One of the most important principles in coaching is this:

🎯 Right strategy, right client, right time.

If you’re not matching your training approach to the client’s level, you’re either overwhelming them or holding them back. That’s why we developed the Client Levels System—to help coaches train smarter, not harder.

If you haven’t read the Client Levels blog post, click here to check it out first.

In this post, let’s dive deeper into how to tailor training strategies based on a client’s level.

🔰 Level 1 Clients: Build the Base

Main Focus:
✔️ Movement competency
✔️ Making training enjoyable
✔️ Avoiding overwhelm or injury

These clients are new to training. Your job? Build confidence, help them move well, and make it fun so they keep showing up.

🔹 Training Tip: Prioritize basic patterns—squat, hinge, push, pull—at moderate intensity.
🔹 Coaching Style: Client-centered — listen, validate, and adapt to their feedback. If they dislike an exercise, switch it up.

A client who loves the process will stay long enough to see results. That’s your #1 goal with Level 1s.

⚙️ Level 2 Clients: Train with Intention

Main Focus:
✔️ Goal-specific programming
✔️ Technique & training quality
✔️ Moderate push, still flexible

These clients have a solid foundation and are chasing specific results—like hypertrophy, strength, mobility, or endurance.

Examples by goal:

• Hypertrophy: Maximize range and mechanical tension

• Strength: Focus on bar speed and full-body tension

• Mobility: Train through end-range with control

• Cardio: Maintain target heart rate/intensity zones

🔹 Coaching Style: Still client-centered, but you’ll take more direction over programming while respecting client feedback.

🔥 Level 3 Clients: Coach-Led Precision

Main Focus:
✔️ High performance
✔️ Expert-led structure
✔️ Minimal flexibility

These clients are chasing elite outcomes—physique competitions, athletic performance, advanced strength goals—and need full structure.

At this level, a coach-centered model is key. Clients lean into your expertise, not personal preference.

Think of a bodybuilder in comp prep. Everything about their lifestyle needs to go against what feels comfortable:

• Constant hunger

• No social life

• Brutal training

• Mental fatigue

Same goes for athletes: rehab, prehab, and movement prep might feel tedious, but they’re essential.

🔹 Coaching Style: You lead. You decide. They follow.

💡 Recap: Match the Strategy to the Level

• Level 1: Focus on fun, consistency, and movement quality

• Level 2: Train with clear goals and intention

• Level 3: Go all in with coach-driven structure and intensity

Most of your clients will live in Level 1 or Level 2. Save the hardcore programming for those who are truly ready for it.

🎁 Want the full Client Levels Resource?

Click here to download it now and elevate your coaching game.

And if you’ve got any questions—DM us! We're always happy to help.