Apart from the technical skill of understanding anatomy, physiology, bio mechanics and biochemistry, one of the most important skills in a personal trainer is that of coaching. Because the goal of our personal training, nutrition coaching and fitness boot camp programs is to teach clients how to maximize their health and strength, coaching skill becomes of utmost importance.

One of the people I look up to very much as a coach just passed away this past week. He is basketball coach John Wooden. A man known for his character, leadership, teaching ability and also his knowledge of strategy – oh yeah his teams won the College basketball tournament in the USA 10 times  – in a row! And his players all look up to him.

A very complete coaching skill-set I would say!

I look for role models to follow because “it is better to emulate (i.e. copy and learn from!) genius, than it is to create mediocrity”. I know I have grown because I have had the privilege of learning from the best. I like to follow real people who have made it to the top , not internet celebrities who hide behind a “screen name” or who’s focus is slick marketing rather that consistent success of their clients.

Some of my favorite John Wooden Quotes:

“Never mistake activity for achievement.”

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

“Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

No matter if you are looking for weight loss, fat burning, or improved IPPT or sports performance, coaching makes things much faster and more efficient. Along with less chances of delays or injury.

Just over a month ago I attended a seminar/internship with Canadian National Weightlifting Coach Pierre Roy. His method of teaching the very technical Olympic lifts was the fastest and most effective I have ever seen.

My own technique has improved alot ever since practicing for a few weeks since I’ve been back from this internship.

The way Coach Roy teaches, may be equivalent technically to what is used in other countries Olympic lifting coaching. But the main point is that it can be taught in … 1 hour as opposed to 1 year! (For a fairly coordinated guy).

Just the same for anyone trying to achieve their fitness goals. Both our fitness bootcamp and personal training programs have the same idea – time saving, maximum efficiency and world class results.

If you go to any internet fitness, health or beauty forum you will see a multitude of different opinions on what program is best for your fat loss, weight loss, muscle building, or sports training goals.

The majority of these posts are by 14 year olds with no training experience to speak of, and since the internet is unregulated, you have no idea who is right and who is simply wasting your time.

Not Who You Want Designing Your Training Program

Some fat loss programs are good and some that are discussed are nonsense. Same goes for the muscle building programs and diet plants.

You can be sure that your nutrition and training programs are critical to your success.

But don’t forget the COACHING element.

My staff and I at the Genesis Performance Center always focus on our coaching skill. In fact when we talk about how we can help clients better, the discussions are far more often about how to get better compliance, rather than how to use the latest fitness gadget or technique.

Not that we don’t care about learning or improving technical knowledge. But all knowledge is useless if we cannot help our clients apply it. Truth is useless, only truth applied is of any value.

Join our personal training, NS fitness or Ladies fitness bootcamp programs to see how the correct coaching makes all the difference.

As you continue on your thought process to choosing a personal trainer in Singapore, the next thing to think about is the training environment.

This comprises of several things. The trainer (and his staff if he is more established and owns a private gym), the other members of the gym, and you yourself.

When these 3 groups of people come together its truly a beautiful thing. Why? not just because you get results, but because you KEEP the results.

You see, in the process of changing a life (which is what we are doing when a training company like Genesis Health & Performance works with a client) from old ways and habits to new ones, there are 3 stages.

Stage 1 is Awareness: I am aware that I am out of shape, or that I can’t run fast enough, or that my pants no longer fit…That is when I may call in the services of a professional to help me form my situation

Stage 2 is Intervention: This is where My staff and I come in. We teach, motivate, assess, adjust, guide, encourage, whatever it takes to get each of our clients consistently good results. After an adjustment period, they end up doing well. BUT…

Stage 3 is Sustenance: This is where the true quality of the fitness service can be seen. This is where the quality of the coaching as well as the quality of the community is important. A good fitness company can provide the coaching. But what I tried to do to make our place special is the community. Not just the coaches but every single person in the company. From each staff member, to each gym member.

No random cursing, no gossip, no slander. Only positive words and actions. This builds a community that is like a 3rd home (yeah I’m borrowing the Starbucks idea) Work, home, then GYM!
This is the culture that I as the owner do my very best to set.