Finding a good trainer/coach

A good trainer/and or coach for fat loss – how to find one?

In my opinion ‘coaching’ is something one does to a team or an individual competing.

The definition of coach – from dictionary.com ->
“a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes”

Definition of trainer – from dictionary.com ->
1.  a staff member on an athletic team who gives first aid and therapy to injured players.
2.  a person who trains athletes; coach

In my mind, both were one in the same.  Trainer=Coach.  Perhaps it is just semantics or arguing over the finer points of true definition trainer vs coach – or that the word ‘coach’ itself should hold some higher value than simply ‘trainer’.

I train people in my gym.  I teach them about training and nutrition. So for the sake of definition when it comes to coaching in the physique enhancement business, I will define coach as someone who trains people through programs and willingly teaches their clients (or athletes) proper nutrition and training protocol if required.  In essence they are willing to explain –‘why’, when asked.  I say if ‘required’, as some clients just don’t care about the finer details – they just want to be told what to do. Others however, have oodles of questions, and always want to know why – and the true coach should be using those moments as so in my other profession – teaching refer to as ‘teachable moments’.

In the world of competitive fitness and related divisions (bikini, bodybuilding, figure, figure model, etc) there might be a need for a trainer or coach to help guide you to your physique goals.  That is losing body fat and/or gain muscle.     I have trained myself for my own shows for years (~9 years ) without a coach or trainer, and just learned to read a lot, however, those early years would have benefitted from someone showing me how, rather than me trying to ‘trial and error’ my way to the stage.  I did get the formula correct, but it would have benefitted me to skip over a few mistakes.   Eventually I did get a trainer, ahem, coach -> Erik Ledin – of LeanBodiesConsulting in 2008.

They help to guide you into their event or show – designing your nutritional strategy, and/or training plan. Individuals who just want to ‘lose a few’ can also benefit from hiring someone with experience in this area.

Finding a good coach (IMO) = trainer + teacher, can be quite a task.  If you are a newbie where do you start?   Even if you are an intermediate and perhaps have outgrown your current coach – how do you go about finding a new one?

Results are usually what drive people to good trainers and/or coaches.  I mention trainers, as there are some who can whip people into shape but really don’t want to explain why, making them great at training, but not so great at the teaching part.   It does not mean that they are not the right fit for you, just don’t expect to learn very much.

A good coach should be ‘results oriented’ as that is the job they do, however, the means to get to the results should be considered as well.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a good coach/trainer for you.

1. Results – do they get results with their clients?  Obviously you would not be looking into them as a coach if they didn’t however, there might be a few out there who did not get results – ask about that.
2. Sustainable results – Their clients – pre and post show – do they look similar or are they 2 completely different bodies.  Are their clients able to maintain their results over the long haul? 3months later, 6 months later, a year? What do they look like now?
3. Experience – How long have they been training others?  Sure it can be a short period of time (under 2-3 years), however, no one ever seems to want an intern to work on him or her in the hospital.   How many bodies have they worked on?  Although I cannot give you a specific number on how many should they have produced in order to say – yes, they are reliable.
4. Education – What kind of education do they have?  Do they upgrade?  Do they read everyday/every week?  Information is constantly changing in the industry and your coach should be informed.   Do they attend conferences, workshops in order to better their skill set?
5. Personal Fitness – Do they train? Are they in shape? They don’t have to be in stage ready shape or even have ever set foot on the stage; however, having some experience with the process (including the diet) goes along way to support their knowledge base.  They need to look the part, and they need to be healthy.  Most heart surgeons have an apple shape – but no one is questioning them – but I digress…
6. Specificity – what are they known for?  Who do they train on a regular basis?  If they are known for coaching baseball, or football, they are probably not a reliable coach for competition prep or body fat loss.
7. References – although this could be biased based on whose information you receive, the coach should be more than willing to give you previous clients in order to speak to about their services, and experience.  Many times coaches will have testimonials on their site which gives you are start point.  But remember this is a ‘portfolio’ of their work – and this is usually their best work.  See #2.
8. Communication/Respect – Do you feel heard?  Do their previous clients feel heard?  Many times girls just brush it off as the personality of the coach, however, having a good client/coach relationships should be empowering, not draining.  If they talk down to you or call you names, this is not the coach for you.  It goes back to personal respect.  No matter how knowledgeable they seem if they don’t treat you with respect, there is always someone else who can help you.   They should answer all your concerns, and not just pick and choose what information matters.  Those who matter don’t mind.
9. Timely – They answer your emails or phone calls in a timely manner.   (24-36hours), and in less time if you show is close (knowing you are a priority).   They send you meal plans, and updates in a timely manner. They are considerate of your schedule (as you still have to prep the food).
10. Tracking – should be weekly or biweekly. They should be taking measures, photos, and weight or body fat measures.  Although all are not necessary, your coach should be tracking your progress in a manner, which is measurable.  If you are prepping for a show or even a special event you need to know if you are making progress or not.  Tracking some of these variables will help to see, or not see the progress.   Ask how they will be tracking your progress.
11. Post show support – what kind of guidance do they offer post show?  Is it included in their services?  You may think you are able to go back to regular eating habits, however, this transition easier for some than others, and having someone there is support you through it at least for 4-6 weeks post show might be something to look into.  There is no shame in saying – “I need help with this”.

Great coaches always want you to be your best, and strive towards achieving that.  They will always want you to be better.
They will always believe more in you than you do in yourself.
This is in my opinion what a great coach (of any athletic endeavor) will do for you.

Feel free to add more criteria in the comments section.

Work hard,

A.