Training with a coach: what to share and what stays private

A coach can only help with what they can see. But sharing your training doesn't have to mean sharing everything: a good setup gives your coach what they need and nothing more.

What your coach needs

• Your workouts: exercises, sets, weights and reps. This is how they know whether the plan is working.
• How hard sets felt. Reps in reserve or a quick rating tells them whether to push or ease off. See what RIR means.
• How often you train against the goal you agreed, and what got in the way when you missed.
• Anything that hurts. Tell them directly, so they can change the plan.

What can stay private

Heart rate, body weight, body fat, measurements, sleep and other health readings, your menstrual cycle, notes and progress photos. Some coaches ask for some of these, and sharing them can help, but it should be your choice, item by item.

Get the most from it

1. Log every set as you go, not from memory afterwards.
2. Do the plan as written for a few weeks before asking to change it.
3. Read their notes, and reply when something isn't working.

In Liftsmith

Enter your coach's code (or open their invite link) and you'll see exactly what they'll see before you agree: your workouts from the last year, how long you trained, how hard sets felt and your weekly goal. They never see your heart rate, body, health readings, cycle, injuries, notes, gyms or photos. You can stop sharing at any time, and being a client is free. Coaches can read more on coaching in Liftsmith.

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