What Makes a Great Coach? (It’s Not What You Think)

When people think about a “great coach,” they often picture someone who is:

  • loud

  • energetic

  • motivating

  • constantly pushing people

And while those things can be part of coaching…

They’re not what makes someone great.

What Great Coaching Actually Is

Great coaching is not about how much you say.

It’s about what you see.

And it’s something our coaching team works on — constantly.

A great coach:

  • notices small changes in movement

  • understands what an athlete needs in that moment

  • adjusts quickly and effectively

They don’t just run a class.

They guide it.

What You Don’t See

Every great class experience starts long before you walk through the doors.

Our coaches are:

  • thinking about how to teach movements clearly

  • reviewing how to scale workouts appropriately

  • learning how to better see and correct movement

  • reflecting on what worked and what didn’t

There is a lot of intention behind every class.

And it doesn’t happen by accident.

Seeing What Matters

In a group class, a coach is constantly asking:

  • Who needs help right now?

  • What is the biggest issue to fix?

  • What will make the biggest difference?

Not everything needs to be corrected.

Great coaches prioritize.

That’s a skill — and it’s something our team works hard to develop.

Saying the Right Thing

Good coaching isn’t long explanations.

It’s:

→ one clear cue
→ at the right time
→ that actually changes movement

Not:
“Try to engage your posterior chain more…”

But:
“Hips back”

That level of clarity takes practice.

And it’s something our coaches are constantly refining.

Adapting in Real Time

Every class is different.

Every athlete is different.

A great coach can:

  • scale workouts appropriately

  • adjust based on fatigue

  • keep athletes moving safely

Without overcomplicating it.

That ability to adapt in real time is one of the hardest parts of coaching — and one of the things we’re most proud of in our team.

It’s About the Athlete, Not the Coach

Great coaches aren’t trying to prove how much they know.

They’re focused on:

  • helping athletes feel confident

  • helping athletes move better

  • helping athletes keep showing up

Because that’s what drives results.

Why This Matters to Us

We’re incredibly proud of our coaching team.

Not just for how they show up in class — but for the effort they put in behind the scenes to get better.

Because great coaching isn’t something you just have.

It’s something you build.

And it’s something we take seriously.

The Impact

The best coaching doesn’t always feel loud or intense.

Sometimes it’s:

  • a well-timed cue

  • a simple adjustment

  • a conversation that keeps someone coming back

And those small moments?

They’re what create long-term change.

Final Thought

Great coaching isn’t about doing more.

It’s about doing what matters.

And we’re incredibly grateful to have a team that shows up every day committed to that.

Next
Next

The Difference Between Working Hard and Training Smart