By Coach Manny A.
Most clients think they need one thing that will change the trajectory of their health: the right workout program. Though mostly true, that’s not the whole story. And if you’re a coach reading this, you’re likely undercharging, not delivering to expectations, and setting yourself (and your clients) up for failure because you haven’t learned how to categorize and match clients to the right type of service. If you’re a client, perhaps you’re frustrated with a lack of results. I wrote this blog for the client to better understand their actual needs and for the coach to be in a better position to help.
Let’s rock, shall we?
The Problem with Remote Coaching
Remote coaching (aka online or virtual coaching) is a wide-open term. For the sake of clarity, I’m defining it here as: coaching delivered with no in-person component. All communication is virtual. No gym access included. Coaching service only.
And yet, every coach seems to offer remote coaching at different price points, with wildly different expectations.
Here’s what most people (coaches and clients alike) get wrong: not all remote coaching is created equal. It shouldn’t be priced the same, delivered the same, or measured the same.
The Three Levels of Remote Coaching
Level 1 – Exercise Templates ($0–$50/month)
This is for experienced, self-directed people—often competitive athletes (CrossFitters, endurance junkies, weightlifters). They don’t need accountability. They don’t need video feedback. They just need the right plan.
Templates are pre-built. AI can generate them. SugarWOD and other template services like, Mayhem, already do it. This is NOT coaching. It’s programming.
Important Note to Coaches: Stop trying to “coach” these clients unless they’re asking for it. Most of them just want a plan and the freedom to execute. You can’t (and shouldn’t) charge $300+ for this.
Level 2 – Program Design ($200–$400/month)
This is where real coaching starts, but it’s still mostly physical. These clients usually have unpredictable schedules, past injuries, or very specific goals that don’t work in group environments. They’re mostly compliant, and don’t need emotional hand-holding.
They want tailored plans, monthly check-ins, and some back-and-forth via messages or video review. They value the personal touch, but don’t need constant communication.
This level of coaching makes sense for a lot of busy professionals, parents, and motivated beginners. If you’re doing more than 1 monthly call and a few weekly messages? You’re creeping into Level 3 territory.
Level 3 – Personal Development Coaching ($1000+/month)
This is the category most people belong in—whether they know it or not.
These clients present with surface-level goals: lose weight, feel better, build a routine. But when you dig deeper, you find a history of failed attempts, low self-worth, stress, relationship breakdowns, and mindset roadblocks.
They don’t need a better workout—they need a better operating system.
This coaching is deep work: mindset, values, emotional regulation, environment, belief systems. It requires multiple virtual calls a month, regular touchpoints, constant adjustments. The energy output is massive—and the payoff can be life-changing.
Most clients who have “tried everything” and still failed belong in this bucket. Coaches who offer this need serious skill—and they should charge accordingly.
Why Most Clients Fail with Remote Coaching
- They’re in the wrong service. They sign up for a $300/month Program Design service, when what they really need is a Personal Development coach who can help them reconstruct their mindset and behaviors.
- Most coaches can’t spot the difference. Coaches don’t ask the right questions. They’re scared of losing the sale. They don’t know how to assess readiness, mindset, or deeper life patterns. So they offer the same type of service to everyone—and blame the client when it doesn’t work.
- Mismatch = friction. Clients get frustrated because they aren’t getting the results or support they expected. Coaches get unmotivated to work because they’re spending too much time on underpriced clients. Nobody wins.
Real-World Examples
I once had a client who thought he just needed help with nutrition and workouts. But after grabbing coffee and asking him about work, stress, and relationships, I realized this guy didn’t need macros and exercise—he needed to believe he was worth showing up for. We did mindset work. We set up small weekly actions. He does regular reflection work. He’s changing who he is fundamentally and is more productive now than he’s ever been.
Another client had struggled with obesity and yo-yo dieting his whole life. For the first time ever, he’s losing weight, keeping it off, and reversing type 2 diabetes. And we haven’t talked about specific workouts or meal plans in weeks. We’ve worked on beliefs, language, and identity.
Mis-categorizing either of them would have led to failure. Instead, they’re thriving because the coaching matched the need.
What Coaches Need to Do (Now)
- Learn to ask better questions. Ask about stress, relationships, patterns, failures. Go beyond “what are your goals?”
- Stop being afraid to say no. If a client isn’t a match for your service, refer them out. You’ll gain more respect by being honest.
- Price with integrity. Don’t undercharge for deep work. And don’t overcharge for templates.
- Have the courage to move clients up or down. Sometimes you get it wrong. Be willing to adjust the service or refer out.
Final Thoughts
Most people don’t need a better workout plan. They need a deeper level of coaching: self-belief, better boundaries, and a real set of values. That starts with a real conversation about what remote coaching actually is—and what it isn’t.
Redefine the service. Rebuild the trust. And raise the bar.
Because the future of coaching isn’t just workouts—it’s transformation.