
My Coaching Mindset
Every coach and trainer has their own core beliefs, and those beliefs differ from person to person. That is not only normal, it is what makes a trainer a trainer. In the fitness space, I have noticed that sometimes trainers or gyms can become jealous or catty because they feel threatened by someone else’s potential. What they do not realize is that there is more than enough love to go around.
Every trainer and coach brings something different to the table. Just because someone is a trainer does not automatically mean they are the right fit for you. Finding the right coach requires looking deeper at their philosophy, values, methods, and mindset, and deciding whether those align with you and your life.
I have personally worked with multiple coaches before settling in with my current coach. (Shout out to my man Paul - team Muscle and Mayhem for life!) Each coach I worked with was great and very qualified, they just were not the right fit for me.
The first coach tried forcing eggs into my meal plan despite me repeatedly explaining that I hate eggs. She was not willing to truly personalize my plan around my preferences, lifestyle, and goals. Instead, she seemed to want to just follow the same blueprint she used for all of her clients. The second coach was solid, but I realized I needed more of an in person approach rather than an online one. I also communicated to him that the amount of cream of rice in my plan was affecting my digestion, but the plan was never adjusted to remedy that issue.
Both of my online coaches had strengths, but I ultimately needed someone who was willing to work with my lifestyle in real time. I found that with Paul. This experience taught me that the fitness space does not need competition rooted in insecurity. It is not about finding just any trainer or coach. It is about finding the right one for you.
Below are the five core philosophies that make up my coaching framework.
1. Schedules That Fit Real Life
If you scroll social media long enough, you are guaranteed to see something like “DM FREE for the schedule blueprint that changed my life.” The keyword there is their life, not yours.
Will that schedule provide some structure? Possibly. Will it change your life? Most likely not. That schedule was not built around your responsibilities, your energy levels, or your schedule. If something does not fit conveniently into your life, you are simply not going to stick to it. Sustainability starts with realism.
2. One Percent Better Beats All or Nothing
We live in a world of extremes. Extreme dieting. Extreme workouts. Extreme expectations.
The truth is, extremes do not lead to sustainable results. If you want a workout plan that lasts, it must be treated as a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix. When you focus on getting one percent better every day, you are building routines and habits that support long term progress instead of slapping a bandaid on deeper issues.
3. The Scale Is Not the Scorecard
I will be the first to tell you that the scale is a bigger liar than your ex.
The scale only reflects how your body is responding to immediate factors, not long term progress. Weight can fluctuate due to sodium intake, water intake, sleep, stress, hormones, and countless other variables. Real progress is tracked through progress photos, measurements, strength gains, and healthy habits that you maintain consistently.
4. Consistency Beats Perfection
This philosophy ties directly into the one percent mindset.
If I wanted to dig a 10 foot hole and dug for 2 hours each day, it would take longer, but I would finish it. I would not burn out, and I would not quit. If I tried to dig that same hole in 12 hours straight, I would likely give up before finishing.
The same applies to fitness and life. It is not about doing things perfectly. It is about showing up consistently and being willing to see the process through.
5. Effort Determines the Timeline
This is a concept I emphasize with all of my clients, and one I have to remind myself of at times.
The goal is almost always possible. The timeline depends on the effort you can realistically give. If a single 25 year old woman and a married mom of two both want to lose ten pounds, the 25 year old will likely get there first. She has fewer responsibilities and more time to devote to training and recovery.
That does not mean the mom will not reach her goal. It simply means her timeline may look different. If both remain consistent, both will succeed. Seeing someone else reach a goal faster does not mean you are failing. It means your road is different.
These five philosophies guide not only how I coach my clients, but how I approach my own training and life. I understand that people do not always need a drill sergeant telling them what to do. Sometimes they need a mentor who can help them navigate balance, structure, and sustainability.
Consistency will always be the foundation. When your plan fits your lifestyle and does not feel overwhelming, you are far more likely to stick with it. And when you stick with it, results follow.
If you are looking for coaching that works with your life instead of against it, you are exactly where you need to be. If the above philosophies align with your beliefs and what you're looking for out of a coach, schedule a call with me and let's chat about how I can help you reach your goals!
XO - EmBrazFit
