On The Health Horizon: Wellness Coaching

Fitness trends may come and go over the years (Jazzercise, anyone?), but one thing never goes out of fashion, and that’s setting health and wellness goals. As many of our clients have already learned, meeting those goals is much easier with the support of a fitness professional. In recent years, traditional personal training has taken on a more integrated role in our clients’ health plans in order to help them better achieve their goals and live the healthy lifestyles they desire. This new approach is called wellness coaching. And it’s one of the biggest trends we are forecasting in 2018. What’s wellness coaching and why is this trend gaining momentum? Read on to find out.

What is Wellness Coaching?

First, it’s important to note that wellness coaching is different from personal training. What makes wellness coaching different is the integrated approach it takes to overall wellness. While personal training is confined to the gym with a focus on physical fitness, wellness coaching focuses on three primary areas: physical, behavioral, and nutritional wellbeing. Like other types of coaches, wellness coaches work with their clients to develop plans to meet their goals that include a fitness routine, dietary support, and behavioral change. Whereas a trainer works with a client in the gym, a coach supports the client in all areas of his/her life – from what to eat for breakfast, to managing the stress that makes them reach for unhealthy foods, to developing better sleep habits and self-esteem.

Why Wellness Coaching?

While they may be dedicated to their fitness routines, one of the biggest obstacles our clients face in meeting their goals is changing their behavior outside the gym. Wellness coaching may be just the answer to that problem. By wrapping our clients in support both inside and outside of the gym, they are more motivated and better equipped to handle the inevitable bumps in the road. Coaches are particularly helpful in bridging the gap between medical recommendations and the behavioral changes required to make them happen.

Should You Become a Wellness Coach?

Yes! Personal trainers are the ideal candidates to become wellness coaches. With your deep understanding of exercise and fitness, plus your experience working with clients, giving support, and building a client base, you’re already halfway there! As a wellness coach, you can add new revenue to your business in addition to your personal training work. This line of work will also open up doors to new clients. In fact, many wellness coaching clients are over the age of 40, so in addition to offering a new service to existing clients, you may be able to tap into a whole new audience segment. And speaking of new segments, wellness coaching is very much trending among the corporate set – with lots of big companies looking to expand their wellness offerings for their employees. You may even be able to make this service a remote offering – since coaching is a more holistic practice than training, it works well over the phone, through texting, and video-chatting.

How Do You Become a Wellness Coach?

NETA offers a Specialty Certification in Wellness Coaching! The two-day review workshop compliments your self-guided study necessary to pass the certification exam and to make this in-demand service part of your business. We’ll cover topics including adult learning, interpersonal communication, models of behavioral change, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and overcoming barriers to change.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to become a NETA-certified Wellness Coach? Sign up for a workshop today!

Are you already a wellness coach? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!