I often get potential new participants on the phone who want more information about, for example, the content of the programs, the costs, and so on. This is extremely difficult for us as coaches because people often think they know what they need, while in 99 out of 100 cases that is not the actual problem that needs to be solved. Based on a 10-minute telephone conversation and superficial information, we cannot determine which program could be the most valuable.
In this blog I will try to explain the difference between a trainer and a coach and why the coaching conversation is essential if you really want to achieve sustainable results.
What does a Personal Trainer do?
A personal trainer is a professional who specializes in designing and supervising personal training programs. They often work one-on-one with their clients or in small groups, providing a lot of personal attention and guidance. The primary goal of a personal trainer is to help their clients achieve their fitness goals through physical training.
Personal trainers are trained and have extensive knowledge of training and exercise. They can advise their clients on the best training methods, the appropriate intensity and frequency of exercises, and how to structure their workouts to achieve maximum results.
What does a Personal Coach do?
A personal coach also focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of achieving goals. Unlike a personal trainer, who focuses primarily on physical training, a personal coach delves deeper into the needs and goals of their clients. They help clients develop self-awareness, identify obstacles and utilize their own strengths and capabilities.
A personal coach asks the right questions and actively listens to their clients to gain a better understanding of what is going on and what is needed to help them. They focus on promoting personal growth, developing self-confidence and creating positive changes in the lives of their clients. A personal coach helps clients overcome obstacles, explore new perspectives and realize their potential.
Difference in Approach
The main difference between a personal trainer and a personal coach lies in their approach to guiding clients. A personal trainer mainly works from his expertise in the field of training and exercise. They tell their clients what to do and how to do it. They provide structure and guidelines for physical training.
On the other hand, a personal coach looks at the needs and desires of the client himself. They ask the right questions to find out what is going on and what is needed to help the client. They see their client as the expert on their own lives and work with them to find solutions that meet their needs and goals. Personal coaches encourage clients to utilize their own strengths and capabilities.
Resume
Personal trainers focus primarily on physical training and achieving fitness goals, while personal coaches delve deeper into mental and emotional aspects of personal growth. Both can be successful, but in practice, customers often think they need a personal trainer to tell them what to do. But in reality, they often need a coach who asks questions and helps them understand what is needed to achieve sustainable results.
There is therefore no such thing as one-size-fits-all. If you really want to create a breakthrough this time, the coaching conversation is an essential part. Based on this conversation, we can determine together what is really needed and which program best suits this. Without this conversation, we simply will not make a proposal for a collaboration.
We sell results, not personal training sessions 😉
Rick Berkhout
Startup Manager Enforce International BV
rick@enforce.nl
Schedule a free coaching session or take the online membership test
Does this sound good and are you also ready for a fitter & healthier life? Then schedule a free coaching conversation now Join me or one of the other master trainers! 100% risk-free, the first step has never been easier!
Are you still in doubt? Then take the no-obligation online membership test: 6 short questions (only 1 minute to complete) to discover whether Enforce suits you!
