Matt & CJ Gotcher answer your questions about the Academy and coaching, including when you should fire a client, how Matt's coaching practice has changed, the PBC process, and how to know if coaching is NOT right for you.  CJ Gotcher is a staff coach for Barbell Logic and the Academy Director.  0:00 Introduction 1:57 Firing a Client As a coach--or really anyone in the service industry--you will eventually come across a client who you no longer wish to serve. Often, this comes from repeatedly crossing boundaries. Often the coach is not a good fit for that person--it doesn't mean that the client is a bad person. How could I do this better? Often, that client needs a different coach who can better serve them. This is a great aspect of Barbell Logic, that we can usually find a different coach to better serve that client.  Occasionally, a client may habitually cross boundaries--the term "malevolent" pops up--and you should not feel like you need to protect yourself from the client. That is a sign you might need to fire a client.  7:02 How Has Matt's Coaching Practice Changed? We've moved from strength at all costs to strength as a tool to improve quality of life. There are other things important beyond strength training. We still value barbells and think barbells are a fantastic tool to improve quality of life. What is the client life-cycle? Matt has hit big squat and deadlift PRs, but he's okay with the idea that he never will again. He recognizes the sacrifices it would take to hit another PR, and he doesn't want to make them.  11:32 Credibility in Coaching - Clients' Wants vs Needs Have to realize that a new client has not necessarily bought in fully to your training paradigm, that you have to build credibility. For whatever reason, they've come to you, but you were likely one of multiple options.  What really matters--to you and the client? For example, if the client wants to compete in powerlifting and won't squat, that's a problem. If, however, the client wants to sumo deadlift and you think the conventional deadlift is better, how important is that to you? Can the client still accomplish his or her goals? For example, Matt now has Gillian Ward coaching him for strength (already a nutrition client). Matt is beat up from years of Strong Man & Powerlifting. Gillian has been asking how exercises feel, if they hurt, if they do hurt, where and how much? She is building trust and problem-solving and not pushing Matt into a cookie-cutter program.  16:26 Is Coaching NOT For Me? Just because you love to lift, doesn't mean you'll love coaching or be a great coach. If you don't really care about people, that's a red flag. Really ask yourself if you enjoy it? If you feel some resistance, which aspects of coaching might you not enjoy (because you will always not enjoy SOMETHING about a certain job or profession).  There are lots of different demographics and types of coaching, so experiment and see if a different demographic or type is better.  23:33 Training Older Men Can I find guard rails where they can push themselves (maybe a super heavy low bar squat can't be pushed, but what about some accessories or box squats or stressing the deadlift).  Educate them on why you're doing what you're doing.  A huge trust-builder here is to be more right about their experience than they are (eg they hammer themselves on Wednesday with extra volume after you've pushed less volume, have a discussion with them after they bonk on Friday--not an "I told you so" but a moment for education). 27:43 How Frequent is the Academy? It's at your own pace in an online learning environment. There are optional events, but you complete it when and where you want.  Also, there is the Advanced where you can deep dive into a subject you need to focus on.  30:26 Long-Legged Athletes-Squatting & Pulling They're going to look more bent over, but can also be too bent over. CJ finds himself using overcorrection cues "overcues." Most people aren't made to squat AND p