A Reflection on Coaching Trends
In the age of algorithm-driven fitness advice, it’s easier than ever to feel like you’re constantly being told the “one true way” to lose weight. You’ve probably seen it yourself: younger coaches sharing content that boils fat loss down to just a calorie deficit and high protein — delivered confidently, with six-pack abs and a well-lit gym selfie.
On the surface, it seems straightforward. And yes, to some extent, the basics do work. But after over a decade in the industry — and as someone who’s learned both through science and personal struggle — I’ve started to feel concerned by the direction things are going.
This post isn’t a rant or a takedown. It’s a reflection. A breakdown of what I’m seeing in the online fitness space, why it matters, and what people looking for a coach should keep in mind before they invest time, energy, and money into guidance that might not be right for them.
The Trend: Oversimplified Coaching from Coaches Still Early in Their Journey
More and more I’m seeing younger coaches sharing advice that sounds like a copy-and-paste job:
“You just need to eat in a calorie deficit.”
“Train like a bodybuilder and lift heavy.”
“You’re not losing weight because you’re not consistent.”
At first glance, it sounds correct. But it lacks context. These coaches often look great — they’re young, lean, energetic, and full of confidence. But what’s often missing is lived experience and a deeper understanding of why people struggle with fat loss in the first place.
Many of them haven’t yet worked with diverse clients. Many haven’t struggled themselves. And many are simply mimicking the messaging they’ve seen succeed on social media — from coaches with huge followings who likely did the same thing.
Why This Messaging Gains So Much Traction
This type of advice spreads fast for a few reasons:
- It’s simple and sounds authoritative
- It’s attached to attractive physiques
- It avoids grey areas or complexity
- It’s rewarded by algorithms that favour quick, high-impact content
But just because it spreads doesn’t mean it’s helping. In fact, it may be doing the opposite.
The Problem: When Simplicity Becomes Harmful
I’m not against simplicity — in fact, good coaching often involves making the complex feel simple. But this new wave of coaching often lacks the wisdom to know when simplicity is actually oversimplification.
When people hear the same narrow advice from every corner of the internet, they start to believe:
- If I’m not losing fat, it’s just my fault — I must not be trying hard enough
- If this “formula” worked for them, why isn’t it working for me?
- If I don’t look like my coach, I must be broken or lazy
This creates shame, confusion, and a disordered relationship with food and exercise. Worse, it can push genuinely thoughtful coaches out of the industry — coaches who are dismissed for being too “complicated” or not aesthetic enough.
What I’ve Learned With Experience
When I was younger, I believed the same things. I thought the basics were all people needed. But hitting my 30s, experiencing my own struggles, and working with hundreds of real people changed my perspective. I started to understand just how many variables affect progress — from hormonal health and chronic stress to emotional eating, poor sleep, metabolic adaptation, and more.
There is no single blueprint. And when we pretend there is, we do people a disservice.
So What Needs to Change?
- We need to stop rewarding only the loudest voices.
A big following doesn’t mean better advice. Social proof isn’t the same as real-world experience. - We need to celebrate nuance and long-term thinking.
Fat loss isn’t just about math. It’s about biology, psychology, and environment. - We need to create space for different approaches.
Not everyone wants to train like a bodybuilder. Not everyone thrives on macros and discipline. A good coach adapts — not dictates.
If You’re Looking for a Coach, Consider This
Choosing a coach today can be overwhelming. The marketing is slick. The transformations are impressive. But here are a few grounded things to look out for:
- Look for a coach who has invested time and experience into the industry. Someone who’s done the work — on themselves and with others.
- Be cautious of anyone who succeeded with one diet plan and now sells it as a universal fix.
- Avoid cookie-cutter programs disguised as personal coaching.
- Depth matters more than followers. A coach with 500 loyal clients is often more credible than one with 500k passive followers.
- Look for someone who listens, explains without confusing, and doesn’t use fear or shame to sell to you.
Finding the right coach takes time, but it’s worth being intentional. The right coach won’t make you feel broken or behind. They’ll meet you where you are, and build from there.
Final Thoughts
I still believe there are incredible coaches out there — and many up-and-coming ones who will grow into more nuanced practitioners. But we need to encourage that growth, not flatten it with quick-hit algorithms and echo-chamber thinking.
As a coach, my role isn’t just to help you lose fat. It’s to help you understand yourself better — your body, your patterns, your potential. That takes time, patience, and trust. And that’s what I’ll keep advocating for — even when the algorithm doesn’t reward it.
If you are looking for help with your health and fitness and are in the Warwickshire area, feel free to get in touch. Click Here.
