When You Shouldn't Hire a Coach

When You Shouldn't Hire a Coach

Yes, I’m a coach, and I still believe that there are times when you SHOULDN’T hire a coach.  To save your hard-earned it’s crucial to recognise when hiring a coach might not be necessary. Understanding the right circumstances for seeking professional guidance can save you time, money, and energy. Let's dive into when you should and shouldn't consider hiring a coach.

When You Should Not Hire a Coach

You're Happy with Your Results

You might not need a coach if you're genuinely content with your current progress. If you are happy with the progress you are making with your strength, physique, fitness, etc, there’s probably no need for a coach. It's essential to assess your goals and ask yourself if you're looking for improvement or just maintaining your current state. If it's the latter, you're probably doing just fine on your own.

You Use Training for Mental Wellbeing and Prefer to Stay in Your Comfort Zone

Training can be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing. If your primary goal is to use exercise as a way to de-stress, relax, and maintain mental health, and you prefer to stay in your comfort zone, a coach might not be necessary. Coaches often push clients to step out of their comfort zones to achieve physical progress, which might not align with your mental wellbeing goals.

You're Not Willing to Make Any Changes to What You're Currently Doing

A coach's job is to help you improve by making adjustments to your training, programming and nutrition. If you're not willing to make any changes to what you're currently doing, hiring a coach might not be beneficial. Progress often requires change, and if you're resistant to it, a coaching relationship might not be productive. It's crucial to be open to new ideas and methods when working with a coach.

Preface

You are about to read a comparison between face-to-face personal trainers and online coaches. 

I’ve chosen those terms on purpose. By my definition, a personal trainer is someone who takes sessions, provides a program and gives general advice.
A coach tends to be more advanced, providing a more complete and specific service combining data and experience to deliver more advanced outcomes.  

Yes, some face-to-face PTs behave as coaches, and Yes, there are a ton of shitty online coaches. 

The following points are based on the average “good” experience of both services. 

When You Should Hire a Face-to-Face Personal Trainer

You Need an Appointment to Go to the Gym

If you struggle with consistency and need the accountability of an appointment to ensure you make it to the gym, hiring a face-to-face personal trainer can be extremely helpful. Knowing someone is waiting for you can be a powerful motivator and can help you establish a regular workout routine.

You Lack Confidence in the Gym

Lack of confidence can be a significant barrier to effective training. A personal trainer can provide guidance, support, and encouragement, helping you build confidence in your abilities. They can show you how to use equipment properly, ensure you're performing exercises with the correct form, and create a safe and welcoming environment for you to train.

You're New to Training and Aren't Competent in the Movements

When you're new to training, learning proper form and technique is crucial to avoid injuries and make the most of your sessions. A face-to-face personal trainer can teach you to train like a weapon, help you understand the mechanics of different exercises, and ensure you're moving not only safely and efficiently but help you get the most progress from every rep.

You Need a Program and Guidance

Having a structured program tailored to your goals can make a significant difference in your progress. A personal trainer can create a personalised plan for you, provide ongoing guidance, and make adjustments as needed to keep you on track. This tailored approach can help you achieve your goals more effectively than a generic workout plan.

When You Should Hire an Online Personal Trainer

You Are A Lifter Who Needs More Specific Programming and Nutrition Strategies

As a more experienced lifter, you might need more specialised programming and nutrition strategies to continue making progress. An online coach can provide more advanced programs and nutrition strategies that address your specific needs and help you take your performance and physique to another level. 

You Understand What to Do but Prefer to Remove the Emotion from Decision-Making

Even if you know what to do, making objective decisions about your training and nutrition can be challenging. An online coach can provide an unbiased perspective, helping you stay on track without letting emotions interfere with your decisions. They can offer clear, rational guidance that keeps you focused on your goals and move you towards your outcomes faster than trying to achieve them on your own.

You Know Accountability and Support Will Progress Your Results

Accountability and support are critical factors in achieving long-term success. An online coach can provide regular check-ins, feedback, and support, helping you stay motivated and accountable. Knowing that someone is monitoring your progress and expecting updates can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward.

You Place High Importance on Tangible Results

If you value measurable progress and tangible results, an online coach can be a great fit. They can track your progress, analyse data, and adjust your program to ensure you're making continuous improvements. This data-driven approach can provide the evidence you need to stay committed and motivated.

Weekly Check-Ins, Feedback, and Reflections Will Help You Progress

Regular check-ins and feedback are essential for continuous improvement. An online personal trainer can provide weekly check-ins, offering constructive feedback and reflections on your performance. This ongoing communication helps you stay on track, make necessary adjustments, and keep progressing towards your goals.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to hire a coach depends on your goals, current situation, and willingness to make changes. If you're happy with your progress and prefer to stay in your comfort zone, a coach might not be necessary. However, if you need accountability, guidance, and support, hiring a face-to-face or online personal trainer can be incredibly beneficial.

Assess your needs and goals and choose the option that best suits your aspirations.

Of course, if “online coach” sounded most likely, you… jump to the online coaching page and enquire for a free discovery call where we’ll see if we are a good fit for each other.