Coaching signals are one of the most distinctive features of VRTO's weekly check-in. They're the system's way of telling you — in plain language, without alarm — what patterns it's noticing in your data. Here's how to read them correctly.
What coaching signals are
A coaching signal is an observational, non-directive summary of how you're tracking in a specific area. The areas covered are: progress toward your goal, training adherence, recovery and energy, and goal alignment.
Signals describe what's happening. They don't prescribe what to fix. The signal might say 'your training adherence has been lower than your target for the past two weeks' — but it won't tell you to change your program. That decision remains yours, supported by the Goal Review System if you choose to act on it.
The three signal colours
Green
A green signal means the system has noticed a positive pattern or confirmed you're on track in this area. Green signals are confirmatory — they're the coaching equivalent of 'keep doing what you're doing.'
Don't skip past green signals. They're the evidence that your approach is working, particularly during periods when results feel slow or inconsistent.
Amber
An amber signal means the system has detected a pattern worth watching. Something is slightly off — not urgently, but enough to flag. An amber signal doesn't require immediate action.
The most important thing to understand about amber signals: they require the same condition to be observed across two consecutive check-ins before they surface. A single off week won't trigger an amber signal. Two consecutive weeks showing the same issue will.
When you see an amber signal, read it, consider whether it reflects something you've also noticed, and make a conscious decision about whether to act on it. You don't have to change anything immediately.
Red
A red signal means the system has detected a meaningful pattern that's likely affecting your progress. Two or more consecutive check-ins have shown the same issue, and the system is confident enough to highlight it as something to address.
A red signal typically comes with a suggested action — usually to review your plan or enter the Goal Review System. Even here, nothing changes without your confirmation.
ℹ️ Coaching signals are never punitive. They're observations. A red signal means 'this pattern is worth addressing' — not 'you've failed.' The system's job is to surface information. What you do with it is always your decision. |
What to do with a signal
Green: acknowledge it and continue.
Amber: note it, complete next week's check-in as usual, and reassess if it repeats. Red: read the suggested action and consider whether to act on it — if yes, the Goal Review System will guide you through any changes.
If no signal appears: this is a positive outcome. It means there's nothing worth flagging. The system only surfaces signals when it has something useful to say.
💡 The check-in is most useful when you answer the subjective questions honestly. If you report high energy and low stress but your adherence data shows 2 out of 5 sessions completed, the system will surface that gap. That tension — between how you feel and what you're doing — is some of the most valuable coaching data there is. |