About this worksheet: This lesson covers how to conduct a client intake and first session in English. You’ll learn present perfect grammar (“Have you ever…?”), intake vocabulary, and how to structure a first conversation with a new client. CEFR level: A2–B1. Exercise types: grammar practice, vocabulary study, matching, fill-in-the-blanks, speaking prompts (dialogue + roleplay), and a review quiz. Estimated time: 30–40 minutes.

🏋️ Coaching English — Class 2

Client Intake & First Sessions

Warm-Up: The New Client Walks In

Imagine a new English-speaking client walks into your gym for the first time. They’ve never trained with a coach before. What do you need to know about them before you start training?

🗣️ Try saying this out loud:

Make a list of questions you would ask a new client on their first day. Think about:

Their fitness experience — what have they done before?
Any injuries or health problems
What they want to achieve (goals)
Their lifestyle — job, stress, sleep, diet

Try to say each question in English. Don’t worry about grammar — just try!

💡 Notice: Were there questions you couldn’t say in English? Which ones? That’s what we’ll learn today.

Speaking Practice: The First Session

Read the dialogue, then practice with a partner or say both roles yourself. Use the vocabulary and grammar from today’s lesson.

Dialogue Example

Coach: Welcome in! You must be Sarah. Great to meet you. Have a seat — make yourself comfortable.

Client: Thanks! Yes, it’s my first time working with a coach. I’m a bit nervous.

Coach: No worries at all. So, tell me — what’s your experience with fitness? Have you ever trained with a coach before?

Client: I’ve been going to the gym on my own for about a year, but I’ve never had a coach. I mostly do cardio and some machines.

Coach: Got it. Do you have any injuries or medical conditions I should know about?

Client: I had a knee problem last year, but it’s fine now. No other issues.

Coach: Okay, good to know. Let me get a sense of your current level. What can you do comfortably right now? Can you walk me through a typical training week?

Client: Sure. I train about three times a week — mostly running and some light weights. I want to get stronger but I don’t really know what to do.

Coach: That’s a great starting point. Today we’ll just establish a baseline — nothing too intense. We’ll take it easy and I’ll see where you are. What are your expectations? What would success look like for you in six months?

Now Your Turn — Roleplay Cards

💡 Tip: Use present perfect for experience questions (“Have you ever…?”) and the new vocabulary. The goal is to sound natural — don’t memorize, just talk!

Phrase Bank — Sentence Starters

• Welcome in! You must be ___ — great to meet you.
• Have a seat, make yourself comfortable.
• What’s your experience with fitness?
• Have you ever trained with a coach before?
• Do you have any injuries or medical conditions?
• Let me get a sense of your current level.
• Can you walk me through a typical training week?
• What are your expectations?
• Today we’ll just establish a baseline.
• We’ll take it easy — nothing too intense.

🏃 Coach — Card A

A new client is coming in for their first session. Greet them warmly, ask about their experience (use present perfect — “Have you ever…?”), check for injuries, and ask about their goals. Try to use at least 5 words from today’s vocabulary.

🧍 Client — Card A

You’ve been going to the gym for 6 months but only do treadmill and bikes. You’ve never done strength training. You want to build muscle but you’re worried about hurting your back (old injury from 2 years ago). You work at a desk all day.

🏃 Coach — Card B

A client comes in saying they want to “lose weight and get fit.” Ask specific questions to understand their experience, lifestyle, and expectations. Establish what their current level is. Explain that today is just a baseline — you’ll take it easy.

🧍 Client — Card B

You’re a complete beginner — no fitness background at all. You sit at a desk, your neck hurts, and you feel tired all the time. A friend recommended you try coaching. You don’t really know what to expect. Ask the coach questions about what will happen today.

Discussion Questions

What’s the most important question to ask on a first session? Why?
How do you make a nervous client feel comfortable? What words do you use?
What would you do if a client wasn’t honest about their injuries?
How do you handle a client whose expectations are unrealistic?

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🏋️ Coaching English — Class 2

Warm-Up: The New Client Walks In

Grammar Lab: Present Perfect — “Have you ever…?”

When to Use It

Quick Practice: Have or Has?

Client Intake Vocabulary

Greeting & Welcome

Intake Questions

First Session Language

Match: Intake Terms → Definitions

Words

Definitions

Fill the Gaps: The Intake Conversation

Speaking Practice: The First Session

Dialogue Example

Now Your Turn — Roleplay Cards

Discussion Questions

Review: What Did You Learn?

✅ Results