LOL..I get alot of that too bro. You just gotta make sure they're ready for the soreness and tell them that it's a good sign. Also tell them that it's worst 48 hours post workout.
Like you said, it depends on the client, but I usually just start them out on the basic machines, get an idea of ther general level of strength, and then move onto more advanced stuff. It's pretty easy to throw together a routine for someone who's new to the game. Just don't make it too complicated. Just start them on a routine alternating upper and lower body. This is what I usually start with:
All exercises for 3 sets of 8-12:
Upper body:
Chest press
Lat Pulldown
Shoulder press
Compound row
Curls
Push-downs
Lower body:
Hack squats
Light stiff legged deads
leg extensions
hamstring curls
calf raises (alternate standing and seated each workout)
Then after your done, do some abs to take up the rest of the time they've bought (if there's any left).
Also, make sure you go through the target heart rate range and shit like that...do the math in front of them, it makes them think your'e a genius. Also go over nutrition with them...most of them don't know that nutrition is the biggest part of the road to your goals. basically just flood them with information on training and nutrition and all you know...
They'll get information overload, and they'll realize that they need you to plan this shit out for them...that's when they buy the big packages.
Anyways...good luck bro. Hope some of this helps
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