The client/coach relationship should never be a difficult relationship. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, coaches can be hard to deal with; other times, so can clients. However, the root of the problem lies in poor communication. Here is a list of things that will help you maximize the time you have with your coach or trainer, so that you can get the results that you are paying for.
Communication- This is the most vital and important aspect of this, and any other relationship. I’m not talking about calling each other to see how your day is going, but rather, letting your coach know how things are going. Coaches are very good at identifying certain ailments and understanding problems, but we do not have x-ray vision, and we can’t always tell if you are struggling. If something hurts, you’re not feeling well, or you just plain don’t understand, let your coach know. It’s better to be open and upfront with your coach so that they can make the adjustments necessary to accommodate you.
Understanding expectations- One of the coach’s main jobs when having an initial appointment with a client is to manage expectations. This is where the coach helps a client set realistic goals. Sometimes, however, the reality of a goal conflicts with the desired goal. A client should understand that a lot of small goals will add up to a large goal quickly. I think I’m a pretty good coach, but I can’t give an untrained individual a 6 pack in 4 weeks. This is where that communication comes into play, so that all parties are aware of expected outcomes.
Understanding your trainer or coach’s scope of practice- As a coach, we have a pretty vast knowledge about the human body. We understand biomechanics, how muscles work, anatomy, imbalances, etc. However, most of us are not doctors. We can’t diagnose the stomach issues you have been having, and unfortunately, we don’t have x-ray vision. The biggest thing we can do is guess, based off of assessments, as to what is ailing you, and hopefully, use the tools we have access to to help you. And, if we can’t help you, a great coach should be referring you to someone that can.
Stick with the plan!- We do an assessment and write out a plan for a reason. One of the biggest pet peeves I have personally is the client that does “extra” work that I have not given them. I am absolutely thrilled that they are so motivated, but that extra work can impede the process that your coach has planned out for you. This also applies to any sort of diet your coach may have you on. We have a finite amount of time with our clients. We can only control so much. What you do on your own time will determine whether or not you get the results you want.
Last but not least, be on time! When you train at an elite level training facility like The Spot Athletics, the trainers and coaches have very specific plans for how they are going to train you during your appointment. There are things that we plan that take time, but are very important for the development of our clients, and when the time we have is cut short, we have to start stripping things away to get the most out of the sessions as possible. Consistently showing up late only detracts from garnering the results that you desire. Also, we may have several clients booked, back to back, and it is not fair for us to take time away from their training sessions to make up for a late client.
Follow these 5 simple guidelines, and you will see the results that you’re paying for. The coaches and trainers here at The Spot Athletics do this because helping people is our passion. We want to make sure all of our clients are happy, and that they walk away from each training session knowing that they got the very best training out there. These 5 steps will definitely help ensure that!