How to Choose a Coach (And Why It Has Very Little to Do With Their Six-Pack)

When people start looking for a personal trainer, it's completely understandable that they gravitate towards the coach who looks the part.

After all, if someone is lean, muscular, athletic and clearly takes care of themselves, they must know what they're doing... right?

Well... maybe.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely think coaches should practice what they preach. If someone is asking you to prioritise your health and fitness, they should probably be doing the same.

But being good at something and being good at teaching it are two very different skills.

In fact, some of the greatest coaches in sporting history were never the greatest athletes themselves.

The Boxing Coach Who Changed The Sport

Take legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato.

He never became a world champion boxer. In fact, compared to the fighters he produced, his own boxing career was largely insignificant.

Yet he coached Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson and José Torres to world titles.

How?

Because Cus understood boxing.

Not just how to throw a punch. He understood psychology, confidence, communication and how to get the very best from the individual standing in front of him.

That's coaching.

The same principle applies whether you're preparing someone for a world title fight or helping somebody lose a few pounds of fat and focus on longevity.

Knowledge Beats Genetics

Some people are naturally gifted.

They seem able to build muscle by looking at a dumbbell, stay lean without trying, or run ridiculously fast despite doing very little structured training.

The problem is, natural ability doesn't necessarily translate into the ability to teach somebody who isn't naturally gifted.

In fact, I've often found the opposite.

Some of the best coaches I've met have had to work incredibly hard for every bit of progress they've made. They've struggled with their own weight. They've battled injuries. They've experienced setbacks.

As a result, they've had to learn.

They've read the research.

They've questioned things.

They've experimented.

They've developed technical knowledge because they couldn't simply rely on talent.

When you're choosing a personal trainer, ask yourself this...

Do you want somebody who can perform?

Or somebody who can help you perform?

They're not always the same person.

Empathy Matters More Than Most People Realise

This is probably the most underrated quality in coaching.

Imagine you're walking into a gym for the very first time.

You're nervous.

You're worried people are judging you.

The coach who has been confident and athletic since they were fourteen may genuinely struggle to understand how you're feeling.

Not because they don't care.

Because they've never experienced it.

Now compare that to a coach who knows exactly what it felt like to struggle with their weight, or has themselves struggled with confidence.

That understanding changes everything.

The best coaches don't just prescribe exercise.

They listen.

They reassure.

They adapt.

They understand that life gets busy, motivation comes and goes, and progress is rarely a straight line.

Personality Is More Important Than Qualifications

This one surprises people.

Qualifications matter.

Knowledge matters.

Experience matters.

But if you don't enjoy spending an hour with your coach every week...

It probably isn't going to last.

Personal training is exactly that.

Personal.

Some people need a coach who'll challenge them every session. Some clients genuinely want to leave feeling like they have had their ass kicked.

Others need someone who's calm, encouraging and patient. They just want to do a little more than last time and are thrilled with the fact they have walked through the door.

Neither is better.

They're just different.

The right coach for your friend might be completely wrong for you.

Don't be afraid to have a conversation before committing. Ask questions. Get a feel for how they communicate. You should leave that conversation feeling comfortable, understood and optimistic—not intimidated.

What Should You Actually Look For In A Personal Trainer?

If you're trying to choose the right coach, here's what I'd prioritise:

• Strong technical knowledge.
• The ability to explain why, not just what.
• A genuine interest in your goals, not theirs.
• Empathy and understanding.
• Experience coaching people like you.
• A personality you genuinely enjoy being around.
• Someone who adapts their coaching rather than using the same programme for everyone.

Notice what's missing from that list?

How much they bench press.

How shredded they are.

Or how many followers they have on social media.

Final Thoughts

The fitness industry has become very good at selling appearances.

Perfect physiques.

Perfect lighting.

Perfect transformation photos.

There's no harm in a coach wanting to show off their personal achievements. This will inspire some people!

But this doesn't automatically make somebody a great coach.

At JWC Health & Fitness, we believe coaching is about people first.

Of course we want knowledgeable coaches. Of course we want them to live healthy lifestyles.

But above everything else, we want coaches who can understand people, communicate effectively and genuinely care about helping somebody become healthier, stronger and more confident.

Because ultimately, the best personal trainer isn't necessarily the fittest person in the room.

It's the person who can help you become the best version of yourself.