How To Pick A Good Fitness Coach
How To Pick A Good Fitness Coach
As we dive into 2019, I’m sure it feels like fitness coaches are coming at you left, right and center. There’s definitely been an influx of fitness coaches as social media has grown in popularity.
It’s great that there are so many people willing to help others with their fitness goals. But at the same time, obesity still continues to be a critical issue. Shouldn’t we expect obesity rates to be going in the opposite direction if there are so many more “qualified” coaches in the space?
Unfortunately, there are no required certifications to become a fitness coach. Anyone can call themselves a fitness coach. But just because you see “Fitness Coach” in someone’s Instagram handle, doesn’t mean they are equipped to handle someone’s health
How someone looks, the amount of Instagram followers or how good of a salesman/women that person is, none of these are valid reasons to put your health into that persons hands.
These metrics do not make that person a qualified fitness coach.
So how do you separate the good coaches from the bad coaches in such a crowded space?
Well you have to do your research!
Yes I’m sorry, you do have to put in some time if you are going to take this seriously. This is your health at the end of the day. You wouldn’t let someone perform brain surgery on you without doing a little bit of research... right?
The same goes for picking a good coach. Take it seriously and put in the time to find someone who is going to work best for you
Here are some things to consider when you are looking for a component fitness coach
First thing I recommend is actually interviewing your prospective coaches. Here are some questions to keep in mind.
1. What is your experience and education?
What certifications have you earned? How long have you been in the profession? How many clients have you served? These are all valid questions to consider when deciding on a coach.
2. What do you specialize in?
It’s important to find someone who fits your needs. Some component coaches still might be the right fit for you. For example, if you want to compete in bodybuilding, hiring a coach with no experience, as a bodybuilder, is probably not the best idea.
3. What is your approach with supplements?
If any coach requires you to take supplements, just run. There’s nothing wrong with supplements — they have their place. But there are many coaches out there trying to shove supplements down their clients’ throats because they get a commission for selling those supplements. You can achieve your goals without supplements. They aren’t the end all be all nor are they required to see results
4. How often will I hear from you?
There should be a clear structure of communication with your coach. You should know how you can reach your coach and how often you will be checking in with your coach during the program. Speaking to your coach once a month is definitely not a reasonable amount of time for you to receive the support you need. I would argue that speaking to your coach at least once a week should be a standard
5. What can I expect from the program
I think you are smart enough to know that safe results don’t happen over night. It’s an easy sell to hear “you will drop 50lbs in 2 weeks, no problem!” Don’t fall for that crap! Great things take time. You’ve already found the right coach if that person isn’t afraid to be honest with you right off the bat and say that it will take time, hard work and patience.
While you are asking your questions, there a few things to pay attention to that can quickly distinguish a good coach from a bad coach
A good coach can explain why you are doing something, where a bad coach will answer by saying “because I said so.” If your coach can’t specifically tell you why you are doing something in the program, just run. They clearly don’t even know the answer.
A good coach sets up a program to fit your life, where a bad coach sets you up on a cookie cutter program. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to our health. Some people can make it to the gym, while others can only workout from home. Someone may have a gluten intolerance, while others can have all the carbohydrates in the world. A good coach will consider all variables appropriately to ensure their program is completely customized to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
A good coach uses coaching principles to fit your life, where a bad coach uses the same coaching principles despite individual preferences. For example, some clients might love hearing their coach’s voice and appreciate an audio reply to their check-ins, while others may prefer a written email to have something to refer back to. Again, a good coach will consider all variables appropriately to ensure their principles are completely customized to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Once you feel comfortable after having your questions answered, before making a final decision, I would ask to see testimonials or even to talk to a previous client so you can feel 100% comfortable and at ease that you are going to be working with the right coach.
So do your research! Interview the coach, ask them tones of questions, look at their testimonials and interview their clients.
You should take hiring a coach very serious. This is your health in someone else's hands, after all. At the end of the day, make sure you work with someone you feel comfortable with and who has your best interest in mind.
Hope this helps!
♥Krysten
THENATTYHOUR