Have you ever had a coach or trainer? Did you know there is a difference with the two? And certainly a difference in your results of not having one?
Many people want to lose weight, feel better, fit in their clothes so they get a gym membership and just start lifting or jumping in classes hoping to achieve their goals. While there will likely be some level of success, the impact of a true coach is far and above the difference maker to success.
Why should I hire one you ask? To start, it goes far beyond having a fun workout session. A truly good coach can be crucial to your overall success. It doesn’t matter what your goals are. A coach can deliver the results you’re looking for—often faster than working on your own. It’s important to know the difference between a coach and a trainer.
In the traditional sense, a trainer is just responsible for meeting with you (in-person or online) and directing you through your workout, the same workout for everyone without attention to your level of fitness or specific needs. That’s the old way of doing things.
A coach is someone who can do so much more than that.
Although there are many reasons why you should hire a coach, these are probably the top 5:
1. They Help Determine The Right Goals For You
Before you hire a coach, you may already have a good idea of what you want to accomplish. However, during the consultation session, the coach will discover a few more things you should be working on in order to reach your ultimate goal. And, for the most part, you may not really know these are things you should be working on.
A coach can also help you map out the right plan and approach, including setting realistic goals. Most people who come into a gym don’t have a set plan, which could be one of the reasons why they fall off the wagon and lose interest.
Speaking of goals…
2. They Can Help With Specific Goals
If you have a specific event coming up — a wedding, Communion, or Bar Mitzvah — a coach can help you look and feel better for that event. Maybe you’ve decided you want to run your first 5K, but don’t know where to start. A coach could be the best tool to help get you there by designing the right workout plan to help you achieve your goals.
3. They Hold You Accountable
If you hire a coach, you’re not just getting someone who spots you while you lift. You’re also hiring someone who holds you accountable. While the time spent with your coach is important (whether that’s an in-person or online workout or a check-in call), monitoring your habits and behavior in between sessions could be even more important to achieving your goals. This accountability helps keep you motivated, which helps you keep your goals in sight.
4. They Don’t Waste Your Time
A great coach knows how hard it is for you to set aside time for your workout, and won’t waste your time with anything that won’t move you toward your goals. He or she should have a very good reason why a particular exercise is included in your workout that day. Don’t be afraid to ask good questions; after all, it’s your time … and money.
5. They Help Develop Good Habits
Although coaches are there to design your workout and help you execute it, they can also help you develop better habits. They can teach you how to make the right changes to your diet, or how to implement other forms of exercise (stretching, meditation, etc.) to develop a more well-rounded fitness program.
A coach can do a lot to help you reach your fitness and nutrition goals. They can make the most out of your sessions, and help you develop good habits needed to reach your goals in the most efficient way possible.
