Today’s guest post comes from Meer Awny, a strength and conditioning coach based in Sydney, Australia.
There’s a common belief in the fitness world, especially among new coaches, that you need some secret algorithm to get noticed: social media metrics, the letters after your name, and a constant stream of bragging about CrossFit or ketosis. In reality, the formula is simpler: get good at your craft, stay consistent, and use practical strategies like the ones Meer shares below.
Is age just a number? Is there a way to be taken seriously before 30 in the fitness industry?
You graduate with a degree and want to work with athletes. Of course you should—you’re among the fresh grads hoping to make your mark. But the reality often isn’t so simple. The title “Sports Scientist” doesn’t guarantee career certainty, and you may find yourself on the gym floor, putting away weights and training general population clients. There’s no shame in applying solid coaching principles to a broader audience, but many want to train sports stars and gain recognition.
With social media saturation, it’s easy to feel pressure to have a voice and contribute to your field. But do we really understand how the people we admire got where they are? Instead of doing the hard work, we stack up books and chase the perfect Instagram filter. That’s not always the answer.
Eventually you realize that the big names aren’t the same age as you, have more experience, and consistently provide high-quality content for free without complaint. You want to be taken seriously despite the “oh you’ve got plenty of time” comments you hear when you say you’re 24.
But what is experience? We’re told it comes from trial and error, and that wisdom grows with time. You picture the day you’re a 35-year-old coach working with the athletes you hoped to train from day one. Is age equal to wisdom, or is the value of the time spent more important than the clock?
Here are ways to add value to the time you have, rather than waiting for time itself.
1. Volunteer
Get comfortable with giving your time. If you’re not willing to offer your time, things aren’t likely to go well. It doesn’t have to be an internship, but be genuine and selfless in learning and working with people. This includes taking the time to talk with your athletes and clients. As strength coach Mike Boyle once said, “Your athletes don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
2. Internship/Mentorship
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is: find the person who’s doing what you want to do and learn from them. In 2017 I spent five weeks in Denver, learning from top coach Loren Landow. The process required time, patience, and persistence. Internships let you test areas you’re curious about and see whether you want to work with a particular group or field. They provide real experience and a taste of what it’s like to be in the role you want.
3. Networks
The saying holds true: who you know is often more important than what you know. Reading all the books won’t replace good connections. Attend conferences and seminars, and invest time to learn from people who can improve your practice and your character. Attendance alone isn’t enough—you need to be active: introduce yourself, swap contact details, ask questions, and follow up within two weeks. Building these relationships opens doors and adds credibility for a young coach.
4. Patience & Expectations
Set realistic goals. Don’t expect world champions in your first year, but don’t rule it out forever. Put in the work, master your craft, stay consistent, and people will seek you out.
5. Hobbies & Yourself
Being immersed in the field is valuable, but broad knowledge helps you connect with many people. Balance sport science with other interests, read beyond the usual topics, and you’ll improve your ability to relate to people of all ages. A daily reminder to try: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Show up consistently and demonstrate you care about the people you work with. If you don’t, you might be in the wrong field. A well-known comparison suggests two types of people: those who need guidance, and those who push forward relentlessly. Time isn’t irrelevant, and experience comes with years of effort. You can be the latter by applying these principles to earn serious consideration before 30.
About the author
Meer Awny is a strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer from Sydney, Australia. His work focuses on combat sport athletes, from amateurs to national competitors, across various martial arts, including top-ranked athletes. Meer has traveled to develop his coaching and has spent time with UFC fighters, learning from leading combat sport performance coaches. In his spare time, Meer enjoys coffee tastings, scuba diving, reading, cooking, travel, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing. You can find Meer on Instagram.
