Issue Two: The Five Pillars of Coaching Excellence
Welcome to Your Journey Towards Excellence
Hey Fitness Pros,
In our last edition, we talked about the Five Rules of Success when it comes to owning a health and fitness business. You can check that out here. Today, we will be discussing the Five Pillars of Coaching Excellence, or as I like to say, the five characteristics that separate the heroes from the zeroes.
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Since we opened our doors in 2019, we have witnessed the departure of two “full-time” coaches, both of whom grew their businesses at our facilities before branching out on their own.
One coach embodied the essence of true professionalism, demonstrating all the traits that characterize a great coach (as detailed below). They were transparent and fair with their intentions to use our facility as a stepping stone during their business development, and they eventually opened a thriving sports performance facility in Norwood, MA. Our relationship with them remains strong, we regularly refer clients to them, and we have a mutual respect for each other.
In contrast, the other coach painted a starkly different picture. Despite the myriad opportunities and support provided to build a prosperous business with us, they routinely fell short of their potential. Marred by laziness and disorganization, and coupled with a dishonest representation of their future plans, they departed our company in a fashion that was unprofessional and distasteful. Consequently, our ties with them have been severed, and we send them no client referrals, despite being in close proximity to their business.
In the fiercely competitive landscape of the fitness industry, it is often the nuanced details that separate a good coach from a truly great one. Drawing from the narratives of these two coaches, let’s explore the attributes that distinguish the exceptional performers from the underperformers:
Professionalism: Great coaches are the epitome of professionalism. Their demeanor is always approachable and respectful. They remain fully present and engaged during sessions, not allowing distractions from cell phones or tablets to divert their attention. A hallmark of their professionalism is the consistent respect and attention accorded to every client, regardless of their background or fitness level.
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Punctuality: Time is a precious commodity in the fitness industry. Great coaches honor their clients’ time with unwavering punctuality, establishing a responsible precedent and emphasizing that a client should feel like they are getting every ounce of value out of each session.
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Preparation: Preparation is synonymous with excellence. Great coaches approach each session with a well-conceived plan, tailored to cater to the needs of their clients. They are proficient in making spontaneous adjustments, ensuring that each session is both productive and fulfilling.
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Passion: Great coaches are fueled by an intrinsic passion for their profession. This passion manifests as infectious enthusiasm and a positive attitude during sessions, encouraging clients to transcend the limits they’ve placed on themselves so they can reach levels of fitness they could not reach on their own.
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Progress: Progress is a definitive trait of a great coach. Committed to continual self-improvement, they incessantly seek avenues to hone their skills, be it through seminars, continued education, or other developmental pathways. This unrelenting pursuit of excellence translates to a superior service offering, fostering a culture of perpetual growth and development.
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In Conclusion:
In the fast-paced world of health and fitness, it’s the coaches who exude these characteristics who stand out. And these five traits aren’t just buzzwords; they are the silent forces driving successful coaches to foster change, inspire greatness, and make a legitimate difference in people’s lives.
Whether you are a new professional in the coaching world or a seasoned veteran looking to transform your business, keep in mind that progress loves preparation, and success is often found where discipline meets passion. So, as you continue your journey as a health and fitness professional, refer back to these five pillars as your guide. I promise you that they will help you to build an unbreakable foundation on which genuine success can be built.
