You don’t know what you don’t know. And that’s part of the evolution of coaching and gaining experience. My hope here is that I can expedite your coaching by learning through my experience rather than having to learn the hard way. When it comes to coaching, you really need to realize that your identity is much deeper than the word coach. In order to reach your goals in this industry you also need to adopt the …
Taylor Sleaford
Things to Consider When Picking Continuing Education
First and foremost, I believe the coach is the steward of the client’s dreams. Which means as a coach, it’s not about you. While I believe most coaches have good intentions it can be easy to get caught up in programming or coaching for an athlete based on what you like or want to coach. Instead, I challenge you to change the way you think and start asking yourself one question: What is best for my client? When …
Why Coaching Clients on Lifestyle Habits Will Lead to Better Results in the Gym
Sales 101 in the coaching business is that when a new client comes to you, it’s because they have a problem that they want solved. They look to hire you because you can solve that problem. While this is a very simplified version of all that goes into gaining a new client, I would imagine for most of you, the fun part begins once they do hire you and you can really work your magic. After all, this is why you …
How to Prevent Burnout as a Coach
Why did you become a coach? Probably because you wanted to help others and it was your passion. It was never really about the money. Yet those same qualities that motivated you and lead you to success as a coach could also prove your downfall if you sacrifice your health and well-being in the service of others. It’s tough to make it in this field, and you may feel you have to grind away and take on every …
4 Ways to Stand Out in the Fitness Industry and Land New Clients
I often say that the fitness industry is like the Wild Wild West. It’s unlike many traditional occupations where there’s a direct path. If you want to be a doctor, you go to college and medical school, then complete a residency. If you want to be a lawyer, you take your LSAT, go to law school, and pass your bar exam. But if you want to be a trainer, the path isn’t exactly clear. You could have an online certificate, …
5 Easy Tips to Start Building Your Personal Brand
If you want to become an expert, and a successful coach, it’s going to take more than just staying up to date on the best training principles and getting your clients results. The one thing they never taught you in school or throughout any of your certifications is the multiple roles you will hold as a coach. Many of you will also be an entrepreneur, run the finances of your business, as well as be the head of …
What COVID-19 Taught Us: Why You Need To Build Your Personal Brand
Just when we thought we were knee deep already in the digital age, 2020 has shown us that technology is both the present and the future. With the spread of COVID-19, businesses of all types have moved online and have employees working from home. I even have some friends whose business is choosing not to renew the lease on their building to save money, as they realized they can be sustainable with the company working …
The Changing Landscape Of Fitness And What That Means For The Coach
We can all agree that 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. This time has affected all coaches whether you work in person or online with your clients. With the shutting down of gyms, businesses and reshaping what “normal” looks like, it will have massive implications to fitness trainers and coaches across the globe. It just may not be the change you are expecting. While it's not over, we are …
Program Review: The Strong Coach
“You don’t know what you don’t know.” The longer I’ve lived, the more I’ve found this insight to be true. That’s why continuing education is so important for coaches. To master your craft, you must evolve. That evolution often looks like fresh programming certifications and keeping up with new recovery techniques and training methodologies to maximize client potential. While these are all important, there’s …
How To Help Your Clients Set Accurate and Attainable Goals
I believe Michael Cazayoux said it best: “The coach is the steward of the client’s dreams.” That means that your main objective is to help your clients reach their goals. The fitness industry is filled with a lot of white noise these days. There are endless resources, certifications, and training methodologies that make it easy to become obsessed with the number of exercises, sets, and reps to use in organizing …