Coaching vs. Training – Is There a Difference?
Most people use the terms training and coaching interchangeably; however, these two concepts are very different. 
Both well-developed and beginner athletes need a combination of both a performance coach and an athletic trainer to be successful.
The Benefits of Training
There is no doubt that training is important for an athlete. Working with an athletic trainer, athletes learn exactly what it is they need to do in order to reach their highest potential. Trainers guide the physical side of athletics, helping an athlete’s body and muscles adapt and work past their previous physical limitations.
Another benefit of working with a trainer is that they can teach you how to best use your body without sustaining an injury. They know the techniques to keep you safe and how to carry out those techniques for optimal performance. Athletic trainers are found in all levels of athletics, from beginners working out for the first time all the way to the professionals.
Trainers are mainly concerned about the physical side of athletics, leaving little regard to the mental aspect. While they may discuss other areas of life while training, their main focus is developing muscle and skill and working to eliminate the risk of injury. They are experts at showing you the correct techniques to maintain while doing any kind of exercise and the best exercises and stretches for you personally so that you can further excel at your game.
Why Coaching is Important
The act of coaching is a completely different concept than the act of training. Coaches work to draw out of the person what they are capable of doing and help them set goals so they are constantly working harder and reaching further.
Coaches often do more than just develop an individual athletically. A good performance helps their athlete develop life skills by holding them accountable in all aspects of life, sometimes being a shoulder to lean on and sometimes being the kick in the butt to get back on track. Unlike a trainer, who is interested in the physical side of athletics, a coach often puts more emphasis on the mental side of life.
A coach is someone who is going to be there even through the hard times and who will encourage you to keep pushing through. They are the person who sees your greater potential and works hard at getting you to see that potential, too. They know that once an individual can envision success in themselves, the rest will be easy. A good coach makes a strong investment in you, pouring their time and wisdom into making you the best you can be.
So Which One Do You Need – A Coach or a Trainer?
These two titles can easily blur together, even for those performing the tasks, which is one of the reasons they are so commonly, yet incorrectly, interchanged. The best athletes know the answer to which one they need, a coach or a trainer, is a simple one. You need both.
A trainer will not only teach you the techniques, but also act as a great cheerleader. They will push you to work harder and do more to get to your physical goals. A good athletic trainer will put together a quality program specifically with your goals in mind to push you to the next level. Designing a program for you is not just about the actual workout itself, but also about how to keep it fun and keep you interested so you will reach your peak performance quickly. An effective trainer will be able to sense any frustration an athlete may have with a workout and quickly turn it around.
A coach should not talk at you, but instead talk with you. They listen to your challenges and help you come up with the best solution to whatever problem you are struggling with. Much like trainers, coaches are also very good cheerleaders and can help you realize your own potential.
Having someone to guide you physically and emotionally can make all the difference for any person entering a workout environment.
Ways to Decide Which One You Need More
While it is important to know that these two disciplines walk hand-in-hand for the best outcomes, if you can only choose one, which one is best for you?
A trainer is your best bet if:
- You need someone to tell you exactly what to do.
- You want someone to devise a customized workout plan and help you stick to it.
- You need someone to push you to keep going.
- You are looking to make your workouts more fun so you stay interested.
- You are just beginning a fitness program and don’t know where to start.
A coach is your best bet if:
- You need someone to guide you to the best decisions for you.
- You need someone to help you see your potential.
- You need a good cheerleader when you think about quitting.
- You want someone in your corner if times get tough.
Ready to Make a Change?
Request your Introductory Consultation to find out how you can make a positive change in your life through coaching.
You are your biggest supporter.
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Coaching vs. Training – Is There a Difference?
Most people use the terms training and coaching interchangeably; however, these two concepts are very different. Both well-developed and beginner athletes need a combination of both a performance coach and an athletic trainer to be successful.
The Benefits of Training
There is no doubt that training is important for an athlete. Working with an athletic trainer, athletes learn exactly what it is they need to do in order to reach their highest potential. Trainers guide the physical side of athletics, helping an athlete’s body and muscles adapt and work past their previous physical limitations.
Another benefit of working with a trainer is that they can teach you how to best use your body without sustaining an injury. They know the techniques to keep you safe and how to carry out those techniques for optimal performance. Athletic trainers are found in all levels of athletics, from beginners working out for the first time all the way to the professionals.
Trainers are mainly concerned about the physical side of athletics, leaving little regard to the mental aspect. While they may discuss other areas of life while training, their main focus is developing muscle and skill and working to eliminate the risk of injury. They are experts at showing you the correct techniques to maintain while doing any kind of exercise and the best exercises and stretches for you personally so that you can further excel at your game.
Why Coaching is Important
The act of coaching is a completely different concept than the act of training. Coaches work to draw out of the person what they are capable of doing and help them set goals so they are constantly working harder and reaching further.
Coaches often do more than just develop an individual athletically. A good performance helps their athlete develop life skills by holding them accountable in all aspects of life, sometimes being a shoulder to lean on and sometimes being the kick in the butt to get back on track. Unlike a trainer, who is interested in the physical side of athletics, a coach often puts more emphasis on the mental side of life.
A coach is someone who is going to be there even through the hard times and who will encourage you to keep pushing through. They are the person who sees your greater potential and works hard at getting you to see that potential, too. They know that once an individual can envision success in themselves, the rest will be easy. A good coach makes a strong investment in you, pouring their time and wisdom into making you the best you can be.
So Which One Do You Need – A Coach or a Trainer?
These two titles can easily blur together, even for those performing the tasks, which is one of the reasons they are so commonly, yet incorrectly, interchanged. The best athletes know the answer to which one they need, a coach or a trainer, is a simple one. You need both.
A trainer will not only teach you the techniques, but also act as a great cheerleader. They will push you to work harder and do more to get to your physical goals. A good athletic trainer will put together a quality program specifically with your goals in mind to push you to the next level. Designing a program for you is not just about the actual workout itself, but also about how to keep it fun and keep you interested so you will reach your peak performance quickly. An effective trainer will be able to sense any frustration an athlete may have with a workout and quickly turn it around.
A coach should not talk at you, but instead talk with you. They listen to your challenges and help you come up with the best solution to whatever problem you are struggling with. Much like trainers, coaches are also very good cheerleaders and can help you realize your own potential.
Having someone to guide you physically and emotionally can make all the difference for any person entering a workout environment.
Ways to Decide Which One You Need More
While it is important to know that these two disciplines walk hand-in-hand for the best outcomes, if you can only choose one, which one is best for you?
A trainer is your best bet if:
- You need someone to tell you exactly what to do.
- You want someone to devise a customized workout plan and help you stick to it.
- You need someone to push you to keep going.
- You are looking to make your workouts more fun so you stay interested.
- You are just beginning a fitness program and don’t know where to start.
A coach is your best bet if:
- You need someone to guide you to the best decisions for you.
- You need someone to help you see your potential.
- You need a good cheerleader when you think about quitting.
- You want someone in your corner if times get tough.
Ready to Make a Change?
Request your Introductory Consultation to find out how you can make a positive change in your life through coaching.
