The 4 Worst Types Of Online Trainers
Don't Get Burned By Wannabe "Coaches" Running Wild On The Internet

The Rise and Fall of Online Fitness Coaching

I’m well aware this article will piss a lot of people off, but it needs to be said. Because over the last few years there’s been an epic rise in online fitness coaching. But there’s also been a massive drop in the quality and integrity of coaches. As the demand for online coaching continues to rise it only gets worse…

Uneducated trainers, sneaky marketers, and greedy corporate companies swoop in and make their kills. Lying, cheating, and leeching off hard-working people like you. Selling snake-oil supplements. Using photoshopped before and after pictures in their marketing. Pushing bullshit exercise gadgets.

Worst of all, they’re handing out cookie-cutter programs stolen and recycled countless times and calling them PERSONALIZED. Simply put, it’s a joke.

Forget about shattering physique and performance goals. Work with these coaches and the only thing you should expect is a laundry list of injuries, burnout, and frustration.

It’s only getting worse. My goal for this short article is to shed some light (and humor) on the entire situation. In hopes, it’ll save people lots of time, money, energy, headaches, and injuries.

4 Types Of Wannabe Online Coaches Running Wild On The Internet

Anyone with the know-how to create a social media profile can (and IS!) claiming to be an “online coach.” Whatever the hell that means.

Charging an arm and a leg for a 1-page doc with disastrous programming that doesn’t work and is a major mismatch for your individual needs. Not only are 99% of online coaches a colossal disappointment, but they’re actually hurting people.

Everything that USED to go into being a GREAT coach who gets crazy results was lost when people started hiring one (or all) of these wannabe coaches.

I believe there are four types of people (claiming to be coaches) to blame.

Type #1 The Undercover Training Virgin

The 21-year-old inexperienced kid who doesn’t have the slightest clue how to coach anyone. They’re an undercover training virgin. After a mini transformation of his own, he’s posting shirtless selfies with the caption: “I’m looking for 8 men who want to get totally shredded like me for the summer. Only DM me if you’re serious, bro.”

Type #2 The Burned Out And Desperate Trainer

The burned out and desperate personal trainer trying everything to get out of in-person coaching. They might be a good in-person trainer, but online coaching is a whole different skill set and ball-game. Not many coaches successfully transfer this skill and results.

Type #3 The “Only 3 Spots Left” Guy

The coach who always has “3 spots left.” Typically these are hardcore marketers who’re just in online fitness coaching for the money. They don’t have the slightest clue how to take you to the next level. Instead, they fill up their metaphorical “3 spots” using high-pressure sales tricks that would make a used car salesman proud.

Type #4 The Motivational Maniac

The motivational guru. Their strategy is to use motivational quotes to pump you up. Most don’t have the slightest idea how to actually help people build functional muscle, devastating power, show-stopping strength, or the resiliency to perform under any condition.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel?

The thing is, most people need coaches…

If you want to get big, strong, lean, and resilient? If you want to take your physique and performance to the next level? If you really want to unlock your potential?

You need a training program that aligns with your goals and takes into account your unique situation―like your health history, injury background, training experience, etc. More importantly, you need to get yourself a coach.

To get real results that last, your coach shouldn’t fall into one of those 4 categories.

You’re looking for someone and something much deeper. The fifth type of coach… Only the top 1%

Don’t get me wrong, there are still good coaches out there who knows what they’re doing. Coaches who use methods tested (and proven) in the trenches. And most importantly, coaches that know how to actually COACH. Not just send out Word docs and call it a night.

Coaches who know how to work WITH you, not against you.

Coaches who are with you every step of the way. Answering your questions and guiding you through the process.

What To Look For In A Coach

The most respected coaches aren’t the ones doing the online coaching. I’m talking about the people with extensive coaching backgrounds, tons of experience, and a track record of results. The ones who’re teaching around the world, training the best of the best, and keynoting the most prestigious conferences and events in the industry.

It’s because they’re busy in the trenches getting their clients bigger, faster, leaner, stronger, and more resilient.

These are the coaches who inspire long-term change instead of short-term motivation and hype that doesn’t really last.

Good online coaching DOES exist. It’s just a lot harder to find because they’re few and far between.

If you do your due diligence you’ll be fine.

Just make sure your coach has a track record of results, case studies, testimonials, real expertise, happy clients, and has proven they can deliver over and over again.

About the Author

Dr. John Rusin is a sports performance specialist and injury prevention expert that has coached some of the world’s most elite athletes including multiple Olympic gold medalists, NFL and MLB All-Star performers, and professionals from 11 different sports. He has also managed some of the most successful barbell sport athletes in the world including world record holding powerlifters, CrossFit Games athletes, and IFBB professional physique athletes.

His innovative pain-free performance programs have been successfully implemented by over 25,000 athletes worldwide including his best selling training system Functional Power Training, which has revolutionized the way coaches and athletes develop strength, muscle and performance pain-free. Dr. Rusin’s work has gained him the reputation as the go-to industry expert for rebuilding after pain, injuries or plateaus.