| Whether an athlete is a first-time competitor in a Level One or local show, or a veteran of the stage at the Canadians or the World Qualifier, the difference between competing in, and winning a physique contest can be attributed to one often overlooked decision: that is, hiring an expert, a coach.
Before you ask and find answers to a whole host of questions that will lead you to the right coach, ask yourself this: Am I prepared to be coached? In the sports world, a word often used to describe a good athlete is coachable. The words every coach likes to hear are something like, “Coach, just tell me what to do and I'll do it” If you decide to hire a coach for your physique sport, then don't forget that your job is to implement the plan laid out by your coach.
Who not to hire
So, where do you begin if you've decided that you want to hire a physique coach? There's no doubt that if you have been training hard for a significant period of time and applying simple nutrition principles in your quest to improve your body, you are now sporting a leaner, more muscular physique than the average trainee. Perhaps you've heard the inevitable comment: “I've got a friend who's competed in a show and she'd be the perfect coach for you!” The perfect coach? More likely, the potential coach of which to be perfectly wary!
Here are some other examples of who not to hire:
“The personal-trainer-wannabe physique-coach” who has never been to a physique competition, but assures you that they are a competent professional;
“the competitor-turned-coach . . .” who after one self-taught competition insists that their strategies are the only way to prepare for a show;
“the big guy or gal in the gym” who has never actually made it to the competition stage, but for a whole list of reasons promises that they will get you there; or,
“the newbie coach” who consistently nags you to compete, rather than allowing you to decide in what direction you'd like to take your fitness endeavors.
In the end, there are good coaches, great coaches, and coaches who just don't measure up. The bottom line is trying to find the right coach for you!
The three keys to choosing the right physique coach for you
First, consider what you want in a coach; second, determine how much you are able and willing to pay; and, finally, narrow down the field of potential coaches. To start, determine what you want. Questions to ask might include: What kind of coaching do I need? What does coaching include? When should I start working with a coach? If you are a first-time competitor, or if you are looking to improve upon a previous competition placing, you may need one-on-one services or expertise in order to ensure proper application of training, nutrition and supplementation, or even posing instruction and choreography of your routine.
Coaching Checklist and Timelines
Remember that as important as finding the right coach is, giving your self enough time to work with that coach is also necessary. Use these general guideline below:
12 months from your competition
- Begin your search for a coach. Attend a number of competitions. Ask other coached athletes for a referral, inquire in your training facility about potential coaches, check out postings in your local supplement store, get online and check out who out there.
8 months from your competition
- Interview potential coaches, and successful athletes.
6 months from your competition
- Secure your coach, and begin preparing for competition.
Some coaches conduct assessments in-person and offer face-to-face meetings, while others coach online and utilize telephone, email, digital and video technologies. If the coach is not in your geographical area, they may recommend a local expert to guide you in that area of your preparation. Depending on athlete numbers, a coach may use team meetings to save time and allow the athletes to learn from each other.
Don't delay in hiring your coach. The more time you have to prepare for a competition the better. Most coaches prepare periodized training and nutrition plans guiding athletes through preparatory phases of five to six months in advance of a competition date. Attaining a refined physique takes time, so don't fail to reach your peak just because you started preparing too late.
Next, figure out how much money you have to spend on the coaching process. The majority of coaches charge for their services in one of two ways: A flat rate fee for comprehensive contest preparation or an Orientation Fee, plus a Monthly Fee for ongoing coaching. Flat rate competition packages are offered for a set fee with services lasting for a certain time period prior to the competition. Top Canadian Coaches charge up to $2000 for 16-20 weeks of preparation. Those coaches who charge an orientation fee on the other hand, often provide an athlete with an initial diet and training program. In order to retain the service of the coach and to reap the advantages of continual coaching, an additional monthly fee also applies. Included in this fee are changes to nutrition and training programs, as well as periodic assessments. Depending on the coach, orientation fees cost upward of $1000, and retainer fees average between $150 and $300.
Some coaches offer services both leading up to the contest and on the actual competition day. Physique assessments as well as diet and training manipulation on a weekly or monthly basis are often included in the coach's base rates for competition preparation. Posing instruction, contest colour application or one-on-one training is often offered at an additional cost or an hourly rate. Competition day service fees may include the cost of tickets, travel, parking, meals and overnight accommodation for your coach. If the coach has more than one athlete competing at the same competition, then cost sharing may be an option.
Last, you'll want to narrow down the field of potential coaches. For example, the geographical location of the coach might be important to you. Be sure to ask how the coach conducts their coaching services. How often will you see him or be in contact with her? It may be important to you to have the coach available in the days leading up to, and on the day of competition. Ask about the coach's philosophy or approach to contest preparation. What type of nutritional and training systems do they use? Who is on the coach's team of experts and will he direct you to those other individuals if needed, to help complete your competition preparation?
You might want to know about the coach's knowledge in training, nutrition, presentation and physique assessment. Be sure to inquire about the coach's experience and perhaps request references. Professional expertise in the physique coaching business is earned and some coaches are more experienced than others. Perhaps they have gained their experience through education and certifications, attending competitions, learning from other coaches, and ultimately learning from each of the athletes whom they have coached. Consider consulting with, and interviewing successful coaches, as well as successfully coached athletes.
By asking these questions, you will also be able to determine if the coach is a good communicator. And, you'll know if he or she is able to provide the support, motivation, guidance, and accountability that you will need.
Continue to Part 2 >>>
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