What's wrong with coaching, and how we can fix it

What's wrong with coaching, and how we can fix it

Author: Ashleigh VanHouten & Rachel Gregory March 30, 2021 Duration: 1:31:02

Coaching is big business - perhaps even more so now, when our options for going to the gym and working out can be more limited. As a professional in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade, Ashleigh has worked as a coach and has experience as a client; she's also worked with, observed, interviewed, and learned from some of the top coaches in the industry.

When a coaching experience doesn't go well, it's easy to chalk it up to an unmotivated client, or a crappy coach - sometimes this is true, but more often it boils down to miscommunication and unclear goals. A coach/client relationship requires understanding, open-mindedness, respect, and communication (just like every relationship) but often we don't focus on this; instead we focus on how much money we're spending, how fit the coach looks, and how long this "getting healthy" process will take.

In this episode, Ashleigh breaks down what she sees as the biggest "failures" of both coaches and clients, and how she thinks we can improve the culture and understanding and approach to coaching to improve outcomes and create healthier, happier people.

You can learn more about Ashleigh's coaching services at ashleighvanhouten.com, or https://www.volv.ai/channels/-12/musclemaven

TIMESTAMPS:

[08:33] - Part 1: The problem with coaches

[34:41] - Part 2: The problem with clients

[1:02:17] - Part 3: How to fix the client/coach relationship

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Ashleigh VanHouten and Rachel Gregory, the co-creators behind the Muscle Science for Women training program, bring their combined expertise as a health coach and a nutritionist-strength specialist into a regular, down-to-earth conversation. This isn't about generic fitness advice; it's a deep, practical look at how women can build strength and wellness on their own terms. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair with two knowledgeable friends who genuinely understand the specific physiological and cultural landscape women navigate in gyms and kitchens. They tackle the real questions-from optimizing nutrition for energy and recovery to designing effective training sessions and critically examining fitness trends. The dialogue is always rooted in science but delivered without jargon, making complex topics like metabolism, hormonal influences, and sustainable habit change both accessible and actionable. Tuning into this podcast offers a reliable source of clarity amidst the noise, transforming the principles of muscle science into a personalized roadmap for anyone looking to feel stronger and more confident. You'll hear honest discussions that blend evidence with experience, all aimed at empowering your individual health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Muscle Science for Women
Podcast Episodes
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Welcome to 2026! In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh catch up on their holiday breaks, share personal reflections on growth and alignment, and announce an exciting new product launching soon. In This Episode: Rachel sha…
Ep 121: 12 Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:05
In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, the hosts reflect on the challenging year of 2025 and share strategies to combat seasonal depression. They discuss their personal experiences and coping mechanisms, including…
Ep 120: Understanding Thyroid Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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