From Program Design to Sustainable Business Growth
Coaching isn’t just about sets, reps, and macros—it’s about building meaningful client relationships, crafting results-driven programs, running efficient systems, and growing a sustainable business. But let’s be real: balancing all of that can feel like juggling dumbbells while sprinting uphill.
This guide breaks down the four core pillars of successful coaching—Program Design, Client Relationships, Operations, and Business Growth—into actionable strategies, coaching tips, and insights straight from the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) and James FitzGerald, OPEX Founder.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting out, these insights will help you coach better, manage smarter, and grow sustainably.
Let’s dive in.
Design Better Programs
The Foundation of Effective Coaching Starts Here
Great coaching doesn’t start with a workout—it starts with an assessment. Without understanding where your client is starting from, your program is just a guess. The key? Designing with intention and precision.
Every client is unique, and their fitness journey should reflect that. But designing individualized programs doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time—it means using principles over templates and aligning every movement, rep, and set with a clear purpose.
Key Insights for Program Design:
Assessment-Driven Coaching: Before writing a single workout, know your client’s strengths, weaknesses, and capacity. Use assessments to guide every design decision.
Energy Systems (OPEX Gain, Pain, Sustain): Understand how different workout structures elicit different physiological responses. Are you programming for strength, stamina, or recovery?
Progression vs. Variation: Progressions build consistency and results. Variations keep clients engaged and address weaknesses. Use both thoughtfully.
How CoachRx Supports Program Design:
Build individualized programs based on assessment data.
Use templates for repeatable, scalable efficiency.
Adjust programs on the fly based on client feedback and results.
Pro Tip: CoachRx makes it easy to integrate assessments, design repeatable structures, and track results—all in one place.
Coaching Tip: The OPEX Move Assessment
Focus on foundational movement patterns like squats, hinges, lunges, push, and pull.
Identify patterns of limitation or compensation instead of isolated "issues."
Build initial programs that address these patterns while aligning with client goals.
Example Question to Ask Yourself: “What does this movement pattern tell me about my client’s capabilities, and how can I design accordingly?”
The assessment isn’t just a starting point—it’s the map. Without it, you’re just guessing. With it, you’re coaching with clarity and confidence." James FitzGerald, OPEX Founder
Try This Today: Pick one client and review their last assessment results. Ask yourself: “How do these results directly inform their current program design?”
Manage Better Client Relationships
Because Great Coaching is Built on Great Relationships
Coaching isn’t just a transaction—it’s a partnership. Your clients need to feel heard, understood, and supported if they’re going to trust you to guide them to their goals.
Too many coaches focus solely on workouts and neglect the power of meaningful conversations. But here’s the truth: clients don’t quit because the workouts are too hard—they quit because they don’t feel seen.
Key Insights for Client Relationships:
Initial Consultation: The first conversation sets the tone for everything. Ask questions that reveal why your client wants to train, not just what they want to achieve.
Structured Check-Ins: Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins provide accountability, build trust, and catch small issues before they become big problems.
Feedback Loops: Make feedback a two-way street. Celebrate successes, address struggles, and stay flexible with your programming.
How CoachRx Enhances Client Relationships:
Schedule and automate client check-ins so no one gets overlooked.
Keep detailed client notes so you never miss important details.
Track client progress in real-time and share updates seamlessly.
Pro Tip: Strong client relationships are built on consistency. Use reminders and automation to ensure every client feels like your top priority.
Coaching Tip: The Power of the Consultation Framework
Ask open-ended questions like: “What does success look like to you?” or “What’s been holding you back in the past?”
Dive into habits and routines—how do they sleep, eat, and manage stress?
Always end with clear next steps so clients leave feeling confident and informed.
Example Question to Ask Yourself: “What’s one thing I learned in my last consultation that I can use to personalize this client’s next session?”
"The consultation isn’t just a meeting—it’s the foundation of trust. Build it right, and the rest of the relationship will thrive." James FitzGerald, OPEX Founder
Try This Today: Before your next check-in, prepare one thoughtful question that goes beyond surface-level updates.
Run Better Operations
Efficiency Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
If your systems are messy, your coaching business will feel chaotic. Great coaching operations aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re non-negotiable.
Running an efficient coaching business doesn’t mean doing more; it means doing things better, faster, and with consistency.
Key Insights for Operations:
Repeatable Systems: Build workflows for tasks you do regularly—client onboarding, weekly check-ins, and program updates.
Time Management: Block your schedule for deep work, client calls, and admin tasks.
Business Metrics: Know your numbers—revenue per client, retention rates, churn rate, and growth trends.
How CoachRx Optimizes Operations:
Centralize client data and program designs in one place.
Automate routine tasks to free up time for coaching.
Use dashboards to track client and business performance metrics.
Pro Tip: If you’re spending hours on repetitive admin tasks, it’s time to automate.
Coaching Tip: Build Repeatable Systems
Identify repetitive tasks.
Create step-by-step workflows for each task.
Use software tools to automate wherever possible.
"Strong systems aren’t restrictive—they’re freeing. They give you time, clarity, and the space to actually coach."
James FitzGerald, OPEX Founder
Try This Today: Create a simple checklist for one recurring task this week—like onboarding a new client.
Build Better Business
Sustainable Growth Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Growth isn’t about packing your roster with more clients—it’s about building a scalable, repeatable system that delivers consistent results.
Key Insights for Business Growth:
Client Retention First: Happy clients stay longer and refer others.
Track Key Metrics: Measure retention, average revenue, and churn rates.
Plan for the Long Game: Think in years, not weeks.
Coaching Tip: Know Your Numbers
What’s your retention rate?
What’s your average revenue per client?
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Tracking your key metrics isn’t busywork—it’s how you steer your business in the right direction."
James FitzGerald, OPEX Founder
Ultimate Tech Stack for Fitness Coaches
1️⃣ CoachRx – Your Coaching Command Center.
2️⃣ OPEX CCP – Mentor-Guided Coaching Mastery.
3️⃣ LearnRx – On-Demand Coaching Education.
Explore the Tools to Elevate Your Coaching Today!
Now go out there and build the coaching business you’ve always dreamed of.
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