How to Find a Good Coach and Trainer

If you are looking to hire your first coach or trainer, it might be a little overwhelming with options...

I know when I was looking for my first coach, I looked at a couple but it became clear that I needed to look for qualities that were important to me before spending the money on anyone. 

Here I am going to share what to look for and what to consider before hiring your new coach and trainer. 

 

 

Make a list of what is important to you.

Do you want someone who will understand you where you are at and what your goals are? Absolutely!

I highly recommend making a list of the qualities that you want your coach and trainer to have. Some will never sugar coat things and expect 100% adherence from day 1, or your coach might be willing to work with you and creating the healthier habits you have yet to work on. 

Making a list can help when you want to narrow down your search later on. 

 

Determine if you want online or someone in person.

Both options can be great but there are some big differences between them. 

Online is usually the cheaper option depending on the type of coach you are looking for. While in person, can be a little on the higher end.

It all comes down to how well you can stick to the plan that they give you. 

Are you someone who can follow and adhere to a plan that someone gives you, or do you need the extra accountability of someone in person to make sure that you continue to show up and get it done?

Most of the time when you are paying someone regardless of them being online or in person you are already going to want to show up because you are paying for it. Why pay someone if you are not going to use the plan they create right?

Only you will know yourself better than anyone else to make this decision. 

 

Ask for their certifications. 

• What certifications does someone need in order to work with you?
• What are their specialties?
• What are they passionate about?
• How many years of experience do they have? 

You need to make sure that they are qualified to help you in achieving your goals. 

Maybe you have certain food restrictions or injuries that they will need to be able to work around and work with you on that will still help you in reaching your goals. 

Maybe you are a vegetarian or vegan and need to be able to still keep that lifestyle while working on building muscle. 

Most coaches and trainers have a specific group of people that they are not only qualified to help but do help currently as that is what they are most passionate about. 

You don't want a trainer and coach who is just willing to help every single person. 

 

How often will they be in contact with you?

Some will be in contact with you only once a week, others will be available every day if you contact them and need to. 

You have to determine how often you think you will need a trainer and if you need someone you can rely on.

It also is important to note how they will be in contact with you too. Email, text, app, etc... what is the best way that you want to stay in communication?

 

Do they work with everyone or just a select few?

As I mentioned a little bit earlier, you don't want someone who is just willing to work with everyone. 

If someone is willing to work with everyone, they usually can't focus and give their full attention to you and the clients that they currently have. 

See if they have only a select amount of clients that they work with on a regular basis. How often do they take on new clients? Do they have a waiting list?

 

How is their response time?

Will your coach and trainer be able to get back to you in a timely manner?

Chances are they will not be able to always get back to you immediately depending on obligations, but if it will take them more than a day to respond - that typically won't do for most people. 

You can usually see how well they respond and get back to everyone based on their content that they post and how they reply. 

 

What does their program include?

Progression plans, meal plans, macros.... oh my! 

When it comes to them making your program, what will they include? 

The basics are obviously your training plan and nutrition to some degree (even if it is just macros). You will have to decide how in depth you need the program to be and look back on your list for what it is important to you.

Programs can include:  

• Meal plans, macros, or both!
• Recipes and grocery lists
• Strength training and cardio plans
• Travel accommodations 
• Exercise form checks if working with someone online
• Extra support from other clients they are working with in a group 
• 24/7 support
• Phone calls, check-ins, and adjustments as needed
• Posing
• Podcast, newsletters, and tips to help you

What from this list do you need and want from your coach and trainer?

 

Do they sell supplements or require you to take any?

If you are looking to compete in a natural federation like WNBF, you are going to want to steer clear of supplements as they can disqualify you for taking them. 

If that is not so much of a concern for you, then you may ask and see if they require certain supplements for you to take during your training or just suggest recommendations for what you might be struggling with. 

Not all coaches and trainers are certified to tell you what to take with supplements in your nutrition. So be weary. You can always ask the trainer and coach why they suggest a certain brand or supplement for you and do your own research from there and even get a doctors opinion. 

Certain supplements can do more harm than good for hormones, metabolism, and more if you are not careful. 

 

Time to interview a few of your favorites! 

Now that you know what you want and what to look for it's time to do some digging. 

Google it. Find some coaches for what you are wanting to train for. If wanting someone in person call around to different gyms in the area. See how much a trainer costs and go see them in person to see if they would be a great fit for you. 

Pick a few that you feel fit what you are looking for and what you need, get in contact with them, and see what they are all about. 

When getting in contact with them, ask them questions and bring up any concerns that you may have. You are ultimately going to be hiring them to help you and you want to make sure that you are getting your money's worth from them. 

 

Reminder: You get what you pay for.

With training and having a coach, you are going to get what you pay for. 

If you want to go the cheapest route more power to you, but just remember like anything else you are paying for quality. You might not get everything you are looking for if you are wanting to pay less than average. 

The cost will vary greatly depending on the area that you are living in, what's included, and whether they are in person or online so you won't know unless you do your research.  

 

 

Looking to compete your first time in a bikini bodybuilding competition?

Top Knot Strong helps to create healthy and balanced results through 'Top Knot' training and nutrition. 

Along with this offers everything you would need to step on stage including posing and suits! 

To see if we would be the right fit for you, schedule a free 15 minute consultation today. 

 

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