There’s a Coach for That

It seems like everywhere you look online – there’s a “coach” for whatever you’re struggling with in life. From your mindset to your finances to your health. And that’s great because why struggle if you can find resources and expertise to help you achieve your goals? The problem, at least in the world of health and wellness, is the word “coach” is used loosely and often without training or credentials.

Because of our increasingly busy, yet sedentary, lifestyles, finding the time to exercise, eat well, drink more water, practice self-care, etc. has become a challenge. In turn, many people look to a coach to help them set goals, create a plan, and stay accountable to that plan. The demand for health coaches has skyrocketed in recent years because people want to be healthier, and they are willing to seek assistance to do so.

So, what is a health coach? A health coach is someone who provides support and guidance to individuals seeking to achieve their health and wellness goals. A qualified health coach has undergone specific training, education, and testing to provide effective guidance and support to individuals. They also participate in continuing education to keep their skills and knowledge sharp. They are not a nutritionist or personal trainer necessarily, although some may have training and credentials in those areas. Instead, a health coach is a guide.

They are knowledgeable about various health and wellness topics, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and disease prevention. And they are trained in how to help you create a personalized plan that's tailored to your unique needs and goals. They don’t prescribe actions. They help you figure out the right path to wellness and provide support along the way.

Why is working with a health coach beneficial when you can probably find most of the information you need on the internet? While that’s true, a health coach is going to help you sort through all the noise and trends and help you create the plan that will work for you. In addition, working with a qualified and credentialed health coach can help you stay accountable and motivated. They provide ongoing support and guidance when things get tough, or you get off track. And they help you overcome challenges or obstacles along the way or encourage you when that inner critic creeps in to derail your progress. Your coach can help you create a plan that's realistic and achievable, which can help you maintain your progress over time leading to long-term improvements in your health and wellness.

Because the demand is high, there are many different credentials out there for health coaches and some are more comprehensive than others. It’s important to understand what the credential means.

Like any other major decision or investment – DO YOUR RESEARCH!

First - look for someone who has received training and education from a reputable institution or organization. Check to see that they have certifications, degrees, or other credentials. Some common and reputable institutions include American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Second - seek someone who has experience working with individuals who have similar goals and needs as you. When a coach has similar life experiences or is in your demographic, they may understand you and your goals a little better.

Finally - look for testimonials or reviews from past clients to get a sense of their coaching style and approach. Schedule a consultation with them to get a better sense of their personality and coaching style.

Working with a qualified and credentialed health coach can help accelerate your health and wellness goals and get you on the path to being stronger and healthier overall. With personalized guidance and support, accountability, and motivation, a good coach can make all the difference in sustaining lifelong changes. Take the time to find the right coach for you and your unique needs to ensure you receive the best support and guidance for your goals.

Need more help? Download  Download our How To Hire A Health and Wellness Pro Guide to help you choose the right coach!