Protecting the Human Element: Fighting for Real Coaching in a Changing Fitness Industry
In the ever-evolving world of fitness, where trends come and go faster than you can say “burpee”, something essential is at risk: the irreplaceable value of human connection in coaching. As coaches, we’re not just providing workout plans; we’re engaging in what I believe is a sacred act of presence. It’s about being fully there with our athletes, listening deeply to their needs, understanding their struggles, and offering empathetic guidance that goes beyond sets and reps.
But this fundamental aspect of coaching is being threatened. The fitness industry, in its pursuit of growth and scalability, has been influenced by forces that undermine the core principles of effective coaching.
Some coaching models, perhaps unintentionally, create a cycle of dependency. Instead of empowering athletes to take ownership of their health and fitness journeys, these approaches foster a reliance on the coach for every decision. This not only disempowers athletes, but also hinders their autonomy and long-term success.
My philosophy? True coaching should be about education and empowerment. It’s about providing athletes with the knowledge, tools, and self-monitoring skills they need to eventually navigate their fitness independently. This involves a gradual release of responsibility, where I am providing support in the beginning and progressively less as the athlete gains confidence and competence.
In an age obsessed with instant gratification, there’s a growing trend of prioritizing excitement and entertainment over genuine education and sustainable results. Fitness is sometimes presented as a spectacle, with workouts designed to be flashy, complex, and attention-grabbing rather than effective and safe.
While engagement is undoubtedly important, it should never come at the expense of knowledge and skill development. Effective coaching involves teaching athletes about biomechanics, nutrition, recovery, and other essential aspects of health and wellness (like resilience). It’s about helping them build a foundation of knowledge that will serve them for years to come.
Technology has brough incredible advancements to the fitness industry. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and online platforms provide valuable data and enhance communication between a coach and their athlete. However, there’s a dangerous misconception that technology can fully replace the nuanced guidance and support of a human coach. Sure, tech can be a powerful tool, but it lacks the empathy, intuition, and adaptability of a skilled coach.
Real coaching involves understanding the individual athlete’s circumstances, motivations, and challenges, which is something an algorithm can’t replicate. Technology should be used to enhance coaching, not diminish the human elements.
The word “personalized” is thrown around a lot in the fitness industry, but often it’s just a marketing buzzword. What many coaches call “personalized” programs are actually slightly modified templates or generic plans with a few tweaks based on a superficial assessment. True personalization goes much deeper. It requires a thorough assessment of an athlete’s movement patterns, health history, lifestyle, goals, and preferences. It involves ongoing communication and feedback, with the coach adapting the program as the athlete progresses. It’s about creating a truly individualized plan that addresses the athlete’s specific needs and circumstances.
In the age of social media, charisma and online presence can sometimes overshadow actual coaching competence. While having a strong personality can be beneficial, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not the most important factor in effective coaching.
Qualifications, experience, and a proven track record of getting results are what truly matter. Athletes deserve coaches who possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise to guide them safely and effectively toward their goals. We need to value substance over style and prioritize competence over charisma.
At its core, real coaching is about the irreplaceable human elements. It’s about empathy, understanding, motivation, and accountability. It’s about building a strong coach-athlete relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
As the fitness industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we as coaches fight to protect these core values. We must resist the pressure to automate, scale, and remove ourselves from the equation. Instead, we should focus on providing high-quality, personalized coaching that empowers clients and helps them achieve lasting results. Coaches should take the time to ingest and understand the science behind what they teach, practice what they preach, and be genuinely interested and engaged with their athletes every step of the way.
This is the Psyres way.