Coach HubThe four setup mistakes
1. Too much complexity at the start
Complexity is the killer right at the start of a program. What you want is simplicity, repeatability and a small stepping stone into the plan. Give them a couple of weeks to build routine and confidence with prepping before you add anything: high and low days, more options, clever timing.
2. Too much variety, and too many early changes
Coaches overwhelm new clients with options, then let them request adjustment after adjustment in the first 1–2 weeks. Hold the plan steady long enough for a routine to form. Remember the nice-coach trap from Module 1: if the plan keeps changing, the client never does.
3. Missing the macros
The most common miss is fat for women. Coaches check protein and carbs and forget the fat floor. Audit every combination of meal options: pick the lowest-fat option at each meal and make sure the day still clears the floor.
4. No wiggle room left
Start with more room to move than you need. If you open at the lowest calories and highest cardio they can handle, you've got nowhere to go when progress slows. A comfortable start builds adherence, and it keeps levers in your back pocket for later.
Meet them in the middle
This sits under all four. The plan shouldn't be totally different from what they eat now, and it shouldn't be exactly the same either.
| They currently have | Don't | Do |
|---|---|---|
| A smoothie for breakfast | Replace it with eggs and toast | Give them a better smoothie |
| Yoghurt and a coffee | Take it away | Yoghurt, protein powder, oats and berries |
| Pizza a few nights a week | Keep the pizza | Find the meal they'll actually swap it for |
Expenditure before food
When progress stalls, look at movement before cutting food further. There's only so much food you can take away. Module 4 covers steps and cardio as levers.