How to Spot a Good Posing Coach: Our Honest Thoughts
Much alike everything within the bodybuilding world (federations, coaches, opinions etc) there are lots of posing coaches to choose from…so where on earth do you begin?! How do you choose the ‘right one’?
Now, this of course is entirely our opinion, our honest thoughts of spotting a good posing coach. However, that doesn’t mean that these are right or wrong. Ultimately, it is your choice & you have to consider what matters the most to you.
….So, lets get into it!
1. What Category Will You Compete In?
First things first — make sure the coach offers training for your competition category! Whether you’re doing bikini, wellness, figure, or fitness model, you want to find someone who’s well-versed in the poses required for your specific class. There’s no point in wasting time searching for the perfect coach only to realize they don’t specialize in your category.
2. Which Federation(s) Are You Competing In?
Another important question is: what federations are you aiming for? Some posing coaches specialize in bodybuilding poses, while others might focus more on fitness model style. For example, a coach might teach you 1/2 turns for bodybuilding, but if you're looking to compete in fitness model or wellness, they may focus more on 1/4 turns and different stances. If you want to compete in multiple federations, it’s absolutely possible — but keep in mind, you’ll need a coach who’s skilled in both styles.
3. What’s Your Budget?
We know competition prep adds up fast — suit costs, show entry fees, coaching, gym memberships, food, supplements… the list goes on! Be sure to set a budget for your posing sessions and stick to it. Posing is important, but so are all the other expenses! Make sure you’re clear on how much you can afford to spend before you start booking sessions. (And don’t forget, we’ve got a handy budget planner to help you stay on track!)
4. Where Is the Coach Located?
Are you okay with online sessions, or would you prefer to work with a coach in person? If in-person sessions are more your style, you might want to start by searching for a coach near you. Of course, a mix of both online and in-person coaching can be really beneficial, especially for first-timers. But be mindful of the time and travel costs if you go the in-person route.
Now that you’ve thought about these key points, it’s time to start searching. But what should you be looking for when you find a coach? Here’s what we recommend:
Now you have considered all of the factors above, it’s time to start searching! But, what exactly should you be looking for?!
1. Reviews & Recommendations
Reviews are one of the best ways to gauge if a coach is the right fit for you. Look for feedback from current or past clients — their experiences can give you a good idea of what to expect. If possible, reach out to past clients directly to get their take on the coach’s style and approach. A good posing coach should have no problem providing references. After all, transparency is key!
And remember, you’ve got to vibe with your coach. They can be incredibly knowledgeable, but if you don’t gel with them, the results won’t be as effective. Posing is personal, so finding someone you click with is just as important as their expertise.
2. Transformations
A great posing coach should have an eye for detail. Even small adjustments can make a massive difference in your overall look. Look for before-and-after photos or success stories to get a sense of the transformations their clients have experienced. This can show you whether they have a good sense of how to make your body look its best on stage.
3. Tagged Photos
Social media is an amazing tool for seeing how a coach’s clients are doing. Check out tagged photos or posts after shows to see how their clients look on stage. You can get a better sense of the coach’s style and the types of federations or categories they work with. Plus, you might get a sneak peek at how clients pose before and after working with the coach.
4. Knowledge
While a coach shouldn’t give away all their secrets for free, they should at least give you a taste of their expertise. Check out their social media, blog, or YouTube videos (if they have them) to see how much they know about posing. If they provide tips and tricks online, that’s a good sign they know their stuff!
Final Thoughts: And The Best Advice I Can Give You.
There are a lot of free posing seminars (or low cost options) in comparison to when I first started (there was NOTHING). So if you can, head down to your nearest one, as you never know you might click right away with the posing coach who is running the workshop, and ticks all the boxes for you!
Finding the perfect posing coach is crucial to feeling confident and prepared for your show day. After considering your category, federation, budget, and whether you prefer in-person or online coaching, start digging into reviews, transformations, and tagged photos to get a sense of the coach’s track record. Ultimately, your coach should be someone who not only knows their stuff but also someone you feel comfortable working with.
We hope that you have found this blog useful in choosing the perfect posing coach. If there’s anything that you think we have missed, let us know. As always, if you have any further questions or topics that you would like us to cover, feel free to email us info@kompak.store or drop us a DM on Instagram @Kompakwomen.
