What makes a good coach?
I often get asked what makes a good coach or personal trainer. In my opinion there is such a vast array of characteristics that distinguish a great coach that it’s difficult to find someone that encompasses each of these qualities within their whole coaching identity. Over the past 16 years I have come across some incredible trainers and coaches within the industry. But even the most seasoned coaches will have kinks in their armour – there is always something to work on. So, what actually makes a good coach?
Does a good coach need to be a know it all? Even the best coaches are always looking to improve; they are constantly trying to be better. This does not mean you’ll find them with their heads buried in books or sweeping up qualification after qualification (although, don’t get me wrong, that's still an integral part of developing). But the industry has come a long way and there is a vast array of easy to find resources on important topics such as mental health, positive mental attitudes, and sustainable nutrition just to name a few- These are the sorts of topics that will be just as valuable to your members and clients and enable them to become the best version of themselves.
With all this newfound knowledge some coaches might try and demonstrate what they have learnt by explaining the why behind a particular movement or something they are trying to get their client to do and that’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s good. But how do they become great? A sign of a great coach is that they will listen to what their client has to say, they will listen sincerely. They actually hear and appreciate what is being said to them. This will then lead to a personal response rather than a standard robotic answer. Think back to last time you walked out the gym and the standard question is “how was your workout?”. You will explain just how good your session was and what you really enjoyed, you actually passionately talk about it and then the response you get back is “that is great, hope you have a good day.” I think its good that you actually get asked a question like that but if you are going to ask the question the coach should at least be prepared to listen to the answer and give a personalised response back or remember what you have discussed for the next session.
A good coach will always look to coach the positive and realise just how powerful their presence, and their words are. As an example (and this happens a lot), a coach says “I can’t believe how fast you did that workout.” While good intentions are behind these words, a member may think along more negative lines, such as; “did the coach think I rep shaved?” Basically they don’t believe it was done right. I often hear coaches (I do this at times) trying to motivate their client by telling them not to put the bar down, to keep working. But subconsciously, all the mind can hear at the time is the negative; “put the bar down.”
However, the coach could take a different approach and use their words as weapons of good. Another way of getting their point across in a positive way would be to tell the client “just one rep at a time,” or “hang in there, you’ve got this.”
Being a chameleon with your personality and approach, and being able to empathise with the individuals you are coaching are quality traits to have as a coach in any environment. A great coach will know what they need to do to get the best out of the people they are working with and I guarantee that they all respond differently, therefore they need to be coached differently. Even when coaching a group session of 12 to 20 people the coach will still look to have little 1-2-1 contact points with each individual in the class and making the session a little more personalised rather than it just being a group exercise session. I don’t for one minute just think that this applies just to CrossFit coaching, it should apply to any group session. I would want to deliver a quality workout but at the same point have individuals leave the session feeling like they have not only had a great workout but also improved or grown in some way.
When treating people as unique individuals you will find that there are just some things that people find difficult or a challenge, like getting upside down or jumping on a box. When a coach demonstrates it or explains how to do it, it looks/sounds easy in theory but not to the person who has a fear of that movement. A great coach will help build the individual up to the task, supporting and encouraging them to give it a go while making it a safe environment in which for them to do so. And if they don’t manage the movement or decide not to do it then we would look for the positives, build on those and set a small goal or challenge as to how they will do better next time. Find the small wins, build on those and look forward to what the next step will be. Great coaches ensure that their clients achieve some form of growth which could be physical or mental, but the point is that they leave a stronger more confident human being than when they came in. In short a great coach will keep it simple, be honest, genuinely care, help you push through your mental barriers and help you be better at life.
ENGINE
Working on holding our MIKKOS score calories for longer blocks of time.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we will focus on rope climbing, doubleunders, and handstand push-ups in gymnastics. We will focus on the skill elements to help you with these movements! Whether you have these movements down or not, this class will help you improve in all these movements so you're ready to attack classes!
HYROX
We start to put together the pieces and do a mini HYROX
MOBILITY
We will go over full-body flow routines focusing on flexibility for full-body alignment.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength, we start the week with some percentage work on the close grip bench press, followed by heavy rows and a shoulder pump to finish. Wednesday, we worked up to a heavy single on the deadlift, with some tough drop sets followed by some heavy single leg work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Snatch Focus this week, and we get into over-head squats before working into some Snatch High Pulls and Hang Snatch and then finish with some heavy Snatch singles!
Track Tuesday
Week two of our over/unders block, this week we move to 1km efforts.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Wednesday Ride
Wednesday ride* 5.59am BOTS. << use links/details from a few months back
4 X 8min at your best effort, what have you got?
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
Our classic builders set this week, 5min builds based on effort! A great tempo run.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumeirah Beach Track
Saturday Ride
Back to a long ride today, 105km in the group with some structured intervals to follow.
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday long run
Team IFE on Tour are 3 weeks out from the marathon in Munich, so they need to run long. Why not come along and support with some miles to? Message sh@innerfight.com to find out more.
Start time: 05:29am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: From InnerFight
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
Today we will hold tempo for 2 long blocks and one shorter block. Keep asking yourself if you are running a 7/10 effort during this session.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This week our over/unders have increased from 800m to 1000m. Paces are the same as last week. This is your chance to run fast with the wider InnerFight Endurance Community and Coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
We will be running our intervals around the Olivia apartments this week for 1 loop and then in the park for a shorter loop. Try and pick up the pace on the shorter park loops.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week our efforts will build from 4/10 to 7/10 over 3 blocks of builders. You therefore have 3 attempts to hit that 7/10 feeling. We recommend that you do not start off too fast on this one.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Long Run
We will be running from InnerFight this Sunday. There are various options from 15km to 35km depending on which races you have coming up. If you would rather run for time, that is also fine! Routes will be shared in WhatsApp and on TrainingPeaks.
We will kick the week off on Monday with heavy single-leg work and move on to a fast interval workout. Tuesday is about the sandbags with a tough set of EMOMs followed by a partner workout. Wednesday, we have more focus on our strict pull-ups and then a gymnastics and running-based workout. Thursday, we will hit some technical work on a clean complex and follow it up with some heavy clean singles, followed by a tough and fast-paced workout with rowing cleans and wall balls. Friday, we finish the week with some heavy Jerks in the skill and then a gruelling chipper.
Monday:
Strength:
Walking Dumbell Lunges
Conditioning:
In a 2 min window
25 KB Sumo deadlift (2x24/16)
Amrap DU
rest 2 mins
In a 2 min window
16 Weighted Box Step Ups 1 x KB 24/16
AMRAP Cals Bike
rest 2 mins
x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Building Weight Sandbag To Shoulder
Conditioning:
In Pairs
100 sandbags to shoulder (80/50)
Every 4 mins
1 car park lap farmers carry 2 x 32/24
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Strict Pull Ups
B) KB Push Press + Pull Ups + Side Plank
Conditioning:
16 min amrap
Pool Run
10 burpee pull-ups
3 wall walks
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Pull + Hang Squat Clean + Front Squat
B) Squat Clean
Conditioning:
For time:
500/400m row
30 squat clean (60/40)
50 WallBalls
Friday:
Strength:
A) Push Jerk
Conditioning:
It's an awesome triplet to end the week! Therapyyyyy!
I often get asked what makes a good coach or personal trainer. In my opinion there is such a vast array of characteristics that distinguish a great coach that it’s difficult to find someone that encompasses each of these qualities within their whole coaching identity. Over the past 16 years I have come across some incredible trainers and coaches within the industry. But even the most seasoned coaches will have kinks in their armour – there is always something to work on. So, what actually makes a good coach?
Does a good coach need to be a know it all? Even the best coaches are always looking to improve; they are constantly trying to be better. This does not mean you’ll find them with their heads buried in books or sweeping up qualification after qualification (although, don’t get me wrong, that's still an integral part of developing). But the industry has come a long way and there is a vast array of easy to find resources on important topics such as mental health, positive mental attitudes, and sustainable nutrition just to name a few- These are the sorts of topics that will be just as valuable to your members and clients and enable them to become the best version of themselves.
With all this newfound knowledge some coaches might try and demonstrate what they have learnt by explaining the why behind a particular movement or something they are trying to get their client to do and that’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s good. But how do they become great? A sign of a great coach is that they will listen to what their client has to say, they will listen sincerely. They actually hear and appreciate what is being said to them. This will then lead to a personal response rather than a standard robotic answer. Think back to last time you walked out the gym and the standard question is “how was your workout?”. You will explain just how good your session was and what you really enjoyed, you actually passionately talk about it and then the response you get back is “that is great, hope you have a good day.” I think its good that you actually get asked a question like that but if you are going to ask the question the coach should at least be prepared to listen to the answer and give a personalised response back or remember what you have discussed for the next session.
A good coach will always look to coach the positive and realise just how powerful their presence, and their words are. As an example (and this happens a lot), a coach says “I can’t believe how fast you did that workout.” While good intentions are behind these words, a member may think along more negative lines, such as; “did the coach think I rep shaved?” Basically they don’t believe it was done right. I often hear coaches (I do this at times) trying to motivate their client by telling them not to put the bar down, to keep working. But subconsciously, all the mind can hear at the time is the negative; “put the bar down.”
However, the coach could take a different approach and use their words as weapons of good. Another way of getting their point across in a positive way would be to tell the client “just one rep at a time,” or “hang in there, you’ve got this.”
Being a chameleon with your personality and approach, and being able to empathise with the individuals you are coaching are quality traits to have as a coach in any environment. A great coach will know what they need to do to get the best out of the people they are working with and I guarantee that they all respond differently, therefore they need to be coached differently. Even when coaching a group session of 12 to 20 people the coach will still look to have little 1-2-1 contact points with each individual in the class and making the session a little more personalised rather than it just being a group exercise session. I don’t for one minute just think that this applies just to CrossFit coaching, it should apply to any group session. I would want to deliver a quality workout but at the same point have individuals leave the session feeling like they have not only had a great workout but also improved or grown in some way.
When treating people as unique individuals you will find that there are just some things that people find difficult or a challenge, like getting upside down or jumping on a box. When a coach demonstrates it or explains how to do it, it looks/sounds easy in theory but not to the person who has a fear of that movement. A great coach will help build the individual up to the task, supporting and encouraging them to give it a go while making it a safe environment in which for them to do so. And if they don’t manage the movement or decide not to do it then we would look for the positives, build on those and set a small goal or challenge as to how they will do better next time. Find the small wins, build on those and look forward to what the next step will be. Great coaches ensure that their clients achieve some form of growth which could be physical or mental, but the point is that they leave a stronger more confident human being than when they came in. In short a great coach will keep it simple, be honest, genuinely care, help you push through your mental barriers and help you be better at life.
Track Tuesday
Week two of our over/unders block, this week we move to 1km efforts.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Wednesday Ride
Wednesday ride* 5.59am BOTS. << use links/details from a few months back
4 X 8min at your best effort, what have you got?
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
Our classic builders set this week, 5min builds based on effort! A great tempo run.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumeirah Beach Track
Saturday Ride
Back to a long ride today, 105km in the group with some structured intervals to follow.
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday long run
Team IFE on Tour are 3 weeks out from the marathon in Munich, so they need to run long. Why not come along and support with some miles to? Message sh@innerfight.com to find out more.
Start time: 05:29am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: From InnerFight
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
Today we will hold tempo for 2 long blocks and one shorter block. Keep asking yourself if you are running a 7/10 effort during this session.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This week our over/unders have increased from 800m to 1000m. Paces are the same as last week. This is your chance to run fast with the wider InnerFight Endurance Community and Coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
We will be running our intervals around the Olivia apartments this week for 1 loop and then in the park for a shorter loop. Try and pick up the pace on the shorter park loops.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week our efforts will build from 4/10 to 7/10 over 3 blocks of builders. You therefore have 3 attempts to hit that 7/10 feeling. We recommend that you do not start off too fast on this one.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Long Run
We will be running from InnerFight this Sunday. There are various options from 15km to 35km depending on which races you have coming up. If you would rather run for time, that is also fine! Routes will be shared in WhatsApp and on TrainingPeaks.
We will kick the week off on Monday with heavy single-leg work and move on to a fast interval workout. Tuesday is about the sandbags with a tough set of EMOMs followed by a partner workout. Wednesday, we have more focus on our strict pull-ups and then a gymnastics and running-based workout. Thursday, we will hit some technical work on a clean complex and follow it up with some heavy clean singles, followed by a tough and fast-paced workout with rowing cleans and wall balls. Friday, we finish the week with some heavy Jerks in the skill and then a gruelling chipper.
Monday:
Strength:
Walking Dumbell Lunges
Conditioning:
In a 2 min window
25 KB Sumo deadlift (2x24/16)
Amrap DU
rest 2 mins
In a 2 min window
16 Weighted Box Step Ups 1 x KB 24/16
AMRAP Cals Bike
rest 2 mins
x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Building Weight Sandbag To Shoulder
Conditioning:
In Pairs
100 sandbags to shoulder (80/50)
Every 4 mins
1 car park lap farmers carry 2 x 32/24
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Strict Pull Ups
B) KB Push Press + Pull Ups + Side Plank
Conditioning:
16 min amrap
Pool Run
10 burpee pull-ups
3 wall walks
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Pull + Hang Squat Clean + Front Squat
B) Squat Clean
Conditioning:
For time:
500/400m row
30 squat clean (60/40)
50 WallBalls
Friday:
Strength:
A) Push Jerk
Conditioning:
It's an awesome triplet to end the week! Therapyyyyy!
ENGINE
Working on holding our MIKKOS score calories for longer blocks of time.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we will focus on rope climbing, doubleunders, and handstand push-ups in gymnastics. We will focus on the skill elements to help you with these movements! Whether you have these movements down or not, this class will help you improve in all these movements so you're ready to attack classes!
HYROX
We start to put together the pieces and do a mini HYROX
MOBILITY
We will go over full-body flow routines focusing on flexibility for full-body alignment.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength, we start the week with some percentage work on the close grip bench press, followed by heavy rows and a shoulder pump to finish. Wednesday, we worked up to a heavy single on the deadlift, with some tough drop sets followed by some heavy single leg work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Snatch Focus this week, and we get into over-head squats before working into some Snatch High Pulls and Hang Snatch and then finish with some heavy Snatch singles!
I often get asked what makes a good coach or personal trainer. In my opinion there is such a vast array of characteristics that distinguish a great coach that it’s difficult to find someone that encompasses each of these qualities within their whole coaching identity. Over the past 16 years I have come across some incredible trainers and coaches within the industry. But even the most seasoned coaches will have kinks in their armour – there is always something to work on. So, what actually makes a good coach?
Does a good coach need to be a know it all? Even the best coaches are always looking to improve; they are constantly trying to be better. This does not mean you’ll find them with their heads buried in books or sweeping up qualification after qualification (although, don’t get me wrong, that's still an integral part of developing). But the industry has come a long way and there is a vast array of easy to find resources on important topics such as mental health, positive mental attitudes, and sustainable nutrition just to name a few- These are the sorts of topics that will be just as valuable to your members and clients and enable them to become the best version of themselves.
With all this newfound knowledge some coaches might try and demonstrate what they have learnt by explaining the why behind a particular movement or something they are trying to get their client to do and that’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s good. But how do they become great? A sign of a great coach is that they will listen to what their client has to say, they will listen sincerely. They actually hear and appreciate what is being said to them. This will then lead to a personal response rather than a standard robotic answer. Think back to last time you walked out the gym and the standard question is “how was your workout?”. You will explain just how good your session was and what you really enjoyed, you actually passionately talk about it and then the response you get back is “that is great, hope you have a good day.” I think its good that you actually get asked a question like that but if you are going to ask the question the coach should at least be prepared to listen to the answer and give a personalised response back or remember what you have discussed for the next session.
A good coach will always look to coach the positive and realise just how powerful their presence, and their words are. As an example (and this happens a lot), a coach says “I can’t believe how fast you did that workout.” While good intentions are behind these words, a member may think along more negative lines, such as; “did the coach think I rep shaved?” Basically they don’t believe it was done right. I often hear coaches (I do this at times) trying to motivate their client by telling them not to put the bar down, to keep working. But subconsciously, all the mind can hear at the time is the negative; “put the bar down.”
However, the coach could take a different approach and use their words as weapons of good. Another way of getting their point across in a positive way would be to tell the client “just one rep at a time,” or “hang in there, you’ve got this.”
Being a chameleon with your personality and approach, and being able to empathise with the individuals you are coaching are quality traits to have as a coach in any environment. A great coach will know what they need to do to get the best out of the people they are working with and I guarantee that they all respond differently, therefore they need to be coached differently. Even when coaching a group session of 12 to 20 people the coach will still look to have little 1-2-1 contact points with each individual in the class and making the session a little more personalised rather than it just being a group exercise session. I don’t for one minute just think that this applies just to CrossFit coaching, it should apply to any group session. I would want to deliver a quality workout but at the same point have individuals leave the session feeling like they have not only had a great workout but also improved or grown in some way.
When treating people as unique individuals you will find that there are just some things that people find difficult or a challenge, like getting upside down or jumping on a box. When a coach demonstrates it or explains how to do it, it looks/sounds easy in theory but not to the person who has a fear of that movement. A great coach will help build the individual up to the task, supporting and encouraging them to give it a go while making it a safe environment in which for them to do so. And if they don’t manage the movement or decide not to do it then we would look for the positives, build on those and set a small goal or challenge as to how they will do better next time. Find the small wins, build on those and look forward to what the next step will be. Great coaches ensure that their clients achieve some form of growth which could be physical or mental, but the point is that they leave a stronger more confident human being than when they came in. In short a great coach will keep it simple, be honest, genuinely care, help you push through your mental barriers and help you be better at life.
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
Today we will hold tempo for 2 long blocks and one shorter block. Keep asking yourself if you are running a 7/10 effort during this session.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This week our over/unders have increased from 800m to 1000m. Paces are the same as last week. This is your chance to run fast with the wider InnerFight Endurance Community and Coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
We will be running our intervals around the Olivia apartments this week for 1 loop and then in the park for a shorter loop. Try and pick up the pace on the shorter park loops.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week our efforts will build from 4/10 to 7/10 over 3 blocks of builders. You therefore have 3 attempts to hit that 7/10 feeling. We recommend that you do not start off too fast on this one.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Long Run
We will be running from InnerFight this Sunday. There are various options from 15km to 35km depending on which races you have coming up. If you would rather run for time, that is also fine! Routes will be shared in WhatsApp and on TrainingPeaks.
We will kick the week off on Monday with heavy single-leg work and move on to a fast interval workout. Tuesday is about the sandbags with a tough set of EMOMs followed by a partner workout. Wednesday, we have more focus on our strict pull-ups and then a gymnastics and running-based workout. Thursday, we will hit some technical work on a clean complex and follow it up with some heavy clean singles, followed by a tough and fast-paced workout with rowing cleans and wall balls. Friday, we finish the week with some heavy Jerks in the skill and then a gruelling chipper.
Monday:
Strength:
Walking Dumbell Lunges
Conditioning:
In a 2 min window
25 KB Sumo deadlift (2x24/16)
Amrap DU
rest 2 mins
In a 2 min window
16 Weighted Box Step Ups 1 x KB 24/16
AMRAP Cals Bike
rest 2 mins
x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Building Weight Sandbag To Shoulder
Conditioning:
In Pairs
100 sandbags to shoulder (80/50)
Every 4 mins
1 car park lap farmers carry 2 x 32/24
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Strict Pull Ups
B) KB Push Press + Pull Ups + Side Plank
Conditioning:
16 min amrap
Pool Run
10 burpee pull-ups
3 wall walks
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Pull + Hang Squat Clean + Front Squat
B) Squat Clean
Conditioning:
For time:
500/400m row
30 squat clean (60/40)
50 WallBalls
Friday:
Strength:
A) Push Jerk
Conditioning:
It's an awesome triplet to end the week! Therapyyyyy!
ENGINE
Working on holding our MIKKOS score calories for longer blocks of time.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we will focus on rope climbing, doubleunders, and handstand push-ups in gymnastics. We will focus on the skill elements to help you with these movements! Whether you have these movements down or not, this class will help you improve in all these movements so you're ready to attack classes!
HYROX
We start to put together the pieces and do a mini HYROX
MOBILITY
We will go over full-body flow routines focusing on flexibility for full-body alignment.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength, we start the week with some percentage work on the close grip bench press, followed by heavy rows and a shoulder pump to finish. Wednesday, we worked up to a heavy single on the deadlift, with some tough drop sets followed by some heavy single leg work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Snatch Focus this week, and we get into over-head squats before working into some Snatch High Pulls and Hang Snatch and then finish with some heavy Snatch singles!
Track Tuesday
Week two of our over/unders block, this week we move to 1km efforts.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Wednesday Ride
Wednesday ride* 5.59am BOTS. << use links/details from a few months back
4 X 8min at your best effort, what have you got?
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
Our classic builders set this week, 5min builds based on effort! A great tempo run.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumeirah Beach Track
Saturday Ride
Back to a long ride today, 105km in the group with some structured intervals to follow.
Start time: 05:59am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday long run
Team IFE on Tour are 3 weeks out from the marathon in Munich, so they need to run long. Why not come along and support with some miles to? Message sh@innerfight.com to find out more.
Start time: 05:29am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: From InnerFight
I often get asked what makes a good coach or personal trainer. In my opinion there is such a vast array of characteristics that distinguish a great coach that it’s difficult to find someone that encompasses each of these qualities within their whole coaching identity. Over the past 16 years I have come across some incredible trainers and coaches within the industry. But even the most seasoned coaches will have kinks in their armour – there is always something to work on. So, what actually makes a good coach?
Does a good coach need to be a know it all? Even the best coaches are always looking to improve; they are constantly trying to be better. This does not mean you’ll find them with their heads buried in books or sweeping up qualification after qualification (although, don’t get me wrong, that's still an integral part of developing). But the industry has come a long way and there is a vast array of easy to find resources on important topics such as mental health, positive mental attitudes, and sustainable nutrition just to name a few- These are the sorts of topics that will be just as valuable to your members and clients and enable them to become the best version of themselves.
With all this newfound knowledge some coaches might try and demonstrate what they have learnt by explaining the why behind a particular movement or something they are trying to get their client to do and that’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s good. But how do they become great? A sign of a great coach is that they will listen to what their client has to say, they will listen sincerely. They actually hear and appreciate what is being said to them. This will then lead to a personal response rather than a standard robotic answer. Think back to last time you walked out the gym and the standard question is “how was your workout?”. You will explain just how good your session was and what you really enjoyed, you actually passionately talk about it and then the response you get back is “that is great, hope you have a good day.” I think its good that you actually get asked a question like that but if you are going to ask the question the coach should at least be prepared to listen to the answer and give a personalised response back or remember what you have discussed for the next session.
A good coach will always look to coach the positive and realise just how powerful their presence, and their words are. As an example (and this happens a lot), a coach says “I can’t believe how fast you did that workout.” While good intentions are behind these words, a member may think along more negative lines, such as; “did the coach think I rep shaved?” Basically they don’t believe it was done right. I often hear coaches (I do this at times) trying to motivate their client by telling them not to put the bar down, to keep working. But subconsciously, all the mind can hear at the time is the negative; “put the bar down.”
However, the coach could take a different approach and use their words as weapons of good. Another way of getting their point across in a positive way would be to tell the client “just one rep at a time,” or “hang in there, you’ve got this.”
Being a chameleon with your personality and approach, and being able to empathise with the individuals you are coaching are quality traits to have as a coach in any environment. A great coach will know what they need to do to get the best out of the people they are working with and I guarantee that they all respond differently, therefore they need to be coached differently. Even when coaching a group session of 12 to 20 people the coach will still look to have little 1-2-1 contact points with each individual in the class and making the session a little more personalised rather than it just being a group exercise session. I don’t for one minute just think that this applies just to CrossFit coaching, it should apply to any group session. I would want to deliver a quality workout but at the same point have individuals leave the session feeling like they have not only had a great workout but also improved or grown in some way.
When treating people as unique individuals you will find that there are just some things that people find difficult or a challenge, like getting upside down or jumping on a box. When a coach demonstrates it or explains how to do it, it looks/sounds easy in theory but not to the person who has a fear of that movement. A great coach will help build the individual up to the task, supporting and encouraging them to give it a go while making it a safe environment in which for them to do so. And if they don’t manage the movement or decide not to do it then we would look for the positives, build on those and set a small goal or challenge as to how they will do better next time. Find the small wins, build on those and look forward to what the next step will be. Great coaches ensure that their clients achieve some form of growth which could be physical or mental, but the point is that they leave a stronger more confident human being than when they came in. In short a great coach will keep it simple, be honest, genuinely care, help you push through your mental barriers and help you be better at life.
I often get asked what makes a good coach or personal trainer. In my opinion there is such a vast array of characteristics that distinguish a great coach that it’s difficult to find someone that encompasses each of these qualities within their whole coaching identity. Over the past 16 years I have come across some incredible trainers and coaches within the industry. But even the most seasoned coaches will have kinks in their armour – there is always something to work on. So, what actually makes a good coach?
Does a good coach need to be a know it all? Even the best coaches are always looking to improve; they are constantly trying to be better. This does not mean you’ll find them with their heads buried in books or sweeping up qualification after qualification (although, don’t get me wrong, that's still an integral part of developing). But the industry has come a long way and there is a vast array of easy to find resources on important topics such as mental health, positive mental attitudes, and sustainable nutrition just to name a few- These are the sorts of topics that will be just as valuable to your members and clients and enable them to become the best version of themselves.
With all this newfound knowledge some coaches might try and demonstrate what they have learnt by explaining the why behind a particular movement or something they are trying to get their client to do and that’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s good. But how do they become great? A sign of a great coach is that they will listen to what their client has to say, they will listen sincerely. They actually hear and appreciate what is being said to them. This will then lead to a personal response rather than a standard robotic answer. Think back to last time you walked out the gym and the standard question is “how was your workout?”. You will explain just how good your session was and what you really enjoyed, you actually passionately talk about it and then the response you get back is “that is great, hope you have a good day.” I think its good that you actually get asked a question like that but if you are going to ask the question the coach should at least be prepared to listen to the answer and give a personalised response back or remember what you have discussed for the next session.
A good coach will always look to coach the positive and realise just how powerful their presence, and their words are. As an example (and this happens a lot), a coach says “I can’t believe how fast you did that workout.” While good intentions are behind these words, a member may think along more negative lines, such as; “did the coach think I rep shaved?” Basically they don’t believe it was done right. I often hear coaches (I do this at times) trying to motivate their client by telling them not to put the bar down, to keep working. But subconsciously, all the mind can hear at the time is the negative; “put the bar down.”
However, the coach could take a different approach and use their words as weapons of good. Another way of getting their point across in a positive way would be to tell the client “just one rep at a time,” or “hang in there, you’ve got this.”
Being a chameleon with your personality and approach, and being able to empathise with the individuals you are coaching are quality traits to have as a coach in any environment. A great coach will know what they need to do to get the best out of the people they are working with and I guarantee that they all respond differently, therefore they need to be coached differently. Even when coaching a group session of 12 to 20 people the coach will still look to have little 1-2-1 contact points with each individual in the class and making the session a little more personalised rather than it just being a group exercise session. I don’t for one minute just think that this applies just to CrossFit coaching, it should apply to any group session. I would want to deliver a quality workout but at the same point have individuals leave the session feeling like they have not only had a great workout but also improved or grown in some way.
When treating people as unique individuals you will find that there are just some things that people find difficult or a challenge, like getting upside down or jumping on a box. When a coach demonstrates it or explains how to do it, it looks/sounds easy in theory but not to the person who has a fear of that movement. A great coach will help build the individual up to the task, supporting and encouraging them to give it a go while making it a safe environment in which for them to do so. And if they don’t manage the movement or decide not to do it then we would look for the positives, build on those and set a small goal or challenge as to how they will do better next time. Find the small wins, build on those and look forward to what the next step will be. Great coaches ensure that their clients achieve some form of growth which could be physical or mental, but the point is that they leave a stronger more confident human being than when they came in. In short a great coach will keep it simple, be honest, genuinely care, help you push through your mental barriers and help you be better at life.