Much of my time last Fall was spent studying for a national certification in Health Coaching. At first, I thought it would be a breeze. I mean, I’ve been working in fitness coaching since 2008. I have a master’s degree. And I’m brighter than the average bear.
Still, I found that because I am so out of the habit of academic study, I had to flex some mental muscles that had grown a little week over the years. In the end, though, I passed my ACE Health Coach certification in December.
Why would someone with nearly a decade of personal training experience want to transition to be a health coach?
First and foremost, I always want to raise the professionalism of my industry. Unfortunately, the fitness industry is not known for having high professional standards. There are plenty of people who are happy to peddle quick-weight-loss schemes that don’t work and to prey on the insecurities and fears of the average person.
I’m proud to say that I’ve never operated that way. From the beginning, my company Balance has been about educating people so that they have the tools they need to make their fitness and health a priority within the constraints of their real life. I’ve never promised anyone a bikini body by summer.
(Do you have a body? WEAR A BIKINI if you want to.)
In my continued effort to work intelligently, I’ve written a three-part blog series to clarify what does a health coach do (and not do!).
Part One: What does a Health Coach Do?
Part Two: 3 Ways a Health Coach is Different from a Personal Trainer
Part Three: Five Red Flags of Personal Trainers and Health Coaches
And while I don’t want to sound like I’m trashing and bashing my fellow fitness professionals, I do want you to know that your health—mental and physical—is always my priority. This work goes far, far beyond a paycheck for me.
One of the things I love about health coaching is that it can be done virtually. Because health coaching is a discussion-based educational service, we can meet over the phone or in a private ZOOM webchat room to work together. There’s no driving anywhere. You don’t even have to have your shoes on. But we can still make a big difference in your energy, vitality, and health.
I’m always available if you’d like to discuss how working with a health coach might work to help you achieve your fitness & wellness goals. Just drop a comment below or fill out this contact form. I hope that by knowing more about what health coaches do, you know how we can help you on your wellness journey.
