4 tips to be a good coach

Being a good coach is not easy. It is very important to be always up to date, aware of the latest trends in terms of physical activity, diet and other important aspects.
4 tips to be a good coach

Last update: 22 April, 2021

Getting each subject to give the maximum in their physical work sessions is not easy. For this reason, we are going to offer you a series of tips to be a good coach. In this way, you will achieve greater empathy with customers and generate good results in the medium term.

The first thing to keep in mind is that many people look for a coach with the aim of achieving great goals in short periods of time. This association is wrong, since rewarding achievements are often expensive and require a certain level of effort.

4 tips to be a good coach

Pay attention to the following tips to be a good coach. With them, you will generate a greater adherence of customers to the established guidelines.

1. Promote diversity

Boredom is one of the most common reasons why a person abandons the training routine. In this sense, it is important to offer variety in routines. Regardless of the proposed objectives, it is possible to propose various working methods to achieve them.

For example, high intensity interval exercise has been shown to be very effective in promoting weight loss. This is evidenced by a study published in the journal Obesity Reviews . However, it is not the only way to achieve a perfect body, and can be complemented and alternated with strength work with weights. In fact, this combination is highly recommended.

Within the strength sessions, it is also important to make changes not only in the exercises, but also in the series executed and in the number of repetitions. In addition to overcoming boredom, this prevents the body from getting used to it and adapting.

2. Assess the customer before starting

Counseling is essential to prevent injuries in the fitness room.

Conducting an initial assessment is key to avoiding later inefficiencies. In addition, this point can help to avoid injuries, since structural or functional problems can be detected that limit the performance of certain exercises.

There are some movements that are especially harmful if they are not executed correctly. One of them is the deadlift, according to a study published in the journal BMJ.

It is important to enjoy good hip mobility, adequate flexibility in the posterior chain and minimum levels of stabilization in the abdominal area to carry out this exercise with guarantees. Otherwise, the lumbar spine will be put at risk.

3. Avoid intrusion

For the achievement of most of the objectives, exercise alone is not enough. It is important to supplement with nutritional guidelines or good lifestyle habits.

To be a good coach, it is important to know how to drift. Delegating responsibilities to another trained professional prevents inappropriate or inappropriate recommendations from being given. Avoiding professional intrusion also generates greater respect from other specialists, who see how their work is valued and synergies are generated that can benefit both.

4. Be patient

As we mentioned, results are not achieved overnight. Being able to motivate the client will be key to preventing him from losing adherence to work or from becoming frustrated. It is important to make him understand that neither strength gains nor changes in body composition are linear.

Coach helping to plan the routine.

The achievements associated with physical exercise involve a long-distance race. It's not about giving it your all for a couple of weeks and then giving up; the important thing is to stay constant over the years and establish some routines and good life habits. Only then will great results be achieved, although not without effort.

Put into practice the tips to be a good coach

You already know what are the keys to being a good coach, now you just have to put them in motion. Of course, remember that training is essential too. A health or physical work professional must be constantly recycling, attentive to the latest scientific publications.

If the coach becomes obsolete, he will immediately begin to lose clients, since other professionals who suppose competition will be able to squeeze better the athletes and obtain more satisfactory results.

The good news is that keeping up to date is really easy today. New information and scientific articles are practically just one click away. The secret is in the desire to improve.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Wewege, M., van den Berg, R., Ward, R. E., & Keech, A. (2017). The effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 18(6), 635–646. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12532
  • Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L., & Aasa, U. (2018). Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadlift. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 4(1), e000382. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000382

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.