Dealing with Unsolicited Advice:
How to Handle Backseat Coaching
Welcome to the Melbourne West FAQ Education series!
These blog posts are designed to address the basics in the gym and provide helpful insights. If you have any questions, queries, or topics you'd like us to cover, please let us know via this form: (https://forms.gle/oeXZcbWgwrCmpMrf9).
Today, we're tackling a common issue that many lifters face: unsolicited advice. We've all encountered those well-meaning individuals who feel compelled to offer their opinions on our lifting technique without being asked. This phenomenon, known as backseat coaching, can be frustrating and disruptive. In this post, we'll discuss how to navigate this situation and maintain focus on your training journey.
What is Backseat Coaching?
Backseat coaching occurs when someone, who isn't your coach, decides to share advice or critique your lifting technique without your consent. While their intentions may be good, their input is often generalized, incorrect, or unwanted. It's important to recognize that you can only control your reaction to such advice.
Identifying Backseat Coaching
Backseat coaching can manifest in various ways. It might involve someone responding to a video you proudly posted on your Instagram story, offering unsolicited feedback on your clean technique. It could be a fellow gym member attempting to provide coaching tips during your workout. Even family members or coworkers may feel compelled to offer their thoughts on your squat form.
How to Handle Unsolicited Advice
1. Embrace the reality: Understand that everyone will have an opinion about your lifting, and it's up to them whether they share it or not. Accept that unsolicited advice is part of the journey, but remember the value of your coach's guidance and your personalized program.
2. Respect your coach: Recognize that your coach is a qualified professional with education and experience. They watch you lift, provide cues, correct your technique, and design your training program. Trust in their expertise and the work you're doing together.
3. Respond politely or ignore: If you receive unsolicited advice via online messages, you can choose to ignore it or respond politely, thanking the person for their input. In face-to-face encounters, consider thanking them for their suggestion and informing them that you have a coach guiding your progress.
4. Communicate with your coach: If the advice you received is causing confusion or persistent thoughts, share it with your coach. They can help you evaluate its validity and provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Remember, your training journey is unique to you. While others may offer well-intentioned advice, staying focused on your coach's guidance and the personalized program will lead to the best results.
If you have any other questions or topics you'd like us to cover, please let us know via the link below:
-Coach Ari
