What to look for in a coach

[yukio]

Hi guys curious what the best things to look for in a coach.

Do you prefer in person check ins or online suffices?

What are the red flag giveaways before even contacting one?

How do you find one you trust to give you the same treatment as competing athletes they have an investment in and not just give you a semi altered cookie cutter program.

What’s the average price?

I’ve never had a coach always self managed but thinking of hiring someone to see the difference during growth and then cutting and see how the results differ.

 

[traininsane11]

Hi guys curious what the best things to look for in a coach.

Do you prefer in person check ins or online suffices?

What are the red flag giveaways before even contacting one?

How do you find one you trust to give you the same treatment as competing athletes they have an investment in and not just give you a semi altered cookie cutter program.

What’s the average price?

I’ve never had a coach always self managed but thinking of hiring someone to see the difference during growth and then cutting and see how the results differ.

I do believe there’s a few threads on here about this that may be of use to you

Also I think Andrew Berry (very good coach from all accounts) is or has set up a rate my coach type thing so you can see lots of popular coaches and the feedback or at least I think that’s what it’s detailing

To answer your questions in my opinion

Do you prefer in person check ins or online suffices?

A: I don’t really know any coach that offers in person stuff unless they train at your gym I think this kinda became obsolete with online coaching

What are the red flag giveaways before even contacting one?

A: Could be many from many different perspectives but at the end of the day there’s plenty of very reputable coaches out there it’s just finding one you click with both personally and from a similar outlook on how to approach the whole process

How do you find one you trust to give you the same treatment as competing athletes they have an investment in and not just give you a semi altered cookie cutter program.

A: Unless you’re a high level athlete or have a big following I wouldn’t be contacting the top guys who have tens of high top level guys UNLESS they’re known for taking as much time and considerations with all their clients

What’s the average price?

A: Varies dramatically


Research is your friend. Decide what it is you want, your budget then go shopping

 

[yukio]

I do believe there’s a few threads on here about this that may be of use to you

Also I think Andrew Berry (very good coach from all accounts) is or has set up a rate my coach type thing so you can see lots of popular coaches and the feedback or at least I think that’s what it’s detailing

To answer your questions in my opinion

Do you prefer in person check ins or online suffices?

A: I don’t really know any coach that offers in person stuff unless they train at your gym I think this kinda became obsolete with online coaching

What are the red flag giveaways before even contacting one?

A: Could be many from many different perspectives but at the end of the day there’s plenty of very reputable coaches out there it’s just finding one you click with both personally and from a similar outlook on how to approach the whole process

How do you find one you trust to give you the same treatment as competing athletes they have an investment in and not just give you a semi altered cookie cutter program.

A: Unless you’re a high level athlete or have a big following I wouldn’t be contacting the top guys who have tens of high top level guys UNLESS they’re known for taking as much time and considerations with all their clients

What’s the average price?

A: Varies dramatically


Research is your friend. Decide what it is you want, your budget then go shopping

Appreciate this a lot thanks for the Andrew berry shoutout, I’ll do some more searching on this forum but also fill out his coaching form and see what the costs come back at and how suitable he would be for me.

 

[traininsane11]

Appreciate this a lot thanks for the Andrew berry shoutout, I’ll do some more searching on this forum but also fill out his coaching form and see what the costs come back at and how suitable he would be for me.

If you’re able to share a bit more about you and your goals we may be able to make some suggestions on coaches that may be a good option

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

The best way to approach this is to determine what you need from a coach, and then look for the coaches that coach that way. Some guys need nutrition only, some guys need it all. Some guys need stern accountability and micro managing of all aspects of their process, other guys need a more friendly "bro" type of friend coach. Budget also comes into play, fees can vary wildly depending on who it is, what how much attention you need. Some can be had for a few hundred a month, others can easily get into the thousands.

There are many very accomplished coaches out there, and many of them are regular contributing members right here on this very site.

I always tell people to look at their clients feedback who have worked with that coach, and most importantly, look at the results they get with their non genetic elites and their lifestyle guys because that is where the real evidence of how good they are lies.

I wouldn't hesitate to inquire with any of the regular contributing board members here that are coaches for either lifestyle or prep.

Once you have a few guys you are seriously interested in, inquire about a consultation with them where you can exchange what you are looking for in a coach, and they can explain what their process looks like and what you are getting. Then go from there. Most guys I know in the industry do a free, or small fee consultations for like 30 min on the phone or zoom where you can make sure you are on the same page.

 

[yukio]

If you’re able to share a bit more about you and your goals we may be able to make some suggestions on coaches that may be a good option

Im 31 never used a coach been training for a long time the last 5-6 years have been on and off a lot battling my tendinopathy issues post isotretinoin. Let myself get out of shape a bit and I never tracked my calories strictly. I’d just pick a couple meal options I like and increase meal amounts per day till I consistently increased the scale weekly.

Likewise when cutting I would swap protein options lower carbs and the same remove meals till I consistently dropped weight on the scale and continue lowering when hitting a plateau.

This is my first time actuslly tracking specific calorie count and carb fat protein intake daily and taking weekly photos etc. had gyno surgery end of April now fully recovered. Aromsrize very easily. Even on 200mg cyp a week I need some arimidex to keep estrogen in the upper reference range.

I’m currently 99kg ~15%bf 179cm tall
2 weeks into my cycle consisting of 600mg test cyp, 600mg primo, 6iu gh I was taking 500mg metformin twice daily but as you saw in the other thread I was going to swap this out for 1mg Reta instead for the sensitive and nutrient uptake.

I don’t have any competing aspirations just enjoy the sport and pushing myself. Goals for me would be to put on some size and fill out my frame more and then maintain a lower body fat percentage. I’ve proven I can’t do that myself as the last 2 times I tried I ended up getting to flat and eating away at the muscle I originally put on. Stupidly of course as I’d finish a cycle out on some decent weight then decide to jump on Reta and cut when I’ve gone back down to 150-200mg a week of test.

 

[yukio]

The best way to approach this is to determine what you need from a coach, and then look for the coaches that coach that way. Some guys need nutrition only, some guys need it all. Some guys need stern accountability and micro managing of all aspects of their process, other guys need a more friendly "bro" type of friend coach. Budget also comes into play, fees can vary wildly depending on who it is, what how much attention you need. Some can be had for a few hundred a month, others can easily get into the thousands.

There are many very accomplished coaches out there, and many of them are regular contributing members right here on this very site.

I always tell people to look at their clients feedback who have worked with that coach, and most importantly, look at the results they get with their non genetic elites and their lifestyle guys because that is where the real evidence of how good they are lies.

I wouldn't hesitate to inquire with any of the regular contributing board members here that are coaches for either lifestyle or prep.

Once you have a few guys you are seriously interested in, inquire about a consultation with them where you can exchange what you are looking for in a coach, and they can explain what their process looks like and what you are getting. Then go from there. Most guys I know in the industry do a free, or small fee consultations for like 30 min on the phone or zoom where you can make sure you are on the same page.

I like this id actually be happy to pay for a 30 min consultation to get a better idea.

 

[traininsane11]

Im 31 never used a coach been training for a long time the last 5-6 years have been on and off a lot battling my tendinopathy issues post isotretinoin. Let myself get out of shape a bit and I never tracked my calories strictly. I’d just pick a couple meal options I like and increase meal amounts per day till I consistently increased the scale weekly.

Likewise when cutting I would swap protein options lower carbs and the same remove meals till I consistently dropped weight on the scale and continue lowering when hitting a plateau.

This is my first time actuslly tracking specific calorie count and carb fat protein intake daily and taking weekly photos etc. had gyno surgery end of April now fully recovered. Aromsrize very easily. Even on 200mg cyp a week I need some arimidex to keep estrogen in the upper reference range.

I’m currently 99kg ~15%bf 179cm tall
2 weeks into my cycle consisting of 600mg test cyp, 600mg primo, 6iu gh I was taking 500mg metformin twice daily but as you saw in the other thread I was going to swap this out for 1mg Reta instead for the sensitive and nutrient uptake.

I don’t have any competing aspirations just enjoy the sport and pushing myself. Goals for me would be to put on some size and fill out my frame more and then maintain a lower body fat percentage. I’ve proven I can’t do that myself as the last 2 times I tried I ended up getting to flat and eating away at the muscle I originally put on. Stupidly of course as I’d finish a cycle out on some decent weight then decide to jump on Reta and cut when I’ve gone back down to 150-200mg a week of test.

Good post gives guys a lot to work from!

Personally I’d advise you seek out more of a lifestyle orientated coach VS competitive bodybuilding coach as that would be far more suited to you

There will be plenty but I’m afraid I couldn’t recommend any as I’m in the competetive field

I’m sure guys will chime in here

Best of luck

 

[yukio]

Appreciate it guys thanks for the input

 

[professionaldyel]

if youre uneducated about bodybuilding you just pick whoever and follow the plan

if you're someone who consumes content in the space you should have a pretty decent idea of things that stand out to you that sound logical/you agree with and should find a coach that aligns with that - everyone gives away their playbook for free across social media, most people are specifically paying for peak week.

 

[alfresco]

The search engine is your friend.

Help selecting a coach (or maybe even recommendations?)

Hey I'm coming to a point in my life where I'm a little beat up by many years of athletics and olympic lifting training and would like to transition to "bodybuilding" albeit non-competitively at first - although who knows what the future holds. I would like to select a coach but would...

www.professionalmuscle.com

 

[TheOtherOne55]

This is a question I get asked (and WE see get asked) allll the time. I've answered it a couple times on the pod Q&A.
Coaching is 1000% a "vibe check" thing.

If you lined the top 20 most well-known and respected BBing coaches up, they allll do the same shit.
They alll use the same tools, the same foods, the same principles. It just comes down to who YOU vibe with.
Who you can shoot the shit with, talk openly with, respect, AND one you don't want to let down. That's allll it comes down to.

 

[graybass]

This is a question I get asked (and WE see get asked) allll the time. I've answered it a couple times on the pod Q&A.
Coaching is 1000% a "vibe check" thing.

If you lined the top 20 most well-known and respected BBing coaches up, they allll do the same shit.
They alll use the same tools, the same foods, the same principles. It just comes down to who YOU vibe with.
Who you can shoot the shit with, talk openly with, respect, AND one you don't want to let down. That's allll it comes down to.

Finally logic!
Bro, I've been a trainer for 35 years! Great trainers are basically the same. I overload the big three (Chest, Back, Legs) with tons of rest and tons of nutrition. The same thing my successful contemporaries do. Minimum three day split or, for really serious guys spread out over 5 days. Always 16-20 total sets for the major muscles and 8-12 for the minors (Triceps, Biceps, shoulders, etc.) Minimum 1-1.5 grams Protein per lb. of Bodyweight.
I was the corporate PT manager for Golds for over 15 years. Now I'm mostly retired. Never hire someone who has not competed or trained competitors. Pretty simple. Trainers are for motivation not knowledge.

 

[massephase]

Some random things I would look for:

1. gets results with clients across the genetic spectrum
2. you think you align with them on a personal level at least to a degree. You also don’t have any hard points of disagreement with their philosophy/ way of doing things
3. they should imo have lived through everything themselves, preferably also the more extreme ends (gear diet training)
4. they are intelligent and thoughtful and seem like a good stand up person to you
5. they aren’t dogmatic, but that follows from 4
6. they pay attention to detail and remember things about you — which shows that they are really interested in learning what you respond to and your long term progress

 

[yukio]

Thanks everyone for the input. This is great information to expand the checklist and have a consult with coaches and hopefully find the right fit. Appreciate you all.

 

[kscowboy]

There are some really good coaches that are members on here as well.

 

[Bleed]

If you are an older guy, a coach that's the similiar age is probably going to help.

Also, older coaches are far more conservative in dosing, diet, expectations and longevity.

Look at Luki as example. You've seen him evolve over time.

You want to get as big and nasty as fast as possible? Those guys are out there too.

Ask what do you want, what are you willing to pay, and what are your expectations?

The most popular coach that makes aliens might take your money but what are you getting?

If you want detailed responses and 15 minute phone calls be realistic.

You want to be Mr. Olympia? Theres someone out there who has one. Understand that genetics are 100% of the game at that point.

 

[hawkmoon]

Sounds like you just want/need someone to be a guide, share experience, and hold you accountable.

Stick with coaches focused on lifestyle, those who will look at you and your life, work, activities, family, etc.

Avoid hardcore prep coaches and I'd personally recommend avoiding coaches selling "mentoring" or bro style coaching. Both are designed to keep you engaged above all else and deliver little real value IMO.

 

[yukio]

Sounds like you just want/need someone to be a guide, share experience, and hold you accountable.

Stick with coaches focused on lifestyle, those who will look at you and your life, work, activities, family, etc.

Avoid hardcore prep coaches and I'd personally recommend avoiding coaches selling "mentoring" or bro style coaching. Both are designed to keep you engaged above all else and deliver little real value IMO.

yeah exactly this just with the correct knowledge. for example id like to experiment with insulin but have someone guidde me through it whilst having all other variables locked in and seeing exactly what it does for me etc. but yes exactly what you said.