So you’ve made the decision to bring on a trainer or two. However, you’re a bit nervous. You want to bring on folks that will strengthen your existing team (you solo/or you plus partner(s)). You want them to understand the methodology, be able to implement it safely as well as have the character and personality that will compliment your affiliate. You also want to pay them well such that they can earn a great living doing work they love. And you understand that the likelihood of finding the perfect, experienced coach who will fit seamlessly into your affiliate right out of the gate is not high. What to do?
FINDING Trainers
From what I have seen the “finding” component is almost becoming a non-issue as CrossFit continues to grow at exponential rates. There was a time when you had to travel across state lines to find another CF trainer. Today there are more than 150 trainers getting their Level 1 cert each weekend. If you live in a dense urban environment there is likely no shortage of folks with a Level 1 cert. This definitely helps the growing awareness and recognition of the CrossFit movement, but there are some interesting issues that arise.
I had a conversation recently with someone who was conveying frustration that his friend who was newly Level 1 certified was having a hell of a time getting a job at any of the Southern California CrossFit affiliates. He claimed his friend was a great CrossFitter and he couldn’t understand why he couldn’t get hired. We chatted for quite a while and while I don’t personally know the reasons the particular affiliates he approached turned him down, I was happy to share my own opinions 
Here’s the deal. Being a great CrossFitter is awesome. Getting your level 1 is a start. Neither would automatically merit you a job in my gym. Being a great CrossFitter does not mean you are a great coach. Being newly level 1 certified does not mean you are a great coach. Really loving CrossFit does not make you a great coach.
Experience makes you a great coach, and there’s really no way to fast track that fact. Hours and hours of training people is what makes a great coach. Experience working with clients and getting them results. Experience generating rapport with people and getting them to positively change their behavior. Surrounding yourself with more experienced coaches than yourself helps make a great coach. Being humble and aware of your strengths and weaknesses and the desire to continually learn are all components of a great coach.
Am I saying that unless you show up on my doorstep already a “great coach” that I won’t give you a shot? Absolutely not. None of our trainers were great coaches when they began their journey with us. All of them were clients first and were passionate, excited and eager to learn. Here’s the thing, not one of them showed up off the street, Level 1 cert in hand expecting us to give them classes to teach and a paycheck.
An established affiliate who takes on a newly certed “green” coach is investing heavily in that individual. Even if the person is an unpaid apprentice, there is significant investment on the part of the affiliate. Time, commitment, sharing of knowledge and business systems, and a huge amount of trust. So the question becomes, do you give this green trainer who just showed up on your doorstep an opportunity? How do you develop him? What do you pay him? Do you pay him at all? What if you give him a shot and then decide he’s not a good fit for your program?
To be continued….
Nicki, thanks for the great information. We are getting ready to bring a new L1 trainer on board. He developed like many of yours, started crossfitting with us, has made an awesome transformation and now is getting certified. Question for you: would you start this person out on an internship for “x” months, then start paying him, what has been the best way for you to address this? He listens well, works his ass off, and is always willing to lend a hand, he also has the respect of our other athletes. Thanks again for taking the time to help the CrossFit community out!
Best Regards,
Adam
Adam,
I would draw up some clear expectations and have a “probationary” period (I would pay him nominally) for you to make sure he’s a good fit. He might be a great, helpful client, but as we’ve found, not all great clients make great trainers. Just my two cents
Awesome post, yet again Nicki! I completely agree with your thought on good coaches – firsthand experience is what it comes down to.
Here in Vegas, all of our trainers are former members. We put them through a pretty rigorous try-out period as “Interns” after they reecive their Level 1 Cert. They must “shadow/assist” with every “Elements” class for one month (our version of your “On-Ramp”). After that, they must take Joe and I through a 1-on-1 session and/or “Baseline” to show us they can handle it. We then let them start leading the warm-ups for regular classes and doing “Baseline” sessions. Eventually, Joe and I let them lead classes on their own and do 1-on-1 sessions.
Finally, we know we’ve developed a good coach when Joe and I feel they are ready to teach an “Elements” class, as those require the most intensive coaching in my opinion.
Our only dilema is the compensation =/ We currently pay them as employees with seperate class and 1-on-1 rates..but I don’t feel like this rewards them adequately. I’m very eager to hear your take on how you guys pay your trainers!
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thank you for posting these articles, very helpful.
“An established affiliate who takes on a newly certed “green” coach is investing heavily in that individual. Even if the person is an unpaid apprentice, there is significant investment on the part of the affiliate.” Great choice of words, investment but worth the effort for the right person.
Thanks Saul!
And you’re absolutely right…totally worth the effort for the right folks!
Great read Nicki! We are definitely looking forward to reading the full article when it comes out. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks Anthony! Tell Jodi hello for me!
Great post as usual. It is exactly the subject I wanted to ask you about as it is very interesting for the development of the box I am currently setting up in Cape Town. Cannot wait for the article comes out – was hoping it would be in the November issue
Thanks a lot Nicki. All the best to you and Robb!