Trial and error: An underutilized way to learn
About two weeks ago I got an email from a newly minted trainer who had read my article on program design not long before. He admitted that program design was one of his weak points and that he felt ill-prepared to write effective programs, even after finishing the certification. I could relate. I remembered how in the first few months of my own personal training career I felt like a total failure when it came to writing programs for clients.
Here’s how it went: Client: “Hi.” Me: “Hi.” Client: “Can you write me a program to help me reach my goals?” Me: “Be right back.” I turned around and headed to the back room to hyperventilate into a paper bag. Ten minutes later I returned with, “Yes, I can do that.”
Since those early months, I’ve written thousands of programs for a wide range of people with different backgrounds. Many have drawn on books I’ve read, lectures I’ve listened to, and conversations with colleagues. Some come from me just tossing around ideas and testing them out. There is always a thought process behind them; I’m not simply throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Still, a part of my approach has often been me asking, “What happens if I try this?” No one has died or lost an appendage yet.
More importantly, none of my programs have been perfect. Even today I’m constantly cutting things out, swapping exercises, adjusting loads, regressing, progressing, or changing my mind. Sometimes I’m overzealous; other times I’m too cautious. Sometimes I’m wrong. I’m not afraid to admit it. The point is I keep leaning into the process and accept that I am (and will always be) this close to grabbing that paper bag.
That brings me back to the new trainer. As we talked, he proposed something: he wanted help finding another coach to mentor him and possibly write programs for a few of his current clients. He’d provide the details. The other coach would write the program, and then they would “dissect” the program to explore the why’s and how’s behind it.
I offered two pieces of advice. First, seek out a local trainer or coach you can shadow or observe on a semi-regular basis. This is something I wish I’d done earlier in my career. There’s enormous value in watching another coach work in real time and in having the opportunity to ask questions. Most coaches are more than willing to have people stop by and observe. Second, just do it. Oftentimes the best way to learn or get better at something is by doing. If you want to get better at chess you play chess; if you want to get better at a particular dance you practice that dance.
Let’s be real: you won’t write perfect programs. That’s an unfair expectation. Your clients don’t need perfect programs, just some noticeable progress. Most people improve regardless of the exact plan. It’s about being consistent with something, rather than chasing a fancy, perfectly undulated, periodized program. If you’re a new trainer, the best way to learn how to write programs is to jump in and do it. Trial and error is a great learning tool. Actually, it’s a lot like a Star Trek convention.
