What is a Lifestyle Coach?
A lifestyle coach was not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. As a matter of fact, a lifestyle coach was born with a mission: To help people improve their lives. A lifestyle coach can teach you how to get rid of the things that are standing between you and your goals so that you can live a fuller, happier, and healthier life. Here are some of the top benefits of a career as a lifestyle coach:
Fitness coaches are the solution to people’s fitness woes. Fitness coaches can help their clients set realistic fitness goals and achieve them. In turn, fitness coaches provide their clients access to resources such as books, exercise equipment, workout videos, nutritional information, and help with finding a diet and lifestyle program that is right for them.
Goldner believes that life coaching is a calling. He compares coaching to being a spiritual doctor. He says that we all have a calling that inspires us to reach our full potential, to become the best we can be, and to give back to our communities. He calls these motivators “lifelong habits.” The difference between a mediocre life and a life of success is the mindset we have about ourselves, our careers, and our financial situation.
Coaches help clients make mental and physical lifestyle changes that support their fitness and wellness goals. Health professionals call these goals “life-shaping projects.” For instance, fitness coaches help their clients explore and decide on an appropriate plan for weight loss and alter that plan accordingly (e.g., eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar, increase physical activity, etc. ).
Fitness and wellness coach also will coach clients through fitness and stress management practices. As mentioned earlier, these practices can include diet and nutrition education, fitness assessment and evaluation, and fitness and stress management coaching. Coaches will also help their clients set fitness and wellness goals, determine those goals (and how to reach them), learn about fitness and nutrition research and evidence-based practice, and assist in planning fitness and wellness programs, such as exercise, dietary education and training, and stress management. These activities and interventions can improve self-esteem and confidence, enhance motivation and wellness, increase motivation and participation, reduce stress, decrease medical illness and medication use, improve work satisfaction, reduce workplace injury risk, increase organizational productivity, decrease insurance premiums, reduce the cost of healthcare, reduce liability exposure, increase business growth and profits, increase company sales and productivity, reduce attrition rates, increase company turnover rates, improve employee relations and worker retention, increase job satisfaction, provide client-employee interaction that improves communication and collaboration, create a safe working environment, help clients overcome substance abuse and addiction, provide professional training and development, and expand the client’s ability and knowledge.
Beyond the physical aspects of fitness and wellness, a well-trained wellness coach can help clients improve their mental health. For instance, many coaches will counsel with clients on how to manage stress and anxiety related to physical fitness and wellness. Some professionals offer wellness coaching that addresses emotional and psychological aspects of wellness and fitness. The mental and emotional challenges that arise from chronic illness, work-related injuries, or aging can be compounded by a lack of emotional and mental skills and experiences. Health and fitness coaches will facilitate and provide workshops, counseling, and practical expertise that address these needs and issues.
In addition to lifestyle and exercise coaching, a well-trained wellness coach can also help clients develop and implement wellness plans. Some coaches provide consultation and guidance on a range of unique programs that address a variety of unique goals, challenges, and needs. For instance, you may want to coach clients through the development and implementation of a personal fitness plan that emphasizes cardiovascular exercise and flexibility training. On the other hand, you may also help clients overcome specific obstacles to achieving their business and career goals. Whatever your goals or objectives are, you can develop a plan to reach them.
Beyond just implementing fitness and wellness programs and helping clients achieve goals, many wellness coaches also develop effective communication skills. Communication is key to developing a sustainable fitness and wellness business, and it’s important that you’re clear about your client’s expectations and goals. Clients also benefit from well-trained and experienced fitness and exercise coaches because they have a solid sense of self-esteem and motivation. When working with a fitness and wellness coach, clients are much more likely to stick with a fitness program and reach their fitness goals.
