Being the best coach you can be means remaining committed to ongoing education, experimentation, and improving your craft. No coach ever has all the answers, and no coach is a finished product. Sometimes a coach may suggest a program or technique that, in hindsight, isn’t very useful to the client. If you find yourself in this situation, the most important thing is to own your error and remain accountable to yourself and your clients.
To help motivate you on your journey of learning and improvement, I’ve asked several expert coaches one question:
“What experience changed how you coach for the better?”
“Growing up, I had a strength and conditioning coach who really cared about me. I felt it in the way they noticed small details in my workouts or picked up on how I was feeling before I mentioned anything. Creating that feeling of being cared for has been my goal as a coach. If those I get to work with are confident that I care about them, there’s a good chance I’m also helping them achieve their goals.”
—Kevin J. Guild, Guild Training Systems
“What gives me a better experience is personal buy-in. I work out myself, and I share the techniques I feel give me the best results with my clients. I make their work out an extension of my personal workout, so it’s comfortable for me and I know it gets results. I don’t think you can be an effective trainer without pushing yourself to keep learning and growing as well.”
—Paul Bauer, CPT & CNC, Bauer Fitness & Nutrition
I’d love to add your expert opinion here too! Please reach out to me with your answer to the question above.