Looking for a Coach? Do You Really Need One?
No matter where you go these days—Instagram, Facebook, or other social networks—you’re bound to come across coaches or people claiming to be coaches. They promise you incredible results, whether in fitness, nutrition, or personal development, all for a modest monthly fee. Many offer tailored training plans, guarantee round-the-clock availability, and present themselves as indispensable guides to achieving your goals.
But do you really need a coach? In this blog, I want to share my experiences and perspectives with you, to help you avoid unnecessary stress and bad decisions.
When Does Hiring a Coach Make Sense?
If you aim to achieve more in sports, sooner or later you’ll likely consider getting a coach. Whether you want to reach your personal best, succeed as a content creator, become a model, or compete on bodybuilding stages, a coach often seems like the logical choice. Even specific goals like dieting or targeted training often lead people to seek coaching.
A coach can be particularly helpful if you:
- Have specific competition goals,
- Struggle to maintain discipline on your own,
- Need a deep understanding of training and diet plans, or
- Want to break through a plateau in your progress.
What Should You Look for in a Coach?
First and foremost: Don’t rush into hiring the first coach who contacts you on social media. Many of these offers are purely commercial, and it’s often unclear whether you’ll receive high-quality support. A trustworthy coach stands out for their expertise, transparency, and ability to tailor their services to your individual needs.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right coach:
- Personal Interaction: Ideally, choose a coach near you who is willing to train with you in person. This allows you to build trust and assess whether your working relationship will be effective.
- Recommendations: Talk to other athletes or ask your gym for recommendations. Many gyms have qualified trainers who can assist with training and nutrition—often included in your membership fee.
- Check References: Research online, speak to former clients, and arrange a consultation or video call. A professional coach will have nothing to hide and will answer your questions honestly and openly.
- Flexibility: Ensure that the coach is capable of adapting their plans to suit your needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
My Personal Experience with a Coach
I once had a coach who was supposed to help me with muscle building and dieting. My goal was to lose weight, dropping from 100 kg to 83 kg (-17 kg), which I achieved. However, the results were disappointing. My training plan was the same for months and felt generic, as if it had been created by an AI. The meal plan was equally uninspired: chicken, rice, and broccoli, with the amount of rice decreasing each month. These generic recommendations were far from tailored to my needs.
One particularly frustrating incident occurred during a trip abroad. While I was instructed to eat only rice cakes and tomatoes all day, another athlete staying in the same house was allowed to enjoy a full, rich meal. That was when I realized my coach cared more about my money than my progress. Despite charging a hefty fee, they failed to provide personalized guidance.
My Partner’s Experience with a Coach
My partner also had a tough experience with her coach. After a well-managed bulking phase, the coach delayed her diet far too long. This led to extreme pressure to achieve significant progress in a short time, resulting in unnecessary stress, physical exhaustion, and a loss of enjoyment in training. By the time it became clear that her goals were out of reach, the coach showed little interest in her anymore. This situation could have been avoided with a better plan from the start.
Her case is a clear example of how crucial trust and timely adjustments are in a coach-client relationship.
Do You Even Need a Coach?
The answer is: It depends.
Some athletes, like Samson Dauda, who became Mr. Olympia in 2024, achieved their goals without a coach. After parting ways with his coach, he worked exclusively with his partner and still won the prestigious title. However, such examples are rare. Particularly in specialized areas like posing for bodybuilding competitions, having an expert coach is often essential.
If you have the knowledge, experience, and discipline, it’s possible to progress on your own. However, for beginners or those tackling advanced goals, a coach can be a game-changer in avoiding common mistakes and staying on track.
Conclusion: Choose a Coach Wisely
Not all coaches are bad, but unfortunately, the industry is rife with unreliable figures. Some coaches focus solely on their top-performing athletes while treating others merely as sources of income. That’s why it’s so important to take your time when choosing a coach.
Tips for making the right decision:
- Check References: Look at reviews and results from other clients.
- Seek Feedback: Speak with others in the same sport who have worked with the coach.
- Have an Open Conversation: Discuss your expectations and evaluate how the coach responds to your questions.
- Trust Your Instincts: Without mutual trust, any collaboration is doomed to fail.
Bodybuilding and fitness are already expensive hobbies. A poor coaching experience shouldn’t add unnecessary costs or waste your valuable time.