In this episode of the "Self Selecting" podcast, I sit down with Nick Bagley, a Dallas-based personal trainer and online coach, to discuss the standards of coaching, client adherence, and effective communication in the fitness industry. We explore the importance of setting boundaries with clients, managing expectations in bodybuilding, and how to achieve optimal results without excessive measures.

Nick shares insights into his coaching philosophy, why he refuses to treat female athletes like "small men," and the importance of hormonal health in competitive bodybuilding. We also discuss the misconceptions around PED use, the challenges of client accountability, and how to filter through unnecessary client communication to focus on what truly matters in training and nutrition.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the realities of competitive bodybuilding.

Key Takeaways:

- Coaching Standards: How to set clear expectations with clients.

- Client Boundaries: Why coaches should establish communication limits.

- Adherence & Accountability: The key to achieving consistent results.

- Hormonal Health in Female Athletes: Understanding menstrual cycles and contest prep.

- PED Misconceptions: Why more drugs don’t always mean better results.

- Cheat Meals & Flexible Dieting: When and how to incorporate them.

- Client Communication: How to balance personal and professional discussions.

- The Business of Coaching: How to scale without losing quality.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:02] - Cory and Nick open the episode and discuss their recent illnesses.

- [03:03 – 07:02] - Nick Bagley's coaching background and experience in Dallas.

- [07:03 – 12:10] - The role of networking in fitness.

- [12:11 – 17:05] - The importance of client adherence and standards.

- [17:06 – 20:55] - Setting Boundaries with Clients: Why coaches should limit personal involvement.

- [20:56 – 26:37] - Handling Client Check-Ins: Filtering out unnecessary details for efficiency.

- [26:38 – 31:44] - Training Hard vs. Making Excuses: The mindset shift needed for real progress.

- [31:45 – 35:12] - How untracked meals can derail progress.

- [35:13 – 39:07] - The Science of Weight Fluctuations: Why tracking is more than just calories.

- [39:08 – 43:58] - PED Use in Bodybuilding: The dangers of excessive use & client misconceptions.

- [43:59 – 48:52] - The Importance of Female Hormonal Health: Why menstrual cycles matter in training.

- [48:53 – 54:10] - When Contest Prep Goes Wrong: Understanding individual athlete responses.

- [54:11 – 59:33] - The biggest differences in coaching men vs women.

- [59:34 – 1:04:50] - Why adherence matters more than anything.

- [1:04:51 – 1:10:38] - Scaling a client roster while maintaining quality.

- [1:10:39 – 1:16:00] - Wrap-up and closing thoughts.

Links & Resources:

Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_bagley_/?hl=en

Work With Nick: https://www.thelonghaulfitness.com/new-client-form

https://coryfit.com/

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