When you’re looking for a coach—whether it’s for running, strength training, or navigating menopause—you want someone who knows their stuff. But what does that really mean? Is it enough for a coach to have personal experience, or should they also have certifications and formal education?
The truth is, both matter. Lived experience and education each bring something valuable to the table, but neither is enough on its own. Let’s break it down.
The Power and Limits of Lived Experience
There’s no doubt that firsthand experience can shape how a coach works with athletes. If a coach has personally gone through menopause, struggled with running injuries, or built strength after a major setback, they understand the emotional and physical challenges in a way that textbooks never could.
But here’s the catch: what worked for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone. Personal experience is just that—personal. If a coach is only pulling from their own story, they might unintentionally assume their approach applies to everyone, which can lead to cookie-cutter advice that doesn’t fit your unique needs.
The Value of Education and Certification
Certifications give coaches the knowledge they need to support a variety of athletes, not just those who share their experiences. A coach who has studied physiology, biomechanics, and strength training understands the science behind performance and recovery. When it comes to menopause, a coach who has taken specialized courses on hormonal changes and training adaptations can offer evidence-based guidance rather than just personal anecdotes.
That being said, a certification alone doesn’t make a coach great. You’ve probably seen coaches who have all the credentials but struggle to connect with their athletes or fail to adjust their methods when things don’t go according to plan. A good coach knows that science provides the foundation, but coaching is about more than just knowledge—it’s about application.
The Sweet Spot: A Coach Who Brings Both
The best coaches blend real-world experience with education. They understand what it feels like to be in your shoes, but they also know that your journey isn’t identical to theirs. They use research-backed strategies while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the individual athlete in front of them.
So when you’re choosing a coach, ask yourself:
-
Do they have experience working with athletes like me, or just their own story to pull from?
-
Do they rely on science and proven methods, or is their advice mostly based on personal opinion?
-
Are they continuing to learn and grow, or are they stuck in one way of thinking?
If you’re looking for a coach who understands the intersection of real-world experience and science-backed training, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, training for a big race, or looking to build strength without breaking down, I’ve got you covered. Let’s work together to create a plan that actually works for you.