New Bodybuilding Coach Question

Training
1

I’m new to this group and wanted to get some thoughts. I’m down from 220 pounds after divorce to now 189 after working with a trainer for 3 months.

On Jan 3 this year I had my first meeting with a bodybuilding coach. I don’t have the trainer now and decided to go with a coach/trainer who is going to help me achieve my dream of competing.

He has wonderful credentials and has his IFBB pro card and is a very nice guy from the 2 initial meetings we’ve had.

That said, when should I expect to be fully working with him? So far in 7 days I’ve paid his fee for the year, signed agreements, filled out an intake, shared my prior diet and met with him I’ve FaceTime twice to go over goals etc. I also have his training app on my phone.

Since I’ve never worked with a coach I’d love to know from this community how long it takes to get started and what should I expect from this? I’m prepared to work very hard and follow his guidance 100%

Thank you!

2

How should we know? Ask HIM.

3

Is your bodybuilding coach an internet coach? Are any of your sessions face-to-face?

Also, I am wondering what you are giving him to work with. That is, are remotely close to having the muscle and conditioning to become stage competitive in the next couple years?

4

Have you done any of the workouts in tbe training app?

5

We live in different states so it will be remote. I picked him in particular because of his credentials knowing it would be remote.

6

I wasn’t asking for a sarcastic response. I’m asking for people who have started with a coach what to expect. Please only reply if you’ve worked with a coach. Thanks.

7

I don’t think it’s sarcastic. The question is somewhat akin to asking “when will my food arrive?” The best person to ask is your waiter.

Huge congrats on the progress so far! Great work

8

I have never worked with a coach. I will bow out if you like.
I do have some other experiences that might be useful for stage competition. It is your choice.

9

Well I’m new with him and not trying to bombard him with too many questions. I thought this community might have an idea of a typical onboarding timeline.

10

I dont have the workouts or meal plan yet. That’s what I was curious about…how long is the onboarding process usually. It’s been 7 days.

11

I’m not sure how anyone can answer this. You really should’ve asking your new coach.
You are paying him for a service. If you don’t understand how that service works ask for clarification.

Personally the only red flag I see here is paying a year in advance without any prior experience with this person. Does he have a refund policy if you are not satisfied with the service?

2 Likes
12

Yes there was a contract signed with a refund policy. My last trainer took a week to get a plan in order when i worked with him for 3 months.

13

Whats his credentials besides his pro card?

Whats his age?

Does he or has ne had good results with clients. Has he showed you his results.

Does he have formal education ( not a necessity) if he has 10 years plus in the trenches.

Red flag if he suggest gear soon.

14

I have read that the key ingredient to being a successful bodybuilder is genetics. So the only thing an IFBB Pro Card proves is good genetics.

He may also be a great trainer, but stage success is not a guarantee of that.

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15

Thats the kicker. 9/10 times give me the guys with mediocre genetics who have had success when it comes to advice.

Like the saying goes…. never go to a guy that never been fat ever in his life for weight loss advice.

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16

He has endorsements and good results. He’s 32 and I believe he has 10 years experience. I brought up gear because of my own reasons, I wouldnt epect him to.

17

I get that. I am not much help for an overweight person. My solution is to not get fat to begin with.

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18

I would always recommend starting off with 3 months for a new coach. Coaches vary greatly in personality, commitment to clients, etc. Finding a coach you are comfortable with is very important.

And a good coach would have told you in advance exactly when he would be starting on your plan and delivering it to you, or at least a range of ± a day or two of when to expect it.

I don’t know any coaches, and I have worked with several, who even take payment until they have told you exactly when they can actually start you on your plan.

I think you made a bad decision and I think you may also need to go back through your communications with him and see if you missed any important info like that.

He should have also brought up PED use in your initial consult and been clear about whether he will provide “advice” in that area. I definitely don’t know any serious coaches that don’t talk about all of this with initial clients during the consult phase.