When To Fire Your Trainer

Most people don’t have a trainer. It’s seen as a “luxury.”
But it shouldn’t be.
Skip a few impulsive buys. Cancel the overpriced steak dinner.
Boom, you’ve got money for a pro to guide you once a week.

Especially if you’re just starting out.
And no, don’t “get to a certain level” first.
That’s like hiring an architect after you’ve built the house.

Start right. Build right.

Between owning and running my own gym and spending thousands of hours inside one, I’ve seen it all.
The good. The lazy. The flat-out dangerous.

But this isn’t about convincing you to hire a trainer.
This is about spotting bad ones.
Before they waste your time, your money, or break your body.

Drinking Coffee During Your Session

I am serious, it’s unprofessional.
Your trainer’s sipping a latte while you’re trying not to pass out?
No one wants coffee breath hovering over their last rep.
Drink it on your own time, not on your training hour.

On Their Phone During the Session

Happens way too often.
You’re grinding through kettlebell swings.
They’re scrolling TikTok.
Unless it’s a timer, the phone should be in their damn pocket.

Sitting During the Session

This one blows my mind.
You’re lifting, shaking, they’re parked on their ass.
They should be standing.
Watching. Coaching. Correcting.
Not lounging like it’s break time.
I’ll allow a knee drop during a plank - that’s it.

Not Confirming the Day Before

Good trainers manage their schedule. Period.
You should get a confirmation text.
70% of this job is showing up on time and ready.

Talking to Other People Mid-session

This isn’t a cocktail party.
If your trainer’s chatting with gym buddies while you’re standing around, fire them.
Small talk with you involved in the convo? Fine.
Separate convos while you wait? Hell no.

Not Checking in After the Session

A quick text - “How you feeling?” “What’s sore?”
Simple, but powerful.
Shows they give a shit.
Also gives them intel to program smarter for the next session.

No Plan

If the workout feels random, it probably is.
Every session should move you toward your goal.
Doesn’t always need to be written down, but it damn sure better be intentional.

No Form Corrections

This one’s unforgivable.
A good trainer circles you.
Angles matter. Cues matter. Details matter.
If they’re not correcting, they either don’t care, or don’t know how.

Talking Too Much

This isn’t social hour.
Sure, some clients like to chat.
But keeping pace is the trainer’s job.
If they’re oversharing their life story, or can’t read the room, they’re making it about them.

Circus Workouts

Don’t be your trainer’s guinea pig for “cool” moves.
If they’re not drilling the basics, they’re not doing their job.
Cool doesn’t mean effective.
Simplicity wins. 

Letting the Client Run the Session

Some clients try to take over.
They’re used to calling the shots elsewhere.
But in this room? Trainer leads.
That doesn’t mean they don’t listen. Your goals come first.
But it’s their job to steer the session, keep the flow, and push you with purpose.
If they look hesitant, scared, or unsure how to lead, leave.

Copy/Paste Coaching

They train you like they train themselves.
Same sets. Same reps. Same “hardcore” mindset.
Problem is, you're not them.
Good coaching meets you where you are.
Not where they wish you were.
If your trainer can’t adapt to your body, your history, and your goals, they’re not coaching. They’re projecting.

Unprofessional Appearance

You're paying premium rates.
Your trainer should look the part.
Shoes that aren't falling apart.
Clean clothes. Not the same shirt from three days ago with pit stains.
If they smell like they just worked out, they probably did.
You don't need designer gear, but wrinkled, ratty clothes send a message.
I don't take this seriously.

Trimmed nails. They're putting hands on you to correct form.
No one wants to feel dirty fingernails on their back during a deadlift setup.

Basic hygiene.
Bad breath? Pop a mint.
Excessive cologne? Tone it down.
You're in close proximity for an hour.
Don't assault someone's senses.

First impressions matter. But so do the 47th and 103rd impressions.
If your trainer looks sloppy, it's an indication of their approach to your training.

What Good Training Actually Looks Like

Confirmation text the day before
Eyes on you the entire session
Real-time form corrections
Proper progression/regressions
Follow-up check-in after
Phone away, coffee finished before you arrive
Gauges the conversation and pace according to your needs
Pushes you without crushing you
Explains the “why” of the movement if necessary
Has a professional appearance
Adapts the program to how you're feeling that day

You're paying hard-earned money.
Investing your time.
You deserve to get everything out of that hour.
Not someone half-assing their job.

Train Hard.
Think Deep.
Live with Intent.

— The CODE