PREP COACH SERIES: What defines a GREAT prep coach?

My amazing coach, Jared, and ex-coach/best friend, Amelia

You may or may not have read my previous article on why you would benefit from a comp prep coach if you’re thinking about taking to the bodybuilding stage. If you’re thinking about competing, I recommend you read it first to get an understanding of the benefits a comp prep coach will have.

However, I realised when I set out to write that piece, that it was so much more than simply ‘getting a coach.’ You are entrusting this person with a large part of your health and wellbeing so it’s important that they are a credible professional.

There’s many things I now take for granted in my coach that I had no idea about when I first started out on this journey. Not all coaches are created equal, and there are some very distinct qualities you should be looking for in yours.

So, what are the key qualities that define a GREAT coach?

Education

Do they have the right qualifications? Better yet, do they have a number of qualifications? Are they constantly educating themselves? The health and fitness world is ever evolving and constantly learning. Your coach should be too. You don’t want to be stuck with a program or ethics from the 1980s (it’s not all chicken and steamed broccoli these days you know!). You want someone with a drive and hunger to constantly learn and better themselves. You will find this rubs off on you too.

Experience

Have they prepped clients before? Have the competed themselves? Getting someone ready for a bodybuilding competition is not the same as just dieting someone down. And, if done incorrectly, it can have an enormous negative effect on your health. Therefore, you want a coach who has specific experience with prepping athletes for stage. In addition, you want a coach who competes, or has competed, themselves. How can you expect them to understand what you’re going through if they haven’t been through it themselves?

Attitude

You want a coach who is going to be honest with you and someone you can be honest with. Honesty builds trust between you both. A good coach will tell you what you need to hear, not want to hear. If you’re not going to be ready, physically and mentally, you want them to tell you rather than push you to your limits. At the end of the day, there will always be more competitions and you health should be paramount. A good coach should also listen to you and be open to your questions and feedback.

Availability

A good coach is there for you. Their support shouldn’t stop at the nutrition and training plan. Prep is tough and a good coach is available to support you outside of check in time, especially on an emotional level. This also doesn’t just stop once the comp is over. Post comp is the most crucial part. Your coach should continue to be there for you and work with you for the weeks and months after the comp to ensure you can reverse (mentally and physically) out the most healthy way.

Methodology

Every coach has their preferred methods of getting you stage ready. Whether that’s carb cycling or a more keto focus, HIIT cardio or LISS cardio, refeeds or cheat meals. A good coach individualises the program for the athlete. You want to avoid any coach who uses a ‘one size fits all mentality.’ They should use the appropriate ‘tool’ at the right time during your prep, suitable for you at that particular moment in time.

As long as your coach is ticking all those boxes then you’re on the right track. However, what defines someone as a great coach can often differ person to person. And that’s exactly the point. How do you find the RIGHT coach for you?

Part three coming soon on how to make sure you find, not only the best coach, but the best coach for YOU!

Robyn xxx