What is your coaching or training style

There are different styles of working with athletes and clients. As a coach or personal trainer it’s important to understand who you are, why you work with people and how you want to work with people. We don’t often think about this but your choices impact your ability to coach and train your clients.

Start by Developing your philosophy

If I can supply you with a thought you may remember it or not, but if I can make you think a thought  for yourself, I have indeed added to your stature. I love this quote. It’s basically saying that I can tell you what to do or I can help support  you to figure it out.

Develop self aware by asking yourself some/all of the following questions:

Who am I?

What do I want in life?

Where am I going?

What are my goals?

Why do I coach or train?

Am I coaching or training for the right reasons?

Am I a good coach or trainer?

What would make me a better coach or trainer?

What are my goals as a coach or trainer?

Which is more important, winning or the athlete?

Two main styles: command and cooperative

Command

Win first philosophy

Favors extrinsic motivation

Feels responsible for directing, motivating, controlling, persuading…

Rewards and punishments

Command

Low self esteem

Played for a similar style coach or learned from a similar trainer

Low in empathy

versus

Cooperative

Exercisers, athletes first philosophy

Favors intrinsic motivation

Feel that motivation, potential for development, capacity for assuming responsibility, the ability to work toward individual and team goals are present or can be developed and that it’s the coaches and trainers responsibility to help exercisers and athletes develop these qualities through exercise and sport.

Cooperative

High self esteem

Played for a similar style coach  or learned from a similar trainer

High in empathy

Anyone can coach or train

It’s not even that difficult to get certified. If you are coaching or training for the ‘right reasons’ it is a lot of responsibility. If certifying institutions really wanted to do justice they would educate coaches and trainers on what styles help clients stick to exercise or sports and include some training on communication, building relationships, providing support, etc. These are the elements that help people grow and intrinsically be a participant in exercise and sports.

Have a great week! Let me know if you have any questions or if you want a FREE initial consultation!

Dr. Michelle

Photo credit: opencontent