Why I Don’t Take On Clients Who Train With Another Coach: The Risks of Mixed Guidance in Fitness
As an online coach and personal trainer, I’ve always believed that fitness isn’t just about lifting heavier weights or pushing through grueling sessions. It’s about long-term health, sustainable progress, and understanding how the body moves—and sometimes, that means saying no to opportunities that could put a client’s health at risk.
One of the most common questions I get from people seeking remote coaching or personal training is: “Can I train with you while still working with my other coach?” And while the answer might seem like a straightforward yes for some, it’s not a simple decision for me. Here’s why.
The Challenges of Balancing Multiple Trainers
Training under two different coaches—especially when it comes to fixing body mechanics and posture—can cause confusion and, more importantly, lead to injury. For example, when working on something as delicate as hip alignment or shoulder function, it’s crucial to follow a consistent, tailored program. When you’re switching between trainers with potentially conflicting philosophies or methods, it can lead to a mishmash of exercises that aren’t helping you improve in the way you need.
I understand the temptation of wanting to work with multiple experts. Some trainers are amazing at pushing you to new limits, while others specialize in injury prevention or correcting movement dysfunctions. But the problem arises when these two approaches clash—leading to mixed signals for your body.
The Importance of Consistency and Commitment
When it comes to fixing structural issues, like misaligned hips or improper posture, it’s a long-term journey. It requires consistency, dedicated practice, and a clear understanding of your body’s unique needs.
For example, I personally do daily routines to maintain my own hip health and proper alignment. It’s a commitment to keep my body where it should be. When clients work with me remotely, I ensure they follow a program that requires 3-4 sessions a week, because regular practice is key to seeing results. It’s not just about giving them a workout plan; it’s about knowing which exercises work best for their specific issues. That kind of customized approach takes time and attention to detail.
The Risk of Cross-Training with Different Coaches
I’ve had past experiences where clients trained with multiple coaches or worked with someone else alongside me. One of the key reasons I don’t encourage this is because accountability and responsibility become blurred. Who is responsible when an injury happens? When clients are following multiple different programs, it’s difficult to pinpoint what went wrong and who’s responsible for it.
In one case, a client worked with another trainer who was pushing him too hard, using exercises that weren’t suited to his body type or fitness level. I warned him that the overtraining and stress were detrimental to his body’s well-being. Unfortunately, he collapsed during a weekend walk at the city of Bath and experienced a serious medical emergency that could have been avoided. This is a clear example of why I don’t believe in cross-training with different coaches, especially if there are conflicting methods in play.
What Should You Do If You’re Already Training With Someone Else?
If you’re currently training with a coach and are considering remote coaching with me, I encourage you to first evaluate your progress with your current coach. Are you improving? Are you getting the results you’re aiming for? If you’re happy with your coach and feel like you’re making steady progress, then stick with them. There’s no reason to complicate things by adding another program into the mix.
However, if you feel stuck or if you’re experiencing setbacks or pain that aren’t being addressed, that’s when it might be time to reassess. If your current coach is open to feedback and willing to make adjustments, you should see progress again. If not, then that’s where I can help. I always make myself available for consultations and adjustments to training programs, but it’s important to have open communication with your coach before switching paths.
The Bottom Line: Specialized Focus for Better Results
The key takeaway here is that achieving long-term results in personal training requires a specialized, tailored approach. If you’re looking to work on specific goals like improving posture, fixing misalignments, or relieving pain, it’s important to follow a dedicated program that doesn’t conflict with other forms of training. When you switch between different coaches with conflicting approaches, you risk not only your progress but also your safety.
For me as a personal trainer, it’s about taking responsibility for the progress and safety of my clients. I cannot guarantee results or safety if other influences are complicating the process. That’s why I choose not to work with clients who are currently training with another coach. If you’re looking for a coach who will work with you, help you improve, and be there for every step of your fitness journey, then I am here to help. But that needs to be a singular focus to make sure you reach your full potential.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your current training program is working for you, or if you’re not seeing the results you deserve, I’d be happy to help with remote coaching or online training to get you back on track. But if you’re currently training with someone else, I always recommend sticking with them if you’re seeing progress. My goal is always to help you feel better, move better, and perform better, no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
Reach out to me anytime if you need help with your training or if you’re feeling stuck. Together, we’ll make sure you’re moving toward your best self—without confusion, injury, or setbacks!