FAQ | Vanilla Gorilla Athletics

What does Vanilla Gorilla Athletics do?

We specialize in performance nutrition and supplementation coaching. Our mission is to help athletes, strength enthusiasts, and everyday performers fuel smarter, recover faster, and train harder with personalized plans backed by science.

Who do you work with?

We work with athletes of all levels: hockey players, powerlifters, strength athletes, and anyone serious about improving performance, body composition, or recovery. Whether you’re chasing your first 5K, stepping on stage, or competing at a high level, we can tailor a plan for you.

Is this just for elite athletes?

Not at all. We work with athletes and everyday performers who are serious about making progress. If you’re ready to put in the work, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you level up.

What makes Vanilla Gorilla Athletics different from other coaching programs?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all coaching. Our approach is straightforward, structured, and designed for people who are ready to fully commit. You’ll get direct support, accountability, and guidance that keeps you moving forward.

Do you offer in-person coaching?

Our coaching is fully online. This gives you more flexibility, faster access to support, and a plan that fits into your real life, not just when you’re in the gym. If we ever run in-person workshops, training intensives, or camps, we’ll announce those on our Instagram and email list.

How do I know if this is right for me?

If you are serious about improving your performance, body composition, or recovery, and you are ready to follow a structured plan with real accountability, this is likely a great fit. You don't need to be perfect, but you do need to be coachable and committed.

Do you do training programming?
We no longer offer custom training programs because of the highly individualized nature and time investment required. Instead, we chose to specialize in performance nutrition, supplementation, and recovery.

For training support, we recommend Gorilla Gainz, our 12-week advanced hypertrophy program. Written by Tim Walsh with the same detail and precision he brings to personal coaching, it spans more than 150 pages of instruction, progressions, and practical coaching insight. It provides a tested framework that has helped many athletes build serious strength and size.

The best part? Gorilla Gainz can be repeated multiple times using different modifiers, giving you up to a full year of challenging, structured training. All of this is yours for just $99 + tax, less than 30 cents a day for professional-level programming. It is an unbeatable value for anyone committed to results.

Will my information be kept private?
Yes. All personal information you share with us stays confidential. We never share your data outside of the coaching relationship. For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

Are you a dietitian?
No. We are not registered dietitians or medical professionals. The information we provide is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

What is the difference between a dietitian and your coaching services?
A registered dietitian is a licensed healthcare professional who can diagnose, treat, and provide medical nutrition therapy for health conditions. Our coaching is focused on performance nutrition, supplementation guidance, and lifestyle strategies within the scope of fitness coaching. We do not diagnose or prescribe. If you require medical nutrition therapy or have a health condition, we recommend consulting a registered dietitian or physician.

Do you provide medical advice?
No. We do not provide medical advice, diagnose conditions, or prescribe treatments. Our role is to support performance, recovery, and lifestyle goals through nutrition and coaching strategies. All medical concerns should be directed to a licensed healthcare provider.

Do you diagnose or treat medical conditions?
No. We do not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. If you are seeking diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed healthcare professional.

What if I have a health condition?
We always work within our scope of practice. If you have a medical condition, you should consult your doctor or a licensed healthcare professional before making changes. We can adjust our coaching to align with their guidance.

Is this a substitute for working with a healthcare professional?
No. Our services are educational and performance-focused. They are not a replacement for the care of a physician, registered dietitian, or other licensed healthcare provider.

How do check-ins work?
Check-ins with Tim are flexible and designed to keep you accountable. You’ll connect through messaging and other agreed-upon methods, depending on what works best for your plan. Our expectation is that we hear from you at least twice a week so we can track progress, answer questions, and make adjustments as needed.

How often will my plan change?
Your plan is dynamic, not static. Adjustments are made based on progress, feedback, and check-ins. Some tweaks may happen weekly, while larger shifts take place as patterns and results become clear.

What kind of support do I get?
You’ll have consistent, ongoing support through messaging, where you can reach out anytime with updates or questions. Most communication happens this way, but if something requires a deeper conversation, we’ll set up a call to make sure you feel supported and on track.

How do you track progress?
Progress is tracked first and foremost through your feedback and how you feel day to day. We look at factors like recovery, energy, sleep, and overall performance. When we have access to it, we also use quantitative measures such as training data or body composition to give a fuller picture of your progress. Our progress is your success, however you define that for yourself.

What makes this coaching approach effective?
Our coaching is context-specific and athlete-specific. It is designed to be dialed in so you get the most out of your entire body as an ecosystem. This is not a one-pronged approach. We combine performance nutrition, supplementation, recovery, and mindset strategies to help serious athletes push further, stay accountable, and make sustainable progress.

How do I sign up?
You can sign up directly through our website by selecting your coaching option. Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive intake form to help us understand your goals, history, and preferences.

What happens after I sign up?
After you complete your intake form, you’ll book a call with Tim. This call lays the foundation for your personalized approach and ensures you start with clarity and confidence.

Do I need anything before starting?
No special equipment or apps are required. You simply need to complete the intake form honestly and be ready to engage in the process.

How long does it take to get started?
Most athletes are fully onboarded and connected with Tim within a few days of signing up.

What if I am a coach looking for consulting?
Athletes start here, but if you are a coach, trainer, or practitioner looking for consulting support, please see our Change Consulting for Coaches FAQ for details.

Do you offer in-person consultations?
Our coaching is fully online. This allows for faster communication, more flexibility, and ongoing support wherever you are.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel anytime directly through your online profile. Just log into your account, go to Subscriptions, and follow the prompts to end your coaching before your next billing date. We want you to stay because you see value, not because you feel locked in.

What kind of results should I expect?
Most athletes notice improvements in how they feel before they see physical changes. Common results include reduced inflammation, better sleep, improved recovery, and stronger performance in training. Over time, consistency leads to visible changes in body composition, energy, and overall performance.

Do you guarantee results?
No program can guarantee specific results. What we do guarantee is structured guidance, accountability, and adjustments tailored to your needs, which greatly improve the likelihood of success.

What do you expect from me?
We expect honesty, consistency, and a willingness to learn. You don't need to be perfect, but you do need to be open, engaged, and coachable. The more you share about what is working and what is not, the better we can guide you. Progress comes from partnership: our role is to provide direction and support, and your role is to show up, put in effort, and stay curious about the process.

How often will my plan change?
Plans are updated as needed based on check-ins, progress, and feedback. This ensures your program always reflects your current goals and situation.

What if I fall off track?
Falling off track happens to everyone at some point. What matters is how you respond. Our role is to help you reset quickly, figure out what got in the way, and move forward without dwelling on setbacks. Progress is never about perfection. It is about learning, adjusting, and building momentum again.

Is this a short-term program or a long-term process?
Our approach is built for long-term success. While you may notice results quickly, the real value comes from learning how to build habits that last. We focus on consistency, patience, and helping you develop tools you can carry with you for life.

Do you work with youth athletes?
Yes. We coach youth athletes who are serious about improving performance, recovery, and overall health, but only with the signed consent of a parent or guardian. Parents remain actively involved so that the coaching is safe, transparent, and fully supported at home.

What is considered a youth?
For our services, a youth is anyone under the age of majority where they live. The age of majority varies by country, and sometimes by region within a country. For example, it is 18 in many places, but 19 in some Canadian provinces. If an athlete is under the age of majority in their location, parental or guardian consent is required before coaching can begin.

How do you make sure it is safe?
We provide nutrition and supplementation guidance that is appropriate for younger athletes, with an emphasis on building strong, healthy habits first. Any medical concerns or specialized needs must be directed to a licensed healthcare professional, and we encourage families to consult with their doctor before making changes.

Are parents involved in the process?
Yes. Parents or guardians must provide written consent by signing the waiver and acknowledgement form before their youth participates in our process. We encourage open communication so they can reinforce healthy routines, stay informed about coaching activities, and support their child throughout the journey.

What is the time commitment?
The time commitment depends on the athlete’s goals. Most athletes check in regularly through messaging and follow structured but realistic plans. Parents can expect a balanced approach that supports performance while fitting into school, training, and family life.

Do you help with mindset and motivation for youth?
Yes. A key focus with younger athletes is developing a positive and sustainable approach to training, nutrition, and recovery. The goal is to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in ways that support long-term growth without unnecessary pressure.

What if my child has special health considerations?
We always work within our scope of practice. If your child has a medical condition or unique health concern, it should first be discussed with a licensed healthcare professional. We can adjust coaching to align with medical guidance and ensure the approach remains safe and appropriate.

What is Change Consulting for Coaches?
This is a service designed to help coaches make greater progress with their athletes by understanding the human side of change. Many coaches are strong in programming, nutrition, or technical skill but feel limited when clients do not follow through or stall in their progress. This service is tailored to help coaches better understand why progress may be slower than expected, what factors influence adherence, and how to approach mindset and motivation more effectively. The focus is not on coaching athletes directly but on equipping coaches with the strategies and insights they need to support lasting results in the people they serve.

Who is this for?

This service is built exclusively for coaches, trainers, strength specialists, nutrition professionals, and performance staff who want to better support clients when progress slows or motivation becomes a challenge. The focus is on equipping you with the tools, strategies, and perspective to understand client challenges more effectively and strengthen your impact as a coach.

How does it work?
Support is provided asynchronously through written messaging. This format allows you to access consulting when you need it, without the scheduling demands of live calls. For coaches who want deeper conversations, one-on-one consulting calls can be added to the plan for additional support.

What topics are typically covered?
Topics often include behavior change, accountability, resilience, and communication strategies. The goal is to give coaches practical insight into why progress can stall and how to adjust their approach to better support their clients and help them adapt to change and maintain long-term progress.

Do you work directly with athletes or clients?
No. This service is exclusively for coaches and practitioners. If you are an athlete or individual seeking direct support with nutrition or supplementation, those services are offered separately through our primary coaching programs.

What experience supports this consulting?
Chelsea Walsh has more than twenty years of professional experience in change management and leadership consulting, helping people navigate complex challenges in both public and private sectors. Alongside this, she has lived experience with body and mindset transformation through significant fat loss and long-term involvement in the fitness industry. This combination of professional expertise and personal credibility gives her a unique perspective on the process of change and equips her to help coaches better understand and support the people they serve.