Coaching
The coaching philosophy and the process behind the practice.
The Relationships
I’ve been fortunate enough to have observed, learned from and been directly mentored by world class coaches. I’ve worked with hundreds of people, coached in gyms all over Australia; in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Far North Queensland. I’ve undergone an intense Apprenticeship in America and have spent everyday since learning and practicing.
Through all of these experiences, it is the relationships that have been the most valuable, for it is not always the training itself that is most profound, but the conversations, and the connections that arise within it.
Coaching is ultimately a relationship. It requires investment from both parties; from both the student and the teacher; the coach and the client. And the greater this investment, the greater the return. It does not need to be exclusively monetary. Time and energy, effort and attention, honesty and vulnerability; these are just as significant commodities.
The Coaching
My ability to coach reflects my ability to learn; the most consistent thread of my life thus far. The better I learn from you, the better I can coach you. What I know about training and technique and nutrition and programming will be irrelevant until then.
I am only capable of guiding you where I have been and what I have experienced myself. And as someone who has changed – and who is changing – I have been – and am – where you are now.
I know how to coach, because I know how to learn. And I know I can help you to change, because I know how to change myself.
The Process
We start by first identifying what you want, then assessing where you are limited. Our first few sessions would probably be mostly observational while we figure this out.
This may be a physical weakness: a mobility or range of motion deficiency; or a psychological one: a lack of awareness or attention.
This process will be expressed differently depending on the individual. There is no consistent, repeatable formula or program. Instead, it will be fuelled by your questions and what comes up; what you value and what you need to do in order to become who you want.
At times, we may need to be flexible and spontaneous, mixing things up to attend to something worth attending. And at others, we need apply discipline and consistency; for results may be found in simply doing the work.
Our goal is the long game, so that when we conclude, you no longer need me; that if I have done my job effectively, you will know how to train and change yourself.
My ability to coach you is my ability to learn from you.
And I know I can help you to change because I have learned how to change myself.
SERGE HOUHLIAS – COACH
CHANGE IS THE POINT: A Deeper Fitness Conversation
What People Say
A series of testimonials written by actual human beings I’ve worked with. They are not evidence you should trust me, or guarantors of your success. But they do attest to the fact that I have been able to apply what I have learned, and that people have found it beneficial.
SAMANTHA
“Serge is an incredible trainer who genuinely cares about the people he works with. Serge always took the time to help with my technique, offer guidance and make sure I’m getting the most out of my training. He was always encouraging, supportive and I really appreciated that he would take the time to have a chat after training. I’m very grateful for the effort he put into helping me throughout my fitness journey.”
CHRIS
“I have been playing sport and training in gyms my whole life and through all the trainers over the years I found Serge to be the best due to his knowledge, understanding, ability to adapt to any goal or injury and most of all being a great person who’s good to be around and talk to.”
NICOLE
“From my very first session with Serge, I could instantly tell that he cared about my individual experience rather than just seeing me as another number in the group. His relaxed but intentional coaching style suited me well. His feedback on performance was great, whether it be towards a newcomer or an experienced gym goer, and he helped me make small refinements that made a big difference to my lifts.“
RACHEL
“Coach Serge is one of the best coaches I’ve met. Even at the unearthly hour of 5am he is fully engaged with the session and in YOU. I’ve seen him engage with EVERY member whether it be advising small adjustments or helping with big ones. He is very observant & emotionally engaged, creative and adaptable and it is obvious he has a passion for what he does. I am grateful for the insights he has given me regarding my training.”
GEORGE
“I had the pleasure of being trained by Serge over a disappointingly short (for me) period of about 4-5 months. Serge was a great trainer who always took the time to correct technique and think of innovative work around where required. As an older ex sports person I was encouraged to extend my range of movement before trying to push heavier loads which was a positive for my progression. I also saw Serge work really well with clients with a range of ability, experience and confidence and it seemed to me he has a unique way of connecting and communicating to assist everyone. Definitely one of the better trainers I have dealt with, sad to see him leave and have no hesitation recommending him.”
TEMI
I have been training in gyms for over 20 years and I can honestly say in the limited time I’ve had with Serge he has by far been the best trainer… I’ve learnt so much about how to train smart and have seen improvements in my lifting. Serge is motivating and tailors his advice to your needs…. He really cares and makes you feel like you have been heard. He gives constructive feedback which is highly useful. Not only is he a brilliant trainer but a great guy too. I would highly recommend Serge to anyone!
Application
If you have read this far, you are probably someone who resonates with this message and may be interested in what I offer. Express your interest below.
CHANGE IS THE POINT 