With the pandemic bringing out the self-proclaimed coach in so many “influencers” and many competitors winning a show and then labelling themselves a coach overnight, it’s honestly really hard to know how to go about picking a coach that’s legit and one that’s right for you.
Being someone’s coach is a job and it should be entered into on a serious note, just like athletes should be able to interview potential coaches and not feel obligated to stick with one if the fit just isn’t right. To help you out, we created a list of what we thought are the top 10 questions for any new bodybuilder to ask when hiring a coach. Please note that hiring a coach for “lifestyle” training and hiring one that will one day take you to the stage, isn’t the same thing. Our questions below focus solely on the bodybuilder looking to compete, not the average person looking to trim down or get toned. These questions are for those looking to journey to the stage.
1. What certifications and experience do you have?
Perhaps certification doesn’t matter to you but then experience definitely should. Did they just win a competition and suddenly become a coach or do they have years of coaching and competing under their name with awards won and different types of clients.
2. How can you help me achieve my goal?
You’re looking for someone here who will map out a plan for you, a program to follow, with milestones, check-ins, and check points.
3. What do you specialise in?
As noted above, you’re looking for someone to help prep you for a show so find someone that does that and not just a trainer that coaches “lifestyle”. Also, another thing to consider is whether or not this coach specialises in your particular competition category, like men’s physique, women’s figure, or even masters. Perhaps they don’t specifically specialize in it but have coached various athletes in it, and that’s where experience (question 1) is super important.
4. How do you assess new clients?
They should question you about your current health status, any medical conditions or injuries, prior experience with exercising, and schedule. A measurement assessment should include asking about your height, current weight, body fat percentage, and various body measurements but this often comes after the initial interview. They should also ask what is your fitness goal because this is ultimately what will dictate your workout program setup and timeline.
5. How will you track my progress?
Listen for things like weekly/bi-weekly check-ins, measurements, and progress pictures. I know a lot of athletes hate taking progress pictures or having check-ins but if you’re serious about stepping on stage, you’ll have to get over this because being judged on stage is going to be a cruel awakening if you dodge your coach's progress checks.
6. What knowledge do you have with performance enhancing drugs (“gear”) and what is your protocol regarding it?
If you’re going natty (natural) then you can skip this question but if not, you’ll definitely want to ask your potential new coach about gear. We’ve seen too many coaches throw too much gear at their athletes, as if every athlete is the same. Every athlete isn’t the same and protocols should reflect that. This is your body, your journey, and it’s your money. And while we’re not supporting or encouraging you to take gear, we’re also not going to play ignorant here. We want to encourage athletes to be smart about it. Gear can be as beneficial to the body as it can be damaging and it can also get super expensive. Some coaches are sponsored by various gear companies so they get a kickback and you should be aware of that. We’re not saying this drives all coaches to push more gear but we’re also not going to ignore the fact that they do make extra money off it. Just ask them. It’s an awkward question, sure, but it will ultimately come up and your coach is no stranger to it. It’s their job to answer questions from their athletes, so ask them what they would recommend for you, how expensive will it be and how will they cycle you on and off.
7. Who are some of your past/current clients?
Feel free to check them out on social media, see if they have your “goal body” or are relatable to your goal and what you want to achieve.
8. If the potential coach is also an active competing bodybuilder, what will the plan be for when you have a competition?
Every coach approaches this differently. Some might continue coaching you while others will put coaching you on hold, direct you to another coach, or tell you to find another coach on your own. You need to decide which one you’re okay with or do you want to actually sign with a coach that’s competing because this affects your journey and ultimately who you’ll be taking it with.
9. What does being coached by you include?
Being coached by them includes a workout program, but is it live 1-to-1 in person or online, or is it an online/program write up. Also does it include check-ins and how often. Do they help with posing, offer a nutritional plan, help you choose suitable competition, and offer text help. Figure out what you want from your coach and then find one that offers what you’re looking for.
10. How much does it cost to be coached by you?
Inquire about their different rates for their different styles of coaching -- live in person, live online, online program. Ask about their monthly rates and if they offer discounts for lengthier commitments, like 1 month vs 3 months, 6 months vs 1 year. Also, what does their coaching price actually include. Does it just include the workout program or are things talked about in question 9 included in the price. Some offer the “full package” while others offer extra help for extra costs. Maybe you don’t need it all from one coach and you're okay going to another coach for something like posing practice, but be sure to ask.
We hope these 10 questions serve you well with picking out your new coach. There are so many amazing coaches here in the Philippines to pick but there are a lot of wannabe’s too. We hope these questions give you some positive food for thought with regards to narrowing it down to the one that is right for you. Your journey to the stage is going to be a tough one, so make sure the one you hire a coach you feel comfortable and open with. Find a coach who sees the potential in you and whom you can trust, admire and aspire to be like. You want to make sure the coach in your corner is there cheering you on, keeping you focused, and properly directing your journey, because there are going to be many moments along your journey where you’ll doubt yourself and want to quit.
If you have any additional questions you'd like to add to our list, awesome, be sure to leave them in the comments section below. Don't forget to check out Gym Bag for some of the coach's Prep Life supports.