As online coaches, there’s a particular pressure to present ourselves as the foremost authorities and as experts in our field. It’s trendy to use definitive statements, present techniques as if we’re unveiling secrets, and assert that we can solve everyone’s training struggles with our special protocols.
The trouble with this perspective, aside from the fact that it provides false expectations to those interested in starting a fitness regimen, is that we just might start believing our own nonsense. If that happens, we become a character in a marketing campaign rather than a coach.
To back up a bit, I started out my life as an insecure kid. I was always terrified of messing up, embarrassed of what others might think before I ever opened my mouth, and too afraid to take the initiative, much less share my own perspective. While this internal doubt plagued me and held me captive in life for years, it also resulted in me developing something of a super power.
Somehow I held onto the desire to participate and to be social – thank you, sports – never being willing to fully withdraw, out of fear or shame, into the shadows. To resolve this constant and crushing self-doubt, the only option I had was to become progressively proficient in my preparation and skill at acquiring and integrating new knowledge so I could apply it in various scenarios with confidence.
I developed an uncanny ability to put my presuppositions aside and learn, ever holding so tightly to my internal perspective about any subject that appropriate information could help alter, or even fully change, my perspective.
This thirst for knowledge has brought me around the world in search of the best coaches to help me further my understanding of how to develop strength and skills in the most optimal way. Sometimes even running into situations where more communication happens through sharing messages in ChatGPT than it does through speaking.
Often a teacher will share something with me that conflicts with my previous understanding. Do I tell the new teacher they must be wrong? Do I call my coach and accuse them of being liars? Do I pat myself on the back and hoard the new information as if I have now garnered a secret I can exploit on the internet to my advantage?
None of the above.
I layer hours of training time applying these new teachings and attempting to follow them in my own training, I consult with my coach and my peers about the new information, and I observe how it can integrate into my current framework or potentially replace previously held ideas.
Through this process, I’ve developed a more complete toolkit to teach and train my clients. I can have six paths to learn a handstand instead of just one. I can have 12 ways to make your legs strong and keep pressure out of the lower back. When my clients have trouble understanding and performing, I can listen effectively and understand their confusion and limitations. I can help guide them more effectively through the confusing process of learning our own bodies and how they can – not should – move.
So if you are looking for a coach who cares enough about teaching to fly all around the world in order to gain knowledge and support clients, you’vecome to the right place. Reach out to me on Instagram or get started on the basics using my app. If you really want to get serious with training and take your skills to the next level, you can apply for 1-1 coaching at the link below.
