
"In a month or three months - whatever time frame you want to work in - what do you want to have accomplished?"
"What do we need to focus on today to keep you moving toward your goals?"
"If the obstacle were removed, what would you do then?"
Choosing a Coach/Gym/Training program
Here are questions we use to help prospective members decide with a few bonus hints. "Which coach, gym, or training program should I go through?" At CMT, we as coaches and peers prefer to make people think instead of just giving advice...
Who should you be coached by?
Arguably the most important question in choosing a program is knowing who your target coach should be.
It does make a difference: some programs focus on the number of members, others focus on cultivating their programs who want to add more followers to their practices, while still others focus on specific goals, building a healthier community, lasting friendships or other specialties.
Completing training in another specialty may give you an education in the basics, but could also leave you wanting in the area of tools and applications.


Are the values shared?
A training program/coach/gym is going to operate out of and train you in a fundamental set of values for how to influence people.
There are many fitness enthusiasts very dissatisfied with the values conveyed in their training. Most eventually went to a second or third gym in the search for one that was compatible with their training goals, spiritual values. Make sure to know the values the gym conveys before signing on.
What learning style suits you best?
There are many training methods used by different coaches and gyms, each has advantages and disadvantages. Different strategies work for different people. A great way to find something that works for you is to explore what you did in similar situations in the past. High intensity or a high repetitions program gives one a sweat, but you may need to jump through hoops, literally (lots of burpees, sit ups, one leg bosul ball squat curls, etc.) that are not building base skills.
Skills develop quickest in a structured practice, because they allow for mindful repetitions and live feedback. Unless such a training program is provided near you, travel time can be a barrier. However, dozens of people in one practice with a single coach is not an optimal learning environment (look for a cohort of under 10 - 5 is even better), and some people struggle with the lack of personal contact (or the temptation to multi-task during training!).
Programs with structured peer relationships give you a great place to practice - if they have a well organized system and a way to assign compatible partners. One-on-one instructions is a wonderful way to learn - just make sure to get an experienced, educated trainer. Which structure sounds best for you?
Frankie Vincent

Frankie Vincent is a Certified USAPL Coach and Personal Trainer who specializes in evidence based resistance training. Frankie Vincent has been published as “Making a Change” in the Coastland Times.
"My goal is to empower more individuals to make healthy changes in their lives by giving them resources, evidence-based strategies, and additional support through the community. I know increasing awareness of the behavior, self efficacy in managing the behavior, and skills to engage in the behavior improves outcomes" Frankie Vincent
-
USAPL Certified Coach
-
Founder of Coastal Muay Thai
-
Director of Fitness - Duck Woods Country Club
-
Strength Coach of Twiddy & CO
-
Public Speaker