#514 Achieving Longevity as a Personal Trainer & Lifter w/ Andrew Coates
Mar 13, 2025
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Andrew Coates, a personal trainer and host of the Lift Free and Diet Hard podcast, shares insights on longevity in the fitness industry. He discusses how to create relatable content without chasing virality and offers advice for trainers responding to repetitive client questions. Andrew emphasizes the value of industry relationships and collaboration over competition. He also delves into why many people experience workout injuries and the importance of personalized coaching. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on thriving in the fitness world!
Andrew Coates emphasizes the importance of maintaining in-person training interactions to foster meaningful relationships with clients for longevity in the coaching field.
The significance of building genuine relationships with clients is highlighted as a foundation for successful coaching practices and enhancing the training experience.
Coates discusses injury prevention strategies, stressing load management and understanding individual limitations to ensure effective and safe training.
Deep dives
Introductions and CPPS Course Details
The episode begins with an exciting announcement about the first in-person CPPS Level One practical training of the year, scheduled for May 17th at Game Changer Gym in Springfield, New Jersey. The speaker clarifies the changes made to the CPPS course structure, emphasizing that the certification can now be achieved through a full online course, with in-person practicals being optional but highly recommended. This practical training focuses on hands-on experience, allowing attendees to engage in real-world coaching scenarios involving client assessments and exercise programming. The speaker details the benefits of attending these practices, including valuable coaching insights from experienced trainers during the event.
Sponsor and Product Promotion
The sponsor for this episode is Magic Spoon, a company that offers high-protein, zero-sugar cereal and treats designed to evoke nostalgic childhood favorites. The speaker shares different ways to enjoy Magic Spoon products, such as using their high-protein granola as a topping on yogurt or enjoying it simply as cereal with milk. Highlighting the taste and convenience of these snacks, he underscores their appeal as a nutritious, satisfying option for busy individuals looking to meet their protein needs throughout the day. A special discount code for listeners is also mentioned, encouraging them to try the product.
Guest Introduction: Andrew Coates
The podcast welcomes Andrew Coates, a personal trainer and online coach based in Edmonton, Canada, who has developed a significant presence in the fitness industry. Coates is recognized for his impactful writing featured in various high-profile publications, as well as his work as co-founder of the Evolve Strength Business and Coaching Conference. The host expresses admiration for Coates’ approach to training and communication, emphasizing their alignment in philosophy and strategy when it comes to coaching clients. The conversation is set to delve deeper into Coates' insights and experiences in the fitness field.
Longevity in Coaching and the Importance of In-Person Training
Coates discusses his perspective on longevity in the coaching field, emphasizing the value of maintaining in-person training interactions to foster meaningful relationships with clients. He acknowledges that while many coaches are moving towards fully online businesses, he believes this can lead to a disconnection from the practical aspects that keep trainers grounded and in tune with their clients' needs. For Coates, the structure provided by in-person sessions helps him remain effective in his role, influencing his content creation and coaching methods. This blend of online and in-person engagement allows him to remain relevant and responsive to clients’ changing needs.
Building Relationships and Content Creation
The conversation shifts to the significance of building relationships with clients as a foundation for successful coaching practices. Coates emphasizes the importance of genuinely caring for clients and providing a safe space for them to share vulnerabilities and challenges. He believes that when trainers focus on relationship-building rather than strictly technical knowledge, they create a supportive environment that enhances the training experience. The discussion highlights the importance of leveraging everyday interactions with clients to generate ideas for valuable content, ultimately enriching both the coach's portfolio and the client's journey.
Injury Prevention and Smart Training Practices
The podcast addresses injury prevention strategies, with both speakers sharing their experiences and insights on managing physical well-being through thoughtful training practices. They discuss how recognizing individual bodily limitations and adjusting exercises accordingly can prevent injuries and promote longevity in fitness. Coates stresses the importance of load management and understanding the balance between intensity, volume, and recovery. By prioritizing these aspects of training, individuals can continue to progress without incurring injuries and can adapt their routines to ensure they remain effective for their unique needs.
This week Andrew Coates makes his Industrial Strength Show debut and he does not disappoint! Andrew is a personal trainer and online coach based in Edmonton, Canada. He's also the host of the Lift Free and Diet Hard podcast, a prolific writer and a highly-sought-after public speaker. On today's show you'll hear Andrew & Joe discuss a number of different topics. Highlights include: What does Andrew attribute his longevity in the industry to?; Creating relatable content vs "chasing virality"; Advice to trainers who get asked the same questions all the time; Why your content doesn't always have to be "original"; Andrew's onboarding process for new (online) clients; The best coaches do these 3 things really well; Beating the "scarcity" mindset [The value of industry relationships]; The TRUE competition trainers face each day [SPOILER: It's NOT from other trainers]; Why do so many people get hurt working out...And Much MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps goto www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com.
