Are you overwhelmed by all the confusing info tossed around by people claiming to be health coaches and fitness influencers on the internet? Yeah, ME TOO. I think it's time we call them out on their bullshit!
Andrew Coates has over a decade in the industry and owns Andrew Coates Fitness. He began his career as a personal trainer in the fall of 2010 in Edmonton, Alberta, and has 19,000+ client coaching hours (and counting). Andrew is also a fitness writer and has contributed to many fitness publications, including T-Nation, The PTDC, Generation Iron, and TrueCoach, with more in the works.
In this episode, Andrew and I spill the tea on the shady side of the fitness industry and all the garbage messaging out there. We'll talk about how to separate the legit coaches from the ones just selling you snake oil, the toxic mess of "body positivity," and ways to help you shift from a passive content consumer to an active creator so you can begin to make the changes you've been dying for!
Topics Covered:
- How to filter out the BS coaches and why you need a coach that calls you on your shit
- How to inoculate yourself against misinformation and bridge the gap between evidence and empathy
- The real problem with losing weight and Andrew's favorite tactic for nutritional change
- Why a legit coach will never tell you what to do
- The concept of consumption vs. creation and how to foster an identity around your goals
- The problem with information overload and when you need to reach out for help
- Why waiting for the perfect time is an excuse and why you can't be successful without a growth mindset
What's the first step you're taking to cut through the BS and get working on your goals? I would love to know! Message me on Instagram to let me know and tell me what topics you want to hear more about or who I should have on the show.
Listen on:
Links & Mentioned Resources
You Can't Screw This Up by Adam Bornstein
Eat It by Jordan Syatt
Renaissance Diet 2.0 by Renaissance Periodization
Fat Loss Forever by Layne Norton
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Connect with Andrew
Connect with Nathalia
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That's exactly what you'll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will share in this podcast: actionable tips to help busy working moms be more present at work and home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Nathalia introduces Andrew Coates, fitness writer, podcast host, and industry expert, as her first non-family male guest. She highlights Andrew’s background in sports, writing for major publications, and his notable cat, Ozzy.
Key Topics and Takeaways:
-
Social Media’s Role in Fitness and Connections
Andrew recounts how social media led to their collaboration and friendship. He emphasizes its potential to connect like-minded professionals when used authentically.
Nathalia: Social media can also amplify misinformation, which highlights the need for discernment. -
Evidence-Based Fitness vs. Misinformation
Andrew critiques influencers who falsely attribute their results to ineffective methods like bodyweight-only workouts while selling those programs. He advocates lifting heavy and promoting truthful, evidence-based guidance.
Nathalia: Adds that the lack of industry regulation makes it harder for general audiences to discern quality coaching from marketing gimmicks.
Advice for Clients Seeking Coaches:
- Look for empathy combined with evidence-based practices.
- Avoid promises that sound too good to be true.
- Question and research claims—coaching should focus on sustainability, not extremes.
-
The Toxicity of Extreme Narratives
Andrew and Nathalia discuss harmful extremes in the industry, from toxic body positivity to unhealthy competition practices. They stress the importance of empathy and rejecting shame-based narratives.
Nathalia: While self-love is essential, it’s equally vital to recognize when discomfort stems from unhappiness and the need for change. Coaches should empower clients with education and tailored guidance.
-
Simplifying Nutrition and Building Sustainable Habits
Andrew introduces his three-bucket approach to food:
- Bucket 1: Nutritious, home-cooked meals you enjoy.
- Bucket 2: Low-quality, convenient junk to avoid.
- Bucket 3: High-calorie treats you love and can include in moderation.
Focus on reducing “bucket 2” items, keeping “bucket 3” treats special, and emphasizing “bucket 1” for the majority of meals.
Nathalia: Balancing realistic goals and personal preferences is crucial for long-term success. Removing demonization of food allows for informed choices without guilt.
-
Overcoming Hopelessness and Inaction
Nathalia: Many people feel hopeless after repeated failures, especially women who balance multiple roles. This often leads to avoidance and excuses, like waiting for the “perfect time.”
Andrew’s Advice:
- The best time to start is now, even when life is busy. Building habits during challenging times ensures sustainability when life gets harder again.
- Reflect on your future self: What kind of health and lifestyle do you want in 5, 10, or 30 years?
- Seek professional help when you feel stuck or overwhelmed by information overload.
-
Coaching Philosophy and Lifelong Learning
Andrew shares his own commitment to continuous learning through certifications, books, and industry connections. He believes a growth mindset and willingness to learn are essential for coaches and clients alike.
Nathalia: Even as a former Olympia champion, she continues to work with coaches and seek expertise in areas she isn’t proficient in, underscoring the value of guidance.
Final Thoughts from Andrew:
- Parents and caregivers shouldn’t feel guilty for prioritizing their health—it benefits everyone around them.
- Fitness professionals and clients alike should focus on abundance, sharing, and lifting others.
- Start when it’s hard, as building habits during challenging times sets the stage for lifelong success.
Actionable Tips:
- Share and Engage: Support podcast creators by sharing episodes, leaving reviews, and recommending them to friends.
- Learn and Apply: Move from consuming information to taking action. Identify resources you trust and implement changes.
- Ask for Help: If overwhelmed, reach out to professionals who can guide you through tailored strategies.
Find Andrew Coates:
- Instagram: @AndrewCoatesFitness
- Podcast: Lift Free and Diet Hard
