WORDS MATTER
During a recent workshop in LA, a fellow coach asked me what one change I’ve adopted most in the last two to three years. It sounded simple, but it wasn’t. I could have talked about assessment, program design, breathing cues, or the idea that textbook technique isn’t real. I chose a different angle.
For us, the word assessment signals a starting point. We blend anatomy, movement, and prescription to fit the person across from us and chart a safe, efficient path from where they are to where they want to go.
For clients, assessment can feel like a test or a judgment. It’s a window of time—about 45 to 60 minutes—where a stranger might point out flaws: shoulders that’re tight, hips out of alignment, a weak core, glutes not firing, or even odd quirks. It can come off as a critique rather than help.
So I’ve started dropping the word assessment from my vocabulary. It tends to carry a negative vibe. I prefer terms like “success session,” “meet and greet,” or even playful phrases like “diesel deadlift house of fantastical dreams power hour.” It just sounds less judging, right?
THE POWER OF ‘OF COURSE’
I’m not alone in hearing the strange things people say online or in clinics. Here’s a recent back-and-forth I had with a friend:
A client with a gift certificate to my women’s strength class told me she’d have to take a month or two off to “get some of this weight off.” When I asked what she’d changed in her eating, she said she tracked calories while she was doing spin, but hadn’t adjusted her diet. The math didn’t add up.
Rather than lecture, a simple approach works: say “of course.” Of course you want to go back to spin—it’s familiar and comfortable. But there’s usually a more effective way to reach your goals.
What about someone who misses a few workouts?
“Of course you’d rather go to a Norah Jones concert than lift heavy,” I might say. She’s enjoyable, and I’ve enjoyed her songs too, but no matter how much you listen, it won’t help you hit your goal. Let’s see how we can prioritize your sessions.
And the client who wants to try keto?
“Of course you want to try the ketogenic diet. If it fits your lifestyle and you can stick with it, go for it. But if after two weeks you’re reacting to everyday comments from coworkers, we should talk.”
By leaning in and trying to understand why someone makes a choice—and offering a practical alternative—real change can happen.
There’s an inverse relationship between training volume and intensity: as volume rises, intensity tends to fall, and vice versa. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. Linear periodization, while simple, tends to work for most people. And yes, simple can be powerful.
I’d rather keep things practical than chase flashy methods. If you want to learn more, you can look it up.
