The Surprising Reason Professional Bodybuilders Need a Coach

Professional bodybuilders, powerlifters, and strongmen often compete against each other, often with impressive results that surpass the abilities of their coaches. This might seem counterintuitive, but these athletes still rely heavily on their coaches and mentors for success. Why do they need someone to guide them when they already know what they’re doing?

Case Study: Tom Stoltman and His Unusual Coach

Tom Stoltman, a three-time World's Strongest Man champion, is an absolute beast. Yet, his coach, despite not being a competitor himself, has played an essential role in his success. The coach is a climber and has never competed in Strongman. The relationship between coach and athlete is fascinating and multidimensional, with the coach providing invaluable support that goes beyond physical ability.

Why Do Athletes Need Coaches?

Coaches bring a unique set of skills that go far beyond physical prowess. Here are the key reasons why professional athletes, including bodybuilders, powerlifters, and strongmen, benefit from working with coaches:

Second Pair of Eyes on Form and Technique

One of the primary roles of a coach is to serve as a second pair of eyes, constantly monitoring and scrutinizing form, technique, and performance. Even experienced athletes can overlook subtle errors in their workouts, but coaches can catch these small issues and provide feedback to ensure that the athlete performs at their best. These minor adjustments can make a significant difference in competitions, often determining the difference between a win and a loss.

Motivation and Accountability

Coaches also act as constant motivators, holding athletes accountable for their training. Athletes often have days when they lack motivation, and it’s easy to skip training or cut corners. With a coach present, athletes are more likely to push through and give their best effort, ensuring they perform to their full potential. Coaches provide the external pressure and support needed to maintain discipline and commitment.

Identifying and Correcting Habits

Coaches can also identify and correct bad habits that athletes may unintentionally develop. These habits, often thought of as shortcuts in the moment, can have negative long-term effects on performance. By watching athletes from a different perspective, coaches can spot these habits and guide athletes to improve their form and technique.

Bodybuilding Specifics

For bodybuilders, coaches play a crucial role in examining routines and poses. They can provide feedback on adjustments that can enhance performances in competition. Bodybuilders aim to look perfect in the eyes of judges, and having someone on the sidelines who can critique their posing, routine, and form is invaluable.

Competition Days

While competitions are the final showcase, coaches are not just present but actively involved. They provide game-plan suggestions, help athletes choose appropriate weight, and work with judges to secure the next lift. Coaches are a valued presence on competition day, offering both technical advice and emotional support to help athletes perform at their peak.

In conclusion, the presence of a coach is vital for professional athletes, even those at the top of their game. Coaches offer unique skills and perspectives that enhance performance, ensuring athletes reach their full potential. Whether it's attention to detail, motivation, or competition strategies, coaches are indispensable in the world of professional bodybuilding and related sports.