We believe everyone should set personal health and fitness goals. From weight loss to better fitness to completing a race or an event, goals keep us motivated. Without them it’s easy to talk yourself into grabbing a wrapped piece of sugary garbage on the go or skipping the gym in lieu of binge watching Netflix.

Even if you haven’t explicitly verbalized or written down your goal, you are likely trying to accomplish something. If you are going to the gym regularly, you have a reason for that. If you are avoiding gluten or trying intermittent fasting, you have a reason for that. Some goals are harder to set benchmarks for progress and harder to define. If you fall into this category…you need a coach.

Once you have defined your goal, you need a plan to execute that goal.

I have never personally had an issue defining my goal. However in the last 5 years or so I have realized that my execution of those goals has been hindered. Hindered by my ego that I could go it alone. Why should I seek help: working out? Eating healthier? Learning how to play a sport? This was my default response to anything I felt capable of doing on my own. As I write this, I wonder how much opportunity for personal and professional growth I passed up.

In the field of sports medicine there is plenty of solid science to back the notion that coaching improves results and outcomes. Whether you’re an older adult and want balance, co-ordination and fitness or you have just suffered an ankle sprain and want to fix the issue fast and permanently you need a good coach.

What makes a good coach?

Good coaches spend a considerable amount of time, energy and resources in that field. They work tirelessly with other clients or athletes trying to accomplish similar goals. They don’t just play coach on the internet, in front of a classroom or at parties. In fact, many of the best coaches aren’t even on ‘the internet’ because they are, well, too busy actually coaching people.

Good coaches listen more than they speak. They don’t tell you everything they know. They understand your fears, barriers and needs and find ways to address your specific issues. They are partners in your process to success. Not a dictator of a perfect plan. By listening, they will know when to use a carrot and when to use a stick.

Good coaches give clear, firm and concise cues in a timely manner. They tell you what you need to know in that moment. If you are trying to run faster a good coach might say things like drive the ground away and explode off the ground (credit Nick Winkleman). If you are trying to spare your joints as a distance runner a good coach might cue you to run quietly (credit Irene Davis). A few precise powerful words, not a lecture on biomechanics and anatomy, will be more impactful.

Who can be a coach?

Absolutely anyone can be a coach. A coach can be anyone that helps you succeed achieving your goal. But very few people may be qualified to be YOUR coach.

Coaches may have formal training in a healthcare or a sport discipline, but some of the best coaches hone their craft by spending time ‘in the trenches’. The degree on the wall may be a necessary starting point in some instances. But that piece of paper is worthless without having learned the art of helping people get specific results.

The questions you need to ask yourself when seeking a good coach are:

1. Is this person successfully helping other people do what I want to do?
2. Are those people happy with the coaching and the result?
3. And is this person a good fit for me?

If you are having trouble getting results of any sort you likely need a good coach to help you define and execute your goals.

Not sure where to find a coach for your specific problem? Reach out to us at info@theproactiveathlete.ca and we’ll help point you in the right direction.