WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY A TRAINER/COACH UPFRONT FOR LESSONS! 🥊🥋😎

Hey, everyone! Today, I want to talk about something super important that could save you a lot of money and frustration—why you should never pay upfront for private lessons in martial arts or fitness training. I've got a lot of experience in this field, so trust me, you don't want to miss out on these tips.

The Problem with Paying Upfront

Whether you're into martial arts like kickboxing, boxing, or just looking for a good personal trainer, you'll often hear coaches asking for upfront payments. They might say something like, "Pay for ten lessons upfront, and I'll give you a discount." But hold up—before you pull out your wallet, let's think about this.

Why Coaches Want Upfront Payments

First off, I get it. Everyone's got to make a living, right? Maybe these coaches need the money immediately or prefer having a set schedule without the hassle of constant updates. If you pay upfront, it might ease their planning and financial stress. But there's a massive downside to this approach.

Lack of Incentive

Here's the kicker: Once you pay upfront, your trainer has zero incentive to put in the work. Over the years, I've seen countless people pay upfront for private lessons, only to end up with lazy coaches. These coaches, especially in boxing or kickboxing, get complacent. They should be teaching technique and holding mitts, but often, they do the bare minimum once they've got your money.

Honestly, guys, what happens when you start paying for lessons upfront? It gives your trainer no incentive to do any of the work.

Personal Experience

I’ve been around the block with this one. I get plenty of private lessons—partly because of my UFC background and name, but mainly because I'm not lazy. I hold pads and teach diligently. In my sessions, I'll hold pads for 40-45 minutes. Compare that to some trainers who make you jump rope and shadowbox forever, then do only a few rounds on the pads before making you hit the bag for the rest of the lesson. It's just not fair.

A Typical Bad Session

Warm-Up: Jump rope for three rounds
Shadowboxing: Three rounds
Mitt Work: Three rounds of three minutes (if you're lucky)
Heavy Bag: The rest of the hour

You deserve better than a coach who’s just going through the motions. You’re paying for their time and expertise, so they should be motivated to give you their best.

Pay Per Lesson

So what’s the solution? Simple—pay per lesson. Tell your trainer that you can't afford to pay for multiple lessons upfront. This keeps them on their toes and gives them a reason to put in the effort each time. They know you could walk away if they slack off.

You want to give your trainer the incentive to do their job—holding the pads, correcting your technique, and putting in the effort.

Trust and Rapport

Now, if you've built a strong rapport with a coach over time, things might be different. If you've been training with them for a while and you trust them, then paying for multiple lessons in advance could be okay. But until you reach that level of trust, sticking to a pay-per-lesson model is your best bet.

Impact on Training Goals

Whatever your goals—be it losing weight, becoming a fighter, or just getting fit—paying upfront can often backfire. Trainers losing their motivation means you're not getting the quality instruction you're paying for. From my experience and what I've observed over the years, this practice often leaves clients dissatisfied.

Summary Checklist
1. Evaluate the Coach: Make sure your coach is engaged and working hard in each session.
2. Start Slow: Only commit to more lessons upfront once you’ve built a solid rapport.
3. Pay Per Lesson: Keep your coach motivated by paying for each lesson individually.
4. Communicate Your Goals: Ensure your coach understands and aligns with your training objectives.

Conclusion

To sum it up, guys, be cautious about paying upfront for lessons. Whether it's martial arts or general fitness training, you want to incentivize your coach to care about your progress. By paying per lesson, you ensure that they stay motivated and give you the quality training you're paying for.

If you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to reach out. And don't forget to check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School & Instructor," for more insights.

Thank you for reading, and happy training!