Why Hire a Coach If You Don’t Actually Want to Be Coached?
There’s something I see over and over again in fitness.
People complain about the exact thing their habits continue to create.
They’re frustrated that they aren’t getting stronger. Their body isn’t changing. They’re not performing the way they want. They’ve hit a plateau. They’re inconsistent. They’re putting in time at the gym but aren’t seeing the return they expected.
Then someone tells them what may need to change, and suddenly they’re defending everything they’re currently doing.
But if everything you were doing was working, you probably wouldn’t be asking for help.
Coaching Isn’t About Telling You What You Want to Hear
When someone asks for my professional opinion, I’m going to give it to them.
That doesn’t mean I think there is only one way to train. There isn’t.
It means my recommendations come from more than 20 years of education, coaching experience, athletics and actually working with people.
I have a degree in Kinesiology. I’m an IFBB Pro. My background includes strength and conditioning, sprint coaching, athletic performance, physique development and working with everyone from everyday gym members to competitive athletes, celebrities and high performers.
All of that experience has taught me something important:
The best program in the world doesn’t matter if someone isn’t willing to be coached.
Sometimes progress requires changing your training.
Sometimes we need to address technique, exercise selection, intensity, recovery, nutrition, consistency or expectations.
And sometimes I’m going to tell you that the thing you really like doing probably isn’t the thing that will get you where you told me you want to go.
That’s coaching.
What Training With Me Actually Looks Like
I’m currently taking on new clients for in person personal training at Equinox in Toronto as well as online coaching.
The two experiences look different, but my philosophy is the same.
We train with purpose.
I want to know where you are now, where you want to go and what is standing between those two points.
Then we build the plan.
In Person Personal Training at Equinox Toronto
Training with me in person is not about walking into the gym and randomly deciding what exercises we feel like doing that day.
We start by looking at you as an individual.
Your goals. Training history. Movement quality. Strength. Mobility. Previous injuries. Lifestyle. Current fitness level. What you enjoy. What you avoid. And what your body actually needs.
From there, I build your training around the bigger picture.
Depending on your goals, sessions can incorporate strength training, hypertrophy, athletic performance, speed and power development, mobility, movement quality, conditioning and body composition focused training.
Technique matters.
Progression matters.
Exercise selection matters.
And effort matters.
I’m watching how you move, how you respond to exercises and how your performance changes. Your program can evolve as you do.
You’re not simply paying someone to count your reps.
You’re getting coached.
My goal is for you to understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how it connects to the result we’re working toward.
Whether you want to get stronger, build muscle, improve athletic performance, change your body composition, move better or simply stop wasting time in the gym, we create a plan with intention behind it.
What Online Coaching With Me Looks Like
Online coaching gives you the structure and programming of working with me without needing to be physically located in Toronto.
This isn’t a generic workout PDF.
Your training is programmed around your goals, experience, schedule, available equipment and individual needs.
Depending on the coaching service and your goals, we can address your training structure, exercise selection, progression, nutrition, cardio, steps, recovery and other variables that influence your results.
There is accountability too.
We monitor what is happening rather than simply handing you a program and hoping for the best.
Are you progressing?
Are your lifts improving?
Are you recovering?
Are you following the plan?
Is your body responding?
Do we need to adjust something?
Those are the questions that matter.
Online coaching can work extremely well for someone who is capable of training independently but wants an experienced coach controlling the bigger picture.
You still do the work.
I make sure that work has direction.
You Don’t Need More Random Workouts
There is more fitness information available than ever.
You can open Instagram or TikTok and have hundreds of exercises, workouts and nutrition opinions thrown at you within minutes.
Information isn’t necessarily the problem.
Knowing what information applies to you is different.
That’s where coaching comes in.
A good coach should be able to look beyond today’s workout and understand how everything fits together over weeks and months.
Because results don’t come from one brutal workout.
They come from consistently doing the right things long enough for your body to adapt.
Are You Ready to Be Coached?
Before hiring any coach, ask yourself one question:
Do I actually want coaching, or do I just want someone to agree with what I’m already doing?
You don’t have to blindly follow anyone.
Ask questions. Understand the reasoning. Be involved in your own process.
But if you hire an experienced professional because you want a different result, you also have to be willing to consider a different approach.
That’s where change starts.
Train With Me in Toronto or Online
I am currently accepting new clients for:
In person personal training at Equinox in Toronto
and
Online fitness and performance coaching worldwide.
I work with people who want to become stronger, perform better, build muscle, improve their body composition and approach their training with more structure and purpose.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start following a plan built around you, let’s work.
Toronto Personal Trainer | Performance Coach | Strength Coach | Online Fitness Coach | IFBB Pro | BSc Kinesiology
Visit Train It Right or contact me through @trainitright to inquire about in person or online coaching.
Why I Chose ISSA for My Own Certifications and Why You Should Too
If you have followed my journey, you already know I take education seriously. I built my career on real knowledge and real credentials. When I decided to expand my coaching beyond fitness and step deeper into holistic wellness, mindset, and lifestyle transformation, I wanted an organization I could trust. That is why I chose ISSA.
ISSA has always had an incredible reputation in our industry. Their programs are respected, accessible, and rooted in science. Now they have taken things even further by partnering with the Health Coach Institute to offer a powerful suite of certifications focused on health coaching, life coaching, and the kind of personal transformation work people are craving right now.
These programs are now available directly through ISSA, and I wanted to share them with you because so many of you ask me how to break into fitness, wellness, coaching, or a more purpose driven career. These certifications are one of the best starting points.
Below are the exact programs now available, all linked through my ISSA affiliate so you can explore them and so I get credit for sending you their way.
Dual Health and Life Coach Certification
A beautiful blend of health coaching and life coaching skills. Perfect if you want to help people with lifestyle change, mindset, goals, and long term transformation.
This is a strong program for anyone exploring burnout recovery, personal reinvention, or a new direction in their career.
Advanced Dual Health and Life Coach Certification
NBHWC accredited. This is the more structured, professional level option. If you want something aligned with healthcare settings, corporate wellness, or evidence based coaching, this is it.
This one is ideal if you want the gold standard in coaching credentials.
Advanced Health Coach Certification
NBHWC accredited and focused purely on health coaching. This is perfect for those passionate about preventative health, chronic disease support, or integrated wellness.
A great fit for anyone who wants to work in medical clinics, wellness centers, or high level health environments.
The Human Advantage in an AI World
ISSA recently published a piece on why coaching is becoming even more important in an AI driven world. This is a perfect resource if you are curious about the future of wellness careers, personal development work, or human centered coaching.
I have taken certifications through ISSA because they make learning accessible, reputable, and flexible. Their programs are built for real life schedules and real career paths. If you want to change your life, help others transform theirs, or step into a more aligned career, these certifications are an amazing place to start.
And since the Health Coach Institute programs are now available through ISSA, you get the best of both worlds. Personal transformation skills and industry respected credentials.
If you choose to explore any certification, make sure you use my link so you can support me while moving toward your next chapter:
Now Live: My Airbnb Fitness Experience in Toronto Your chance to train with an IFBB Pro while traveling or staying local.
I’m so excited to officially announce that my Airbnb Fitness Experience is now live — and open for bookings!
This has been in the works for a while and I’m proud to finally share it. I was selected by Airbnb Global as one of their official Experience Hosts as part of their international launch across 70+ cities... and I get to represent Toronto through movement, mindset, and energy.
Whether you’re visiting the city or you live here full-time, this experience is for you.
What is the Airbnb Fitness Experience?
Think of it as a high-energy, feel-good sweat session with me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro Figure competitor, celebrity trainer, and founder of Train It Right.
We’ll meet at Push Pounds Sports Medicine (481 Danforth Ave, Toronto), a private performance studio where I coach athletes, celebrities, and clients of all levels. From warm-up to finish, you’ll get a full-body session that challenges you, motivates you, and meets you exactly where you're at.
No cookie-cutter class. No judgment. Just vibes, movement, and results.
Why Book a Fitness Experience While in Toronto?
Fitness travel is on the rise — and for good reason. When people explore new cities, they want to experience more than food and photos. They want something real, something personal, something they can feel.
This Airbnb Experience in Toronto is perfect if you're: • Traveling and want to stay active • Looking for unique wellness activities in the city • New to fitness but want to try something different • Local and craving a fresh way to train • Visiting for business and need a reset between meetings • A fan of my coaching and want to finally meet in person
Whether you're solo, with a friend, or planning a girls' trip — I’ve got you.
What to Expect
A 60-minute workout designed by me
Bodyweight and functional movement
Options for all fitness levels
Private studio environment
Toronto's east end — close to transit and local cafes
Post-session Q&A and real talk about fitness, mindset, or anything you want to ask
Spots are limited, and I’d truly love to have you join me. If you’ve followed my journey online or worked with me virtually — this is your chance to connect in person and move together.
I don’t take this opportunity lightly. To be selected as a host means a lot to me... and I want to make it something unforgettable for every single person who walks through the door.
If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, love wellness-based experiences, or just want to book a session that hits different — come through.
Let’s train. Let’s vibe. Let’s make this your favorite hour in the city.
Earlier this year, I was personally selected by Airbnb Global to help launch a brand-new initiative across just 70 exclusive cities worldwide, and I am proud to represent Toronto as one of their original hosts. This is a handpicked experience created to showcase what makes this city and its people powerful — and I’m bringing that energy through fitness.
This is a one-of-a-kind fitness session led by me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro, celebrity trainer, kinesiologist, and performance coach.
In each 60-minute session, you will get:
A personalized or semi-private workout tailored to your goals
Coaching focused on strength, confidence, and real results
A deeper look into how athletes and celebrities really train
A supportive and empowering experience whether you’re visiting or local
This is your chance to train with a Toronto personal trainer who lives and breathes the industry. I have coached Team Canada, worked with elite athletes, trained celebrity clients and even appeared in commercials for New Balance, Garnier, and Tokyo Smoke. I have been featured on magazine covers, in national campaigns, and recently appeared on Drake’s livestream with Adin Ross. My passion is helping people transform their bodies and their mindset — and now, I get to share that experience with you through Airbnb.
Where It’s Happening: Push Pounds Sports Medicine
All sessions are held at the incredible Push Pounds Sports Medicine, one of Toronto’s top performance and recovery facilities.
📍 Push Pounds Sports Medicine 481 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
This space is everything a serious training session needs — clean, professional, and focused on helping you move better and feel stronger. Whether you are in town for a short stay or you live in Toronto and want to elevate your training, Push Pounds is the perfect place to do it.
Why Book This?
Whether you are exploring Toronto tourism, booking a wellness-focused trip, or just looking to train with a Toronto celebrity trainer, this experience gives you direct access to high-level coaching and industry insight in a personal, relaxed setting. I built this for people who want more out of their movement — not just a workout, but something that feels powerful and connected.
You will walk away from this session feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to yourself — and to the energy that makes this city so dynamic.
Book Your Spot
Sessions are limited to keep the experience personalized, so make sure to book early. Reserve your spot now: 👉 www.airbnb.com/x/trainitright
Thank you to Airbnb for selecting me as a Toronto original, and thank you to Push Pounds for being the home of this experience. I cannot wait to train with you.
Let’s move. Let’s connect. Let’s train it right.
—
Alicia Bell IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer, Performance Coach Celebrity Trainer | Featured in New Balance and Garnier Campaigns Seen on Drake’s Livestream with Adin Ross 📍 Based in Toronto 📲 Instagram: @trainitright 🌐 Website: www.trainitright.com
I am so excited to announce that my official Airbnb Experience is now live — and this one is special.
Earlier this year, I was personally selected by Airbnb Global to help launch a brand-new initiative across just 70 exclusive cities worldwide, and I am proud to represent Toronto as one of their original hosts. This is a handpicked experience created to showcase what makes this city and its people powerful — and I’m bringing that energy through fitness.
This is a one-of-a-kind fitness session led by me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro, celebrity trainer, kinesiologist, and performance coach.
In each 60-minute session, you will get:
A personalized or semi-private workout tailored to your goals
Coaching focused on strength, confidence, and real results
A deeper look into how athletes and celebrities really train
A supportive and empowering experience whether you’re visiting or local
This is your chance to train with a Toronto personal trainer who lives and breathes the industry. I have coached Team Canada, worked with elite athletes, trained celebrity clients and even appeared in commercials for New Balance, Garnier, and Tokyo Smoke. I have been featured on magazine covers, in national campaigns, and recently appeared on Drake’s livestream with Adin Ross. My passion is helping people transform their bodies and their mindset — and now, I get to share that experience with you through Airbnb.
Where It’s Happening: Push Pounds Sports Medicine
All sessions are held at the incredible Push Pounds Sports Medicine, one of Toronto’s top performance and recovery facilities.
📍 Push Pounds Sports Medicine 481 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
This space is everything a serious training session needs — clean, professional, and focused on helping you move better and feel stronger. Whether you are in town for a short stay or you live in Toronto and want to elevate your training, Push Pounds is the perfect place to do it.
Why Book This?
Whether you are exploring Toronto tourism, booking a wellness-focused trip, or just looking to train with a Toronto celebrity trainer, this experience gives you direct access to high-level coaching and industry insight in a personal, relaxed setting. I built this for people who want more out of their movement — not just a workout, but something that feels powerful and connected.
You will walk away from this session feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to yourself — and to the energy that makes this city so dynamic.
Book Your Spot
Sessions are limited to keep the experience personalized, so make sure to book early. Reserve your spot now: 👉 www.airbnb.com/x/trainitright
Thank you to Airbnb for selecting me as a Toronto original, and thank you to Push Pounds for being the home of this experience. I cannot wait to train with you.
Let’s move. Let’s connect. Let’s train it right.
—
Alicia Bell IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer, Performance Coach 📍 Based in Toronto 📲 Instagram: @trainitright 🌐 Website: www.trainitright.com
In this raw and real episode, I open up about the journey of rebuilding after life's unexpected detours. I share my personal experiences with setbacks, navigating weight gain, losing friendships, and ultimately finding my way back to a stronger, more authentic version of myself. If you have ever faced challenges that made you question your path, this one is for you. Sorry for being gone so long but we are back baby!
A huge thank you to GoFit for sending me the Revolve Roller! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using it regularly, and I’m absolutely loving the results. It’s been a game-changer for my recovery, helping me target tight muscles and improve mobility with ease. I’m so grateful for this amazing addition to my routine and highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their recovery game. Thanks again, GoFit, for creating such an innovative and effective product!
This revolutionary roller lets YOU customize your recovery. Check out the Benefits of Foam Rolling + A Game-Changing Upgrade!
Foam rolling isn’t just a fitness trend it is a powerful tool for recovery and performance. Here’s why you should make it a part of your routine with the new GOFIT roller:
✨ Improves Circulation: Enhances blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your muscles. ✨ Releases Tension: Targets and relieves tight knots and trigger points. ✨ Boosts Recovery: Reduces soreness after workouts, helping you bounce back faster. ✨ Increases Flexibility: Prepares your muscles for optimal performance during workouts.
✔️ Features 9 Adaptive Massage Rings in three sizes. ✔️ Offers superficial to deep tissue compression. ✔️ Adjustable ridged patterns target circulation and trigger point release.
How It Works: Slide rings on and off to create limitless configurations tailored to YOUR needs. From pre-workout warm-ups to post-workout recovery, it’s the ultimate recovery tool!
Huge thanks to GoFit Fitness Equipment for sending me this innovative roller to review and try!
An injury can derail more than just your physical health. You need to take an injury seriously so that you don't experience chronic pain issues. Here are some of the strategies that you can use in order to realign your back and get things back to normal.
Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro and Bodybuilder
Seek Medical Aid
The first thing that you should do following any severe injury is to seek medical attention. Determining the extent and scope of your injury will give you more information about the best way to get your back realigned. Your doctor may recommend that you start with physical therapy in order to improve your injury. This generally involves a series of stretches and other types of exercises that will help you cope with your day-to-day life.
Visit a Chiropractor
In some instances, it can be to your best advantage to schedule a visit with a chiropractor. They can help you with your alignment issue so that you can more fully recover from your injury. A simple adjustment may be all that you require so that you can get back to living your life. For more serious issues, you may need to schedule several appointments in order to resolve your issue. Speak with Chiro about your goals to help you achieve the most out of your visits.
Enroll in Yoga
Yoga is a good form of exercise because it focuses on improving your flexibility. It can also help to increase your mobility so that your back will realign in a more natural manner. You may be able to prevent future injuries from occurring if you continue to practice yoga. There's nothing wrong with being more flexible and this is what yoga can do for you if you're willing to put in the effort. Another benefit of yoga is that it can help to strengthen your core muscles.
Invest in Core Strengthening
There are a variety of different types of stretches that can help with your adjustment issue. Pelvic floor exercises, planking, and side to side stretches with weights can help you. Another option is to get an exercise ball and work on your balance. It may not seem like much, but over time, these types of exercises are increasing your core strength so that you can recover from any injuries or prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Back problems can get worse over time if you don't work towards improving your health. Use these ideas so that you can realign your back and return to your previous physical abilities.
All runners need to work on posterior chain strengthening during the off season. Whether you are already doing a strengthening routine or off season weight training is brand new to you the following 3 exercises should be implemented into your routine. These exercises will strategically strengthen the glutes to aid in better running economy, strength and speed in the spring. If you are lifting heavy please make sure to use a spotter. Correct technique should always be used when performing strengthening exercises. Make sure that you perfect your form first before increasing the amount of weight used. Once technique is mastered add weight to these exercises and your glutes will primed for the spring running season.
Box Squat
3-4 sets x 8-10
Contrary to popular belief simply performing regular squats are not always the best thing for the butt. When the average person squats only a small portion of the movement targets that area. It’s mainly a quad dominant exercise. Box squats are primarily posterior chain and therefore the glutes are doing most of the work.
Technique:
Place an appropriate amount of weight on the bar. Make sure to use a wide stance, leaning forward and sitting back this stretches the posterior chain. Do not lose tension of the muscle by sitting down fully. Maintain tension of the legs and hips, and make sure to keep the bar over your toes. You will have an arched back and will be leaning forward at the hips. Do not to rock back in the squat when initiating the upward movement.
Deep Walking Lunge
3-4 sets x 8-10
The deep lunge like the box squat when you are at the bottom of the movement the glutes are stretched. This causes you to use the glutes to get out of the bottom position and will help you strengthen them.
Technique:
Place the weights in each had. First take a big step forward causing you to lean forward at the hip. Lean forward the entire time, press through the heel and power into your next lunge staying in a straight line.
Glute Bridge
3-4 sets x 8-10
This exercise also helps target your glutes specifically because you are contracting them at the end range of the motion.
Technique:
Place the weight safely above your hips. You may use a towel or foam covering for protection. Then place your upper back across a low bench, soft box or floor if the others are unavailable. Your feet should be placed shoulder width apart, with your toes pointing
slightly out. As you push your hips up focus on squeezing the butt to lift the weight.
Hold for one second at the top of the movement.
Top 5 reasons your fitness program can fail
Whether you are starting a new fitness routine, an experienced vet or even a recreational gym user your fitness program can fail. There is a risk you may get bored, not see results or even over train. All of these things can cause you to lose commitment, stress out, become demotivated or fall off your fitness routine. The following are the top 5 reasons that your fitness program can fail and how you can prevent that.
You have not set any goals
You are in the wrong training environment
You don’t have a support system
Not allowing for ‘fun’ time
You Don’t have a training schedule
1. You have not set any goals
In order to succeed at whatever your fitness goal might be it is important to set specific goals. These goals will help you attain your end goal. It usually helps to also set a timeline to achieve these goals. One of the best ways to do this is to set what is called a S.M.A.R.T goal. Often times we head into the gym with no idea what we are trying to accomplish or vague goals like "losing weight", "toning up", “working on my upper body….” S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. When a goal is measurable it helps to establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of the goal you set. An attainable goals is important because when you choose goals that are most important to you, you will be able to figure out ways you can achieve them. A realistic goal means that you will be able to reach it and it. You can always reassess once you achieve it and set new goals. And finally the goal should be timely and set within a certain time frame to make sure you stay on track it should be written down.
2. You are in the wrong training environment
Going too extreme, too soon. i.e. forcing the body adapt to too much stressors all at once. Make changes gradually. Or you are in the wrong training environment and need to make a change to the right environment for you. If you don’t like big corporate gyms, then join a small studio. If you don’t like training alone, then try group fitness. If you only like training at home, then investigate that option. Whatever it is, you won’t continue going somewhere that you don’t enjoy walking through the doors.
3. You dont have a support system
If you don’t have a support system in place to keep you accountable you are setting yourself up for failure. Training partners, friends, spouse – people that are supportive of your goals. Too many roadblocks on the path can lead to failure. When you have a support system you are more likely to stay on track, be motivated and stick to a regular routine. We never want to let our friends or loved ones down, and we definitely don’t want to leave them waiting at the gym for us!
4.Not allowing for ‘fun’ time
Whether it’s a cheat meal or time away from the gym, the body and mind need temporary breaks, not pushing it 100% all out all the time. Allow for some things you enjoy and the program becomes much easier to follow. Plus this allows your body time to recover, regenerate and be prepared for the next week of workouts. I like to take Sunday and use it as a family day that way I enjoy my time and have some time away from the gym.
5. You Don’t have a training schedulePick a plan and stick to it for the duration. i.e. trust the process. Far too many try something for 2 weeks decide it’s not working and jump over to the next latest thing. One of the best ways to do this is to get a one-on-one personal trainer. If you would rather workout on your own maybe hiring an online coach like Me is an option. Online training programs like Trex do customized programs for you and you do them on your own. It’s a great option if all you need is to have someone to be accountable to.
There are a lot of different ways as you can see that your program can fail but you can succeed. Remember to set goals, write them down, get in the right training environment, find a support system, stick to a schedule and allow yourself some fun from time to time. You will be much more successful and happier with your results if you follow those steps! Happy training!
Hey Guys and Gals!
Gyms are opening again in my area! I hope yours is the same! With that being said I have a few items that I have on my radar for when gyms open up on the 16th that I want to add to my gym bag and I wanted to share them with you!
PINK ankle weights!
2. Digital Jump Rope
3. Stretch Strap
4. Vibrating Massage Ball
5. Spin Bike
The first four items are for the gym bag and I wanted to include the last item on my wish list for home because time spots are limited for gyms in my area. 10 people per slot. So to maximize time in the gym having a few options for at home cardio may be great during this time. I use to have a spin bike before I moved to my new house however now I just have a treadmill and my next cardio at home will be another spin bike because I love the bike it is such a great workout! You dont need a peloton (they are expensive) you can just get a good quality at home bike and download a spin app or look up a good class on YouTube to follow if you dont want to control the ride yourself!
Anyway I hope you like the ideas for the gym! And Im so happy we survived another lockdown!
Stay happy and healthy and remember if you need training, diet and supplement advice I am taking on 1 on 1 clients now!
