Fitness Coaches, Personal Trainers or Gurus?

Explore qualifying factors in fitness coaching online with personal trainers, wellness coaches, and fitness enthusiasts online.

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As an eighteen years plus "veteran" of the fitness industry, I am mindful of many fitness industry widgets, potions, and pills which cheapen and darken the brighter side of our industry, services, and products. Equally as mindful, I realize I have much to learn. It seems fitness coaching, personal training, wellness coaching, and other "guru" services are competing for online eye-balls. No longer do website visitors equate their fitness related queries with pill and potion websites; the age of virtual services are upon us.

There was a time when fitness coaching was more than a service created from a buzzword. I remember watching Jack LaLanne demonstrate exercises from a dull stage, his dog sitting nearby, and even though the broadcast was in black and white—I knew he was ahead of his time. Why? Jack knew something most of us didn’t—he knew people were simply looking for truth and help. He wasn’t trying to sell a new widget or claim a pill could solve all problems. Jack worked diligently, with little fitness equipment, to demonstrate everyday exercise in a way the average person could both understand and utilize within their environment. Jack would set a chair in the middle of the stage and execute exercise after exercise utilizing a dishtowel, maybe a weight, and the chair. Of course he began his "sessions" with a pep talk and an explanation of his efforts. Why the drift back into the golden age of fitness television? Simple. Jack knew that in order to help people he had to motivate them—not overwhelm them—but to truly help a person become better fit and healthier. Jack was a cheerleader, he was a mentor, but most of all, Jack was a coach—I guess he was the original "fitness coach."

Today we have choices in fitness services ranging from attrition driven models, like gyms, health clubs, studios, etc., to specialized, highly credible (and expensive), and effective personal training. This article will touch on four applicable fitness services. These fitness services are Personal Training, Fitness Coaching, Wellness Coaching, and Lifestyle Coaching. While the experience level of fitness professionals vary, it may be difficult to evaluate the intentions and qualifications of fitness professionals offering these services. The range in fitness service seems to be defined and separated by availability, expense, and result. Because I’m not a "know-it-all," today I will focus on common ground over selection. Rather than battle the differences between these services, let’s concentrate on their essential goal. The goal of any fitness professional is to inspire, challenge, educate, and empower people to live stronger, healthier, happier lives.

So, how does a person evaluate the efficacy, validity, and quality of service expected in receipt of these fitness services? Obviously, education level, accredited certification, and general "funny bone" intuition can guide a person to make an educated choice while seeking the help of these, and other, fitness services. An accredited coach is recognized by his or her qualified, diligent, work in his or her work history verified by referral or proven track record. Yes, fitness certifications, certainly education level, and communicative skills influence a personal trainer’s ability to help others—but it is within a possible client’s intuition or "gut feeling" whereby an accurate assessment of candor may be best trusted. A fitness, wellness or lifestyle coach simply utilizes credible information about a perspective client to reinforce behavior responsible for accurate pursuit in one’s personal fitness goals. A coach of any sort, urges one to pursue their goals. In essence a coach focuses on five basic efforts—to train, to teach, to instruct, to guide, and to counsel. A coach shares his or her personal experience, applicable education, and personal drive to help others who are weak in the same exact efforts.

The bottom line is that Jack Lalanne had it pretty well figured out. He didn’t argue the petty differences between this service or that one, he certainly didn’t invent or found the fitness movement. Jack simply helped people realize that they too could realize better strength, vitality, and happiness. He realized that if he just stayed true to his mission of keeping his service simple, effective, and fun for everyday people he would surely succeed in his efforts. So the next time you surf the internet looking for the next diet, fitness, or weight loss fad to hit the net, remember, we may be in the age of virtual service—we cannot improve on service with candor and integrity. Choose wisely friends, but definitely choose.