The Writing Is on the Wall

Accountability refers to the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions and decisions and to be answerable to others for them. It involves being transparent, taking ownership of both successes and failures, and, perhaps most importantly, facing the consequences of your actions and decisions.

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I have learned that a significant part of being an adult is being responsible and disciplined. When these two concepts are present in your daily life, you are more likely to make decisions that have a constructive impact on your life.

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However, life is dynamic and ever-changing, and some days can be chaotic, leaving us simply trying to survive the next few hours. I admire people who have their lives completely under control, truthfully, I am not that person every day.

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What has been immensely helpful in my professional life over the past few weeks is the set of rules or guidelines I must follow as a performance coach at InnerFight.

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The writing is on the wall — literally!

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At InnerFight, above the water cooler outside Gym 1, there is a write-up that serves as an accountability tool to keep both coaches and members honest.

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Honesty is, in fact, a cornerstone of what InnerFight stands for.

10 Standards I coach by

Is there an accountability metric at the facility where you train?

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Below are 10 guidelines that keep me accountable as a coach. These guidelines can also help you assess whether the facility you’re investing your money and potential health gains in aligns with your best interests.

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As a performance coach, my responsibilities are as follows:

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1. Start on time:
Time is money, and members’ monetary investment is significant. It is imperative that I respect this investment and their time.

2. No phones:
The time I spend with a class or member is my work. Even though I’m not wearing a suit and tie, I am a professional, and being on my phone would be unprofessional behaviour.

3. Be ready for you:
It’s obvious when a coach is flustered due to inadequate preparation. Life happens, and it can be hard to always be 100% switched on, but a lack of preparation daily is unacceptable in the environment where you train.

4. Have the gym ready for you:
The emphasis on this point at InnerFight has been inspiring since joining the team. The leadership group at this facility cares deeply about every small detail. Do you get the same feeling in the space where you train?

5. Talk to you:
This is one of my favourite guidelines. I believe every person you know by name can change your life if you let them.

6. Create insane energy:
Energy is infectious. Do you leave spaces drained or recharged? You should not leave your training space emotionally worse off than when you arrived.

7. Coach you the best way we can:
Adding value is at the core of what a good trainer should do in every session, in my opinion. Sometimes, this means providing revolutionary cues that spark a lightbulb moment; other times, it’s simply acknowledging a member’s progress on a specific movement.

8. React to your needs:
Coaching is more than instructing people so they can sweat. Learning how to use your body isn’t a simple process for everyone. It’s our responsibility to understand the needs of the people in front of us so we can teach them the language of movement. To do this, we must listen to them and understand what their bodies are communicating. Coaching is like playing tennis — it’s better when two people play together.

9. Have fun:
Being a coach can be the greatest job in the world. We get to wear comfortable clothes, laugh with people every day, learn from individuals from all walks of life, and witness people achieve things they never thought possible. It’s incredibly inspiring to see someone progress physically and observe how that translates into their personal life, work life, and intimate relationships.

10. Show no weakness:
This guideline is open to interpretation. To me, “show no weakness” means reading the room. Sometimes, it’s weak to hide vulnerability. Sometimes, it’s weak to let a member choose the easy way out because they lack confidence to try the harder option. And sometimes, it’s weak to push a member who clearly cannot perform the allotted work safely and effectively. Being strong doesn’t mean being harsh. It requires emotional maturity and the ability to override your ego to do the right thing in any given situation.

The writing on the wall at InnerFight isn’t just a set of words above a water cooler — it’s a daily reminder that accountability is the foundation of growth.

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Whether you are chasing personal goals, trying to be the best for those who depend on you or simply showing up to train, embracing responsibility for your actions creates a ripple effect that transforms lives.

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What’s written on your wall? Are you holding yourself accountable to smash life?

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Find your guidelines, live by them, be accountable and experience firsthand how they shape not just your training, but your entire life.

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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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Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for weekly motivation, training tips, and behind-the-scenes content from our Dubai community and international training camps.
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If you’re based in Dubai, visit our 5,000 square foot facility to experience our world-class strength and conditioning classes, personal training, and endurance coaching. Receive 3 free sessions to experience our approach firsthand.

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Fun  - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work