Reaching your fitness goals often demands accountability, consistency, and expert guidance.
While free resources can be a valuable starting point, they can also be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to begin.
That’s where a coach can step in and provide the guidance and support you need to take the first step. This article will serve as a roadmap to help you decide if a coach is right for you and how to find the perfect fit.
Signs You Probably Need a Coach
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced some of these common challenges. Don’t worry, it’s normal! We all start somewhere, and I was in the same place when I began my fitness journey.
- Motivation missing in action? A coach can support you and provide you tools to start reaching for your goal, hold you accountable and spark the fire that keeps you moving forward. How to be motivated? You can also read more here
- New to fitness and nutrition? The right choice can serve as your personal trainer, guiding you through proper techniques and crafting a personalized plan that fits your body and goals.
A personal trainer not necessarily can give you the right advice on nutrition and a nutritionist doesn’t necessarily have the skillset to prepare a workout plan that matches your desired goals, direction and fitness level.
- Program-hopping pro? Jumping from training program to training program and changing your workout routine/diet plan weekly might make your progress a lot more difficult. A plan crafted for you offers stability and structure, ensuring your journey is progressive and effective.
Finding Your Fitness Match: What Makes a Great Coach?
There are many things that can make a great coach. Let me show you a few to help you identify those aspects when evaluating one:
- Experience matters: Look for a coach with certifications and proven experience working with individuals in person. While a certification doesn’t necessarily mean that the coach knows everything you need, experience working with real people (not exclusively online from the beginning) is what you want to make sure is there.
- One-on-one advantage: Prioritize a coach with extensive one-on-one experience, ensuring they can understand your unique needs and cues VS just telling you what you “have” to do.
- Real-life testimonials: Hear firsthand from satisfied clients to gauge the coach’s effectiveness and teaching style if you have the chance.
- Finding your fit: Choose a coaching style that matches your personality, whether it’s structured and firm or flexible and encouraging.
- Tailored to you: Generally avoid cookie-cutter programs, they could be good at times but sometimes you might want something more suited for your position in life when you need a program. A good coach designs plans specific to your needs, goals, and preferences.
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Coach
If, on one hand, you have features that are important to identify in a coach, you also want to be aware of some red flags to avoid. These are some of the most common:
- Active listener? Does your coach listen to you and let’s you express and elaborate how you feel during your journey?
- Drill sergeant vibes? Rigid, overly strict plans and finger-pointing demotivate even the most dedicated individuals. Watch our for this “authoritarian” approach, not everyone appreciate s such an approach.
- One-size-fits-all trap: Generic programs that don’t consider your unique strengths and limitations will likely fall flat. They might be too hard or too easy or just not for you. If your coach can’t adjust things, maybe it’s time to reconsider your choice.
- Personality clash? The coach-client relationship is crucial. Choose someone you genuinely connect with and enjoy working alongside.
You're in the Driver's Seat When You're Hiring a Coach
As with many things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a coach. Your needs may evolve over time, and your current coach may not always be the right fit. Be honest with yourself and your coach, and don’t be afraid to move on if necessary. What to do next?
- Trust your gut: Ultimately, the best coach is the one who feels right for you.
- Interview potential coaches: Ask questions, get a feel for their style, and see if their values align with yours.
- Start small: Consider a short-term program to assess the coach’s effectiveness before committing to a longer engagement.
Investing in a coach can be a game-changer for your fitness journey. By focusing on the right qualities, avoiding red flags, and prioritizing your personal needs, you can find a coach who becomes your supportive partner, guiding you on the path to achieving your full potential.
It’s your journey, and the right coach will empower you to make it amazing.
One Last Essential Thing to Consider About You When Hiring a Coach
While connecting and starting to work with a coach is definitely going to help you reach you goal(s) there is one fundamental aspect that you should have clear in mind:
Any coach, even the best fit for you won’t be capable to support you if ultimately you are not ready, willing, able to start.
Ask yourself these 3 questions to understand where you stand:
- Am I READY to do the task(s) I have agreed to do with my coach?
- How WILLING am I to do the task(s) I have agreed to do with my coach?
- How ABLE am I to do the task(s) I have agreed to do with my coach?
Your coach can provide guidance and support, but you are ultimately responsible for putting in the work. Don’t be afraid to take the first step!
You can also listen to this article about hiring a coach on my youtube channel: