You’ve probably heard me refer to myself as a health coach or maybe seen it splashed around the internet and social media. What you may not be clear on is, what is a health coach and what do they do. Thus, this post!
No matter what type of coach you are, the same concept applies to all: a coach helps you set and meet goals related to personal development.
A professional coach does more than that. They educate and inform; they guide realistic and achievable goal setting; they measure progress and adjust goals; and ultimately, they help clients achieve their goals.
WHAT IS A HEALTH COACH?
A health coach, also often referred to as a wellness coach or even a nutrition coach, is someone who supports and guides clients in making better food and lifestyle choices to improve nutrition and health.
- Coaches help people discover the “why” behind their desired health change
- They empower people as the experts on their own bodies, minds, and circumstances
- They help people identify challenges and blind spots that are preventing change
- They provide support and accountability
- They use their broad knowledge of health and wellness to help people navigate a variety of health concerns
WHAT DOES A HEALTH COACH DO?
A health coach helps you create goals by looking at what stage of change you are in and what action you’re ready to take. It is about self-discovery. A health coach just leads you in putting the pieces together for yourself. You figure out how to make the changes that work for your life.
A health coach gets you “unstuck” by helping you figure out what’s keeping you from reaching your health goals. Your coach regularly checks in with you by email, phone calls or in-person meetings, usually over the course of at least three months. During those conversations, a health coach asks questions to get you thinking about how you can overcome challenges.
The most common obstacle people face is their own thoughts about themselves and about change. Through motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, health coaches help people work through some of their thoughts. People find out what’s blocking them from following through with the changes they’d like to see.
Health coaching IS NOT about someone telling you what to do.
WHAT DOES A HEALTH COACH DO FOR CLIENTS?
You can think of health coaching as sitting at the intersection of health information and behavior change. Health coaches have a working knowledge of diet, lifestyle, and nutrition. They understand how these contributors to health affect the body, which helps them understand and empathize with clients’ health challenges.
Coaches also have the tools and skills to help clients build new habits and make lasting changes. This is what makes health coaches unique in the healthcare industry — they are not just a source of information but a catalyst for transformation.
Health coaches can be a critical interpreter and patient advocate for people dealing with a medical system that has less and less time to listen or explain how to implement treatment plans.
Often, a person might leave a doctor’s appointment and feel discouraged. Like, ‘Gosh, I have to lose all this weight,’ or ‘Now I have all these things I have to do.’ A health coach can help people see they have strengths they can use to start making changes. Coaches help them see the possibilities based on their unique situation and abilities so that it is simpler and easier to make sustainable changes.
Health coaches do not just work with the least healthy members of the population. They can support people with any number of health challenges and goals, from restarting an exercise regimen or getting into peak physical shape to reducing stress, managing diabetes, implementing autoimmune protocols, or losing weight.
What Does a Health Coach Do That is Different from a Personal Trainer?
The scope of practice of a health coach is similar to what a personal trainer does for clients. The difference is that a trainer focuses on your physical fitness, crafting workouts and helping you set and achieve goals for weight loss or maintenance, muscle growth, strength, athletic achievements, or overall fitness.
Many personal trainers are knowledgeable about nutrition and general health and can provide some advice. If they do not hold a certification in nutrition or health coaching, though, they may not be the best person to guide your wellness and dietary goals. I discussed this in more detail in this post.
You Might Hire a Coach if…
All this information can be a little confusing, but it comes down to a few important considerations. Hire a health or nutrition coach if you:
- Need accountability and guidance in setting and meeting health goals
- Want to learn more about healthy diet and healthy lifestyle habits
- Would benefit from a motivating mentor to meet your health goals
- Want to make lasting changes to your lifestyle
If you made it to the end and you want to work with a Health Coach, Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer (ME!!) – click here!
I love that my mom’s totally embracing a health kick and is all in for a lifestyle overhaul. Enthused by the prospect of a healthier and more energetic future, she’s on the lookout for a top-notch health coaching session. She understands that a lot of personal trainers can offer guidance because they are educated on general health and nutrition.