When we’re sick, we go to a doctor. When we need financial advice, we seek a financial planner. When we need legal advice, we ask a lawyer. Who should we consult with when we’re lacking motivation or are unsure what we can do to improve our health? The answer is a health coach.
Photo: Celestine Chua/flickr
If you’re not quite sure what a health coach is, you’re not alone. They are health professionals who have formal education in wellness, exercise, nutrition or health. They help clients achieve a higher level of wellness.
Here are five things a health coach can do for you.
- Provide accountability. A health coach will call, Skype, email, FaceTime or meet you face to face on a set schedule. Usually, when people have someone contacting them, they tend to adhere to their prescribed program
- Set reasonable goals. A health coach will narrow the focus of your goal. The coach will help you set a time limit and quantify your goals.
- Find creative solutions to obstacles. A health coach is trained to have creative ideas to help you meet your health goals. They have experience with other clients that help them see new ways to incorporate ways to overcome obstacles that you might face in meeting your goals.
- Prescribe programs that fit your individual needs. Depending on the coach’s background, they might be able to provide a nutritional profile for you or an exercise prescription. Then, with the help of your goals, they can help you stick to the program created and monitor your progress.
- Advise you on all facets of your life. Health coaches aren’t limited to just giving healthy advice. They can help you set goals in many holistic areas of health and wellness, including fitness, nutrition, finances, stress, and healthy relationships.
Health coaches can help keep your focus on your most important lifestyle issues and support you in meeting all of your health and wellness goals.
