There are some similarities when it comes to a prep coach and a personal trainer, but there are also some major differences too.
While it does come down to your personal preference, it also comes down to what your specific goals are too.
Just because you have a local personal trainer, they may not always be experienced with competing.
Related Reading: 5 Common Bodybuilding Myths Busted
The Difference Between a Prep Coach and Personal Trainer: What Sets Them Apart?
The Need for a Prep Coach vs. Your Average Personal Trainer
Prep coaches are professionals that specialize in the field of bodybuilding competitions. They help their clients by providing them with a plan to follow, coaching them on their progress, and motivating them to continue with their goals in order to step on stage.
This is why they are different than your average personal trainer. Personal trainers usually work with clients one-on-one in order to help them achieve specific fitness goals. They do not provide the same level of care as a prep coach does usually unless they have experience in competing.
What Are the Benefits of a Prep Coach vs. a Personal Trainer
The benefits of a fitness prep coach are that they can help with all aspects of training, from diet and mental preparation to the actual workouts in most cases. They are not just there for the workouts. A fitness trainer is only there to train you, while a prep coach will also be able to help with other aspects of your life.
A personal trainer can't offer the same level of support as a prep coach because they don't always have the experience with competing if they haven't already competed before themselves. 
How to Choose the Best Prep Coach or Personal Trainer for You & Your Fitness Needs/Goals
A lot of people are not sure how to find a prep coach or personal trainer. It is important to find someone who can help you achieve your fitness goals. A good prep coach should be able to motivate you and provide you with the tools necessary for success. They should also have experience in the industry so they know what they're talking about.
A personal trainer will train you one on one, usually at their office or a gym. They will help you build muscle and lose weight by providing personalized workouts that are tailored to your fitness needs/goals. So it comes down to what is important to you for your goals. Ask for certifications, results from previous clientele, and even anything related to their training style to see if it would be the best for you. Location is also a huge factor so the pricing may vary greatly based on what they offer.
Why Hiring a Prep Coach is the Best Decision You Can Make?
If you are looking to compete in a bodybuilding competition, it would be best to hire a prep coach to reach those goals. They have more experience and more certifications usually in order to help their clients step on stage. Some may even offer posing, which is a huge piece of competing as well.
If you are looking for a prep coach, we would be happy to see if Top Knot Strong is the right fit for you! We offer everything from training, nutrition, posing, jewelry and suits.
Making it an all-in-one solution for you to reach your goal. To get started, sign up for a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can best help you!
