What Is A Health Coach? And, What Do They Do?

What Is A Health Coach? And, What Do They Do?

As well as being an Exercise Physiologist and Fitness Expert I am also a Health Coach.
This is my most recent certification. And I LOVE it. :)

Since the term 'Health Coach' is a relatively new career many people do not know exactly what a Health Coach is or does.
So, this blog is to help you learn exactly what it is a Health Coach does and how they can help YOU.

I'm going to borrow the definition of a Health Coach from the IIN website. IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) is where I am receiving my training. They are the world's foremost school for Health Coaching.

What is a Health Coach?

A Health Coach is a wellness authority and supportive mentor who motivates individuals to cultivate positive health choices. Health Coaches educate and support clients to achieve their health goals through lifestyle and behavior adjustments. Proper health coach training programs and health coach certification ensure that Health Coaches know how to work with diverse groups of people and equips them with the tools necessary to best fit the needs of their clients.
(from the IIN website http://www.integrativenutrition.com/career/healthcoaching).

In my opinion a Health Coach combines a counselor, a great friend, a personal trainer, a private diary and nutrition expert all into one. The Health Coach isn't there to tell you what to do, or how to do it. The Health Coach is there to coach you to find healthier ways of doing things that fit your life and your world on your terms.

“The primary objectives of health coaching are to educate the patient regarding self health management and to encourage patients in taking a more proactive role in staying healthy.”-Medical Economics, Nov 2010

The Health Coach wants YOU to be the healthiest and happiest YOU that you can be. And health and happiness come in all shapes and forms. Health includes fitness, diet, rest, social life, spirituality, creativity, finances, career, education, joy, and more. ALL of these things are important to the Health Coach.There are 12 areas of your life the Health Coach will challenge you to find greater happiness in. It's not just about eating more veggies and getting on a treadmill.

“Chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes wreck our quality of life and cost a fortune. In recent years, a new and intriguing concept has emerged in the prevention and treatment of chronic illness: the health coach.” –CBS News, October 2009

I strongly believe that EVERYONE can benefit from a Health Coach. We can all use a little help to increase the happiness in some area of our lives. There is nothing wrong with getting a little assistance to see things through different eyes and reach improvement and change a little faster. Life is short, being happy is important.

Health Coaching is often a 6 month program. I am offering a special introductory phone session for you to experience what Health Coaching is first hand. A 90-minute Introductory Health Coaching session with me for only $65 is available for the month of February. I'd love to show you what Health Coaching could offer YOU and your life. I'd love to be your Health Coach.

If you are interested in experiencing, first hand, what a Health Coach can offer you and your life please contact me to schedule your 90-minute telephone appointment. Session times are limited.