Choosing the right fitness coach
It is no secret that in 2022 both social media and strip malls are inundated with “trainers,” “bootcamps,” “coaches,” and more. It can be so overwhelming to choose a place you feel you not only belong, but also gain education and knowledge in addition to your goals being met. With all the options currently available in the world, we at FRF feel that the following factors should be considered when choosing a coach or gym.
Environment of training
It is so important to think about what environment you feel the most confident in when training. Some people thrive in classes or group settings to feel teamwork and comradery. Likewise, others prefer a 1-on-1 environment in which they can have attention, feedback, and safety of movement at the forefront of the session. Similarly, many people are now comfortable training online from the comfort of their home with virtual check-ins or following along to a video. It is vital that you discuss with yourself where you feel the most confident training to help narrow down options.
2. Type of support you want from a coach/trainer
The availability of support has changed with the new online space of influencers and MLM “health coaches,” be sure you think about the type of support you truly will need to achieve your goals. How are you best held accountable? How frequently do you like to be checked on? Do you want the trainer with you every session or for new movements? Do you want education in addition to encouragement? Allow yourself to be a little selfish and place value in the time you are about to invest in yourself with a coach. This is also a great time to establish what type of coaching you prefer as far as tough love, gentle encouragement, firm standards, or cheerleader.
3. Financial investment
Although talking about money can be a touchy subject, it is important to set the boundaries of your investment to help narrow down what you are able to commit to right now. Many 1-on-1 packages carry a higher price tag, but the programs are individualized, you have frequent communication with a coach, you are able to submit form videos or have the coach with you to give specific feedback. On the other hand, one-time purchases of a pdf plan can be super-efficient if you are self-motivated and work well alone. These price differences can also be seen in type of group classes at a gym. The larger the group, the cheaper the session, but you do lose individual attention and feedback. Ultimately, the price point of a coach or gym can also be linked to the environment you are most comfortable in.
4. Personality meshing
This one is HUGE… we highly recommend committing to a coach that you mesh well together with! Testing the waters to see what type of personality you feel most empowered by is just as essential as environment. Think about how you want to be spoken to, treated, or encouraged. Think about what type of morals, ethics, or standards you want to be held to and likewise hold your coach to. Again, this is your health journey, be selfish and allow yourself to feel valued!
5. Education of the trainer
This one for FRF is huge… Ideally, every trainer should be constantly learning how to be better. Ask the coach you are thinking about working with what the last training they completed was. Ask them what part of training they love the most. If you love resistance training and your coach loves to program HIIT, because that is what they know best… it may be time to find a new coach. A professional trainer will always train you the way that is best for your body, not the “easiest” to program. Also ask your trainer if they have experience working with clients similar to you or your goals. Lastly, you should be able to ask your trainer questions and receive honest and educated responses. Surprisingly… many personal trainers lack anatomy knowledge. Similarly, many strength coaches may not be as well versed with autoimmune disorders. Do not be afraid to poke around and see what type of expertise and experience the coach has. You should feel confident in the choice you make.
6. Goal alignment
Be straight forward with your goals. Find a coach that creates a sustainable plan to help you achieve those goals. Some goals are vague, and others are specific, allow yourself to keep your goal in mind without being told your goal is wrong, invalid, or too difficult. Although goal setting with a coach takes some discourse to achieve a sustainable plan, there should never need for any drastic changes to get you to those goals. Again, consistency and sustainability are key in finding a partnership with a trainer that works.
Hopefully these 6 factors help you to weed out the scammers, the 1200 calorie pushers, the supplement salesmen and the MLM models. There may be many different types of training experiences you have already endured that additionally help you know what you do not want in a trainer. Go with your gut. Any trainer worth their sauce, will not be offended by you choosing yourself. FRF hopes this helps!
