loom to record personalized video responses to client check ins. It's a great way to:
Add a personal touch
Talk through data and mindset points
Build trust without scheduling a live call
Pair this with a powerful check in system, and you’ve got a game changer.
Why This All Works Better With HubFit
HubFit’s Check In System is designed specifically for online coaches. Here’s why it fits perfectly with the strategies above:
Custom Templates: Build reusable check in forms with question formats like text, scale, yes/no, multiple choice, and more.
Synced Questions: Auto sync progress photos to the gallery or metrics straight into the dashboard.
Interactive Dashboard: Review check ins quickly, compare progress over time, and see what’s pending.
Media Uploads: Ask clients to attach images or videos with the media question format—great for visual wins or movement reviews.
Reminders & Notifications: Boost completion with scheduled app reminders.
Mobile Friendly: Clients complete everything from the iPhone or Android app.
HubFit check-in system overview
Conclusion
If you're serious about coaching, not just delivering workouts, you need check ins that go beyond the basics. These 5 underrated questions are powerful conversation starters, progress trackers, and trust builders.
Each of these questions isn’t just thoughtful, they’re also actionable when you have the right tools. HubFit’s flexible check in system lets you bring these ideas to life, whether you’re using star ratings to track emotions, syncing metrics automatically, or capturing deeper insights with open text responses.
