Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
You can learn everything on your own… right?
In other words, between books and articles and free online videos, what’s the point of working with a health coach?
Well, there are a few points…
A health coach offers unique insights and perspectives that can help you in ways you might not necessarily be able to achieve on your own. They help you fill nutritional and exercise gaps you might overlook, make sure you stick to your intentions, and suggest solutions (and moral support) when you face inevitable obstacles.
In fact, hiring a health coach may be one of the best decisions you can make for your long-term well-being.
Read on to discover 11 (good) reasons to work with a health coach.
First, what is a health coach?
A health coach is a dedicated wellness expert who can help you achieve your goals.
Health coaches possess knowledge based on a solid foundation in exercise science, anatomy and physiology to design safe and effective programs. They take into account individual requirements, abilities and goals to tailor wellness plans to your specific needs.
Health coaches may also have expertise in nutrition. They will take an in-depth look at dietary considerations and lifestyle factors (such as stress management, sleep, and recovery) that affect your overall health.
As you try to make and maintain changes, your health coach can also be a valuable source of encouragement and accountability. They provide guidance, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed so you can get the results you’ve been seeking.
11 reasons to work with a health coach
Working with a health coach can help you in many ways, whether you’re just starting out or need some tips or adjustments along the way.
Reason #1: You’re not seeing results.
If you have been putting in consistent effort without seeing results, consider the expertise of a health coach.
They will bring a new perspective to your habits and routines. They will evaluate what you are currently doing and suggest adjustments or changes to make your plan more efficient and effective.
Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of adjusting your approach. They’ll also help you set realistic, achievable goals to make sure you’re on the right track.
Reason #2: You don’t know where to start.
With so much information out there, how do you know where to start? A health coach can help you make sense of all the (sometimes conflicting) advice and offer you a clear, actionable plan.
They streamline the process, break it down into manageable steps, and provide a convenient starting point tailored to your needs.
They will teach you basic exercises, such as cardio, weight lifting, and flexibility training. If appropriate, they may teach you the basics of nutrition, such as finding the right balance of macronutrients.
A health coach takes the time to understand your specific needs, abilities, and goals. They will also make sure that you don’t just do what you do, but that you truly understand why you do what you do. This will help you build a solid foundation for gradual but defined progress.
Reason #3: You have a specific goal in mind.
Whether you’re focused on a goal, such as losing weight, building muscle, eating healthier, or managing stress, a health coach can make a difference and help you connect the dots between what you eat, how you move, the quality of your sleep, and more.
Even if there is a particular area of your life that you are striving to improve, a health coach can help you see the bigger picture and how often one aspect of your life is connected to and affects other aspects of your life.
That way, you can understand where to focus your energy (sleep, exercise, nutrition, relationships) to help you reach your goal.
Reason #4: You need more structure in your wellness routine.
A health coach will create a plan that optimizes both effectiveness and efficiency.
During workouts, health coaches offer guidance to ensure you are exercising accurately. They offer feedback, corrections, and technical guidance to make your routine more impactful.
This applies to nutrition, too. A health coach can help you learn how to incorporate higher nutritional value foods in ways that work for you, so you’re more likely to develop healthier habits in the long run.
Reason #5: You need someone to hold you accountable.
By scheduling regular sessions and check-ins, health coaches create a structured framework for your progress.
This significantly increases the likelihood that you will meet your training and nutrition goals. Without the accountability of a scheduled session, it is easier to skip exercise or choose less nutritious foods.
Of course, health coaching always involves a financial and time investment. Committing to regular sessions not only protects your financial investment, but also reinforces the importance of making time for your well-being.
Reason #6: You have trouble staying motivated.
In addition to providing accountability, your health coach acts as a source of encouragement and motivation.
They celebrate your successes, reassure you during difficult times, and offer constructive feedback. They understand the ebb and flow of progress and help you generate the motivation needed to sustain behavioral changes.
A health coach will take the time to understand your aspirations, struggles and goals so that you feel heard and valued. Having a coach who encourages you and pushes you to push your limits can make all the difference.
Reason #7: You need an expert resource.
Working with a health coach goes beyond achieving exercise and nutrition goals – it can be a valuable learning experience.
Certified health coaches possess a deep understanding of human physiology, body mechanics, behavior change, and nutritional science, making them a valuable resource for clients seeking comprehensive knowledge about holistic wellness.
Reason #8: You need someone to make decisions for you.
Working with a health coach offers a respite from the constant decision-making involved in managing your fitness and nutrition.
The multitude of options, from exercise routines to eating plans, can often lead to “decision fatigue,” which can lead to frustration. It can be a relief to have a trusted expert to guide you and help you narrow down your choices.
Reason #9: You want to enjoy taking care of yourself.
Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore.
A health coach can help you find ways to move your body that are enjoyable so you want to take care of yourself.
Not all exercises are right for everyone, but a health coach can help you find something that works, even if you’ve never exercised before.
Reason #10: You want to learn how to take care of yourself.
If your goal is to eventually create and follow your own instincts, working with a health coach can help you achieve that.
As we’ve said, health coaches understand exercise, nutrition, and how these two elements work together to create a healthier lifestyle. If you dedicate yourself to learning the wellness skills and knowledge that work for you, you’ll one day be able to take care of yourself sustainably.
Reason #11: You are looking for long-term benefits.
Anyone can start exercising or following a fad diet.
However, a health coach will help you learn how to incorporate nutrition and movement into your life in a way that is… sustainable.
This means taking into account factors like age, current fitness level, goals, lifestyle, and anything else that affects health. Long-term benefits include learning to take care of all six aspects of deep health (not just what you eat and how much you exercise). Those six aspects are:
- Relational health
- Existential health
- Mental health
- Physical Health
- Emotional health
- Enviromental health
When you take into account your psychological well-being, your ability to focus and think clearly, the degree to which your home and work environments support your health, your relationships with others, and your overall sense of purpose, you’ll be more likely to create a meaningful plan and stick to it.
We are here to help you achieve your goals.
You don’t have to face your journey to health alone.
Precision Nutrition coaches are experts in exercise and nutrition (as well as behavior change) and can help you achieve your goals effectively and safely.
With our personalized coaching program, you’ll work with a coach who will design a personalized nutrition and wellness plan based on your lifestyle, goals, and preferences using scientifically proven methods. With help, you’ll learn how to incorporate healthy habits into your daily lifestyle to achieve long-term success.
