
Ep197. How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Online Coach.
From The Forever Athletic Podcast by Ian Wood
June 8, 2026 · 19 min · Season 1 · Episode 197
About this episode
Ian Wood discusses how to find a good personal trainer or online coach and the pitfalls to avoid in the unregulated fitness industry.
How to Find a Good Personal Trainer (And Avoid Getting It Wrong) Apply for coaching 👉🏻 https://www.coachianwood.com/ The fitness industry has a problem — and it's costing people time, money, and sometimes their health. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something most coaches won't talk about: how easy it is to fake credibility in an industry that is almost entirely unregulated. After 20 years as a PT, 12 years in strength and conditioning, and a Master's degree with a research thesis specifically on the effectiveness of online coaching, I've seen the full spectrum of good and bad. Here's what I've learned. What's covered in this episode: Why the fitness industry is largely unregulated — and what that means for you as a consumer The two types of coach you'll encounter, and why they can look identical on Instagram Why qualifications alone don't make a great coach (and what actually does) The five things that separate exceptional coaches from average ones: education, experience, coaching reps, mistakes, and empathy Five practical questions to ask any coach before you hire them The red flags that should make you walk away immediately Key takeaways: Anyone can legally…
People in this episode
Host: Ian Wood
Topics covered
- personal training
- online coaching
- fitness industry
- coach qualifications
- consumer awareness
Keywords
- personal trainer
- online coach
- fitness industry
- coach qualifications
- red flags
- consumer tips
- coaching experience
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: coachianwood.com
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