#69 Why I work with a coach (yes even if I am a coach, I also need a coach)
Welcome back to the thriving lifestyle blog, todays topic - we are going to talk about why even if I am a coach by profession, I pick a coach, mentor, collaborative partner on my journeys. I am going to share with you some real life example of how I use pick and choose my coaches, and why I personally think it is important to have one in your corner.
Did you know this also is a podcast episode? If you prefer, Ill talk you through it…. if not just continue reading ;)
Coaching in my life
I feel like to create context to this episode I have to explain a little bit of who I am, and what I am about. Im 35 years old now, and I come from a non athletic but active background. My mom tells this funny story of me when i was 8 years old, watching the olympics on TV I turned to her and said how often do they host the Olympics, she said every 4 years, I did some quick math and said I wont be old enough to compete next time but the time after that I want to compete there. I think somehow I always knew I had a bit of an x factor in me.
My journey into crossfit is kinda funny, I had been working out for a bodybuilding competition, and was working with a coach that was very much into the "functional fitness" back in 2009 that was doing DB snatches and "repout sets" of biceps curls and jumping lunges at the end of your body building session. I finished my on stage body building competition and was kinda bored of my regular workouts, was starting to work as a physiotherapist and have longer days and more client´s I needed to program for so I started looking at what to do next, I decided to TRY OUT CROSSFIT. Fast forward 6 weeks of doing regular mainline classes and I had been to try outs for Crossfit Copenhagens newly founded competition team and was now doing 2x day sessions from a structured program, starting my journey with The Trainingplan, a happy relationship that lasted for the next 7-8 years.
After my second time competing at The Crossfit Games in 2019, I decided it was time to change things up again, I felt I had maxed out my potential with the trainingplan approach so I was on the look out for a new coach, I did some short stints and testing with a few coaches, but when covid hit in 2020 we had extensive lockdowns in Dubai, and I was pretty limited on what equipment was available, so I leaned fully in on the endurance training and found a coach I could confine in that helped me prepare and do a ultra endurance race - 50/50/50 in the summer heat in dubai in the middle of the night. I also prepped for another 50 km trail run and was planning for another 100 km run but they kept getting cancelled and postponed due to social distancing requirements so I kinda just put that on hold.
When the world opened up again, I was working out at Crossfit Alioth with the coaches team and with them was following the competitor program from TTT. I really loved their approach and their science based structure so when I decided to wramp things up for one more season of the Crossfit Games in 2022 I reached out and worked individually with Max ElHag with TTT leading up to the semi finals in 2023.
Side not, I have also worked with several of mentors and coaches when it comes to my buisness endevors, but this would become WAY too long if I trail that story as well I want to dive into WHY I think it is beneficial eventhough I am a "professsional trainer" with over one decade of experience in the field to work with a coach.
Main benefits, in my opinion.
Structured Support: A coach provides structure and guidance, asking you questions, helping you reflect and set realistic goals. They also lead you in develop action plans, and stay on track with your progress. I have always seaked to find people with more or different expertise than my own that allows for personalized strategies tailored to my specific needs and circumstances.
Motivation and Encouragement: A coach serves as a source of motivation and encouragement, cheering you on during successes and offering support during challenges. Sometimes it is difficult to see the field beyond the frame of the window, and when you are in the thick of something hard this is very true. Working with a coach that constantly zooms out and points out how you are doing relative to the big picture is important. Their positive reinforcement can help you stay focused and committed to your goals, even when facing obstacles or in shorterm low valleys.
Accountability: The accountability aspect is perhaps the most significant benefit. Knowing that you have someone to report to can increase your commitment and accountability to your goals. When I plan my training, I keep changing it up on til the last moment, still debating the workout even while doing it, questioning myself and the whole purpouse of it. I find I am way more likely to follow through on your commitments when I have someone else write it and then also regular check-ins with a coach.
Feedback and Adjustments: A coach provides feedback based on your progress, helping you identify areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments to your plan. They can offer insights, suggestions, and alternative approaches to help you overcome obstacles and optimize your results.
Education and Guidance: Coaches often educate clients about nutrition, exercise, behavior change, and other relevant topics, empowering you with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and sustain long-term success. Their guidance helps you navigate challenges and make healthier choices.
Problem-Solving: When you encounter setbacks or obstacles, a coach can help you problem-solve and develop strategies to overcome them. They offer support and practical solutions to address barriers and keep you moving forward toward your goals.
Accountability Beyond Yourself: While self-accountability is essential, having external accountability from a coach adds another layer of responsibility. Knowing that someone else is invested in your success can increase your commitment and dedication to making positive changes.
Customized Support: A skilled coach tailors their support to your current knowledge and personality as well as your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. They consider factors like your health history, lifestyle, goals, and challenges to provide personalized guidance that maximizes your chances of success.
Bottom Line
Overall, having a coach as an accountability partner has been a complete game changer for my motivation, focus, and consistency, ultimately leading to better results and long-term success in reaching my health and fitness goals. You know the african proverb,
if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
I think that very much applies to choosing to work with a coach on your goals. Thank you for sticking with me so far, I hope you have enjoyed this episode, if you have and found this useful make sure to give this episode and the podcast a rating wherever you listen to your podcast.
Thank you again for tuning in, wishing you good luck on chasing your big goals compassionately, and hope to see you on our socials @buildingthrivinglifestyle.
Much love Coach Eik
