Does It Matter How Fit Your Coach Is?

Whether a CrossFit coach needs to look physically fit or not is a great question; one which elicits a lot of talking points and a mix of opinions.

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For starters, when you read the above title, did you immediately think yes or no?  

If someone knows what they're doing, their outer appearance shouldn’t matter, right? Or should it?

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Let’s be honest with ourselves; first impressions are everything, and typically, we use our sense of sight first and foremost. It certainly shouldn’t be our only criteria when passing judgment, but it’s only natural.

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Why is this? Sociologically and evolutionarily speaking, we gravitate towards those we either identify with or wish to emulate; whether it’s through interests, political leanings, careers, hobbies, or even looks; those commonalities lead us to people who drink the same Kool-Aid. Studies and stats prove this. The old adage “birds of a feather flock together” holds truer than its cliche counterpart, “opposites attract.”

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Is there anything wrong with wishing to identify with or mirror those around us? Certainly not. In an uncertain world, we seek familiarity and community with a dash of aspiration. Cue CrossFit and its arsenal of coaches.

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Statistics and interests aside, when you step inside a CrossFit gym, you may assume that the fittest looking individuals in the room are the coaches; a very fair assumption, and, more often than not, it holds true.

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Why is that? Are all CrossFit coaches competitive athletes as well? Or do they just enjoy sweaty pursuit and their appearances respond accordingly? Regardless, it’s obvious that many CrossFit coaches practice what they preach and love what they do.

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However, often times we see the opposite. Many coaches in the realms of the world’s highest-paid professional sports have exchanged running the field for solely observing it. Even doctors and medical practitioners aren’t immune to unhealthy tendencies. So, if they do their job well, does it matter how they look?

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Yes. How can you look after all your clients or athletes, if you are not looking out for number one?

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When a potential member walks into InnerFight, they are seeking a natural way to become fitter and healthier; to cure their ailments or insecurities through physical lifestyle changes. The prescription they’ll be handed won’t be in the form of a clickable pen (that’s an article for another day). Instead, it will be a personalised approach involving training, eating well, and working on what’s happening between the ears.

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Members will be drawn to coaches who have used this prescription themselves. Perhaps that’s the very reason we expect our coaches to look the part. Subconsciously and even consciously, we are entering a domain where we want to see the external benefits of what hard work brings.

It’s a valid expectation you have for us.

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So, is the answer to the question more black and white than we think?

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InnerFight’s Founder, Marcus Smith answer is a resounding ‘Yes’:

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Full-time athletes don’t make great coaches. But great coaches can still find a balance between working hard and looking out for themselves.

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Every coach at InnerFight is a walking CV to what they can do for you. None of us compete regularly at the moment. And while we do typically train 5-6 times per week, our profession comes first.

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Time to cue the gym newbie. Will they be naturally drawn to a coach that didn’t grow up surrounded by athletics? Do any of the coaches have firsthand experience in making a complete lifestyle overhaul for themselves? Will coaches who have never felt apprehension when walking into a gym or jumping onto a box be empathic and patient enough? Whether the coach has a similar background story or not, it should be a no-brainer that every great coach demonstrates empathy and care for each of their clients while also earning each individual’s hard-earned respect through their application of knowledge on the gym floor;

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We work hard and look the part. We are human, though, we all have struggles, insecurities, aches and pains, and we do not always get it right.

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We continue to lead by example with simple, tried and true practices. And when we fail, we ask for help. Every day is a school day after all.

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According to Jenny Robinson, MBA Marketing Professor in Dubai,

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“I train with coaches who have performed extraordinary feats in fitness and mental resilience. And while those stories are inspiring, what has led me to them was learning of their own struggles and failures. That’s where they earned my respect; Demonstrating that they are human. They don’t need to look fit, they need to be fit, both physically and mentally.”

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I believe the most successful boxes and coaches realise they are not only in the fitness business but in the people business. Whether a member’s goal is to feel and look healthier, meet new people in a fun and positive way, or compete, a CrossFit coach is the face of the gym it represents.

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They lead by examples and are the example, not the exception.

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Approachable and aspirational, that’s where the magic happens.

CrossFit Seminar Staff Chuck Carswell refers to and expands upon the idea in “coaching street cred.”

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About InnerFight

InnerFight is a premier fitness and endurance coaching company based in Dubai. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking peak performance or an athlete pursuing ambitious dreams, InnerFight offers a supportive community where hard work, honesty, and simplicity drive extraordinary results.
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We share insights, advice, tips and success stories to empower your fitness journey:

• The InnerFight Podcast features fitness, mindset, and personal stories

• The Endurance Podcast covers running, cycling, and triathlon training

• The InnerFight Blog delivers expert articles from certified coaches
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