Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
Can you learn everything by yourself? Right?
In other words, what's the point of working with a health coach, between books, free online articles, and videos?
Well, there are a few points…
A health coach offers unique knowledge and insight that can help you in ways you might not be able to achieve on your own. They fill in nutrition and exercise gaps you may be overlooking, make sure you stick to your intentions, and offer solutions (and moral support) when you hit the inevitable roadblocks.
In fact, hiring a health coach can be one of the best decisions you can make for your long-term wellness.
Read on to discover 11 (good) reasons why you should work with a health coach.
First, what is a health coach?
A health coach is a dedicated wellness professional who can help you achieve your goals.
Health coaches have the expertise to create safe and effective programs based on a solid foundation in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology. They will tailor a wellness plan to your unique needs, taking into account your individual needs, abilities, and goals.
A health coach may also have expertise in nutrition. They will explore dietary considerations and lifestyle factors (such as stress management, sleep, and recovery) that affect your overall health.
When you’re trying to make and maintain change, a health coach can be a valuable source of encouragement and accountability. They can provide guidance, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed to help you achieve the results you want.
11 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Health Coach
Working with a health coach can be helpful in many ways, whether you’re just getting started or need a few tips or adjustments along the way.
Reason #1: You don’t see results.
If you've been trying consistently but aren't seeing results, consider the expertise of a health coach.
They 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 fine-tuning your approach. It'll also help you set realistic, achievable goals to ensure you're on the right track.
Reason number two: I 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 contradictory) advice and provide a clear, actionable plan.
They simplify the process, break it down into manageable steps, and give you the right starting point for you.
They will introduce you to basic exercise, including cardio, strength training, and flexibility training. If appropriate, they may also introduce you to nutritional basics, including finding the right balance of macronutrients.
A health coach takes the time to understand your specific needs, capabilities, and goals. They will also make sure that you truly understand why you are doing what you are doing, not just doing the things. This helps you build a solid foundation from which you can make gradual but sure progress.
Reason number three: You have specific goals.
Whether you’re focused on losing weight, building muscle, eating healthy, or managing stress, a health coach can make a difference. A health coach can help you connect what you eat, how you move, and the quality of your sleep.
Even if you are working to improve a specific area of your life, a health coach can help you see the “big picture” and how one aspect of your life is often interconnected and impacts another.
This will help you figure out where to focus your energy to help you achieve your goals – sleep, exercise, nutrition, relationships, etc.
Reason number four: You need more structure to your wellness routine.
A health coach will create a plan that optimizes both effectiveness and efficiency.
During your workout, your health coach will provide you with direction to help you perform your workouts with precision. They will provide feedback, corrections, and technical guidance to make your routine more effective.
This also applies to nutrition. A health coach can help you learn how to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods in a way that works for you, so you’re more likely to develop healthier habits in the long run.
Reason #5: You need someone to take responsibility for you.
Health coaches create a structured framework for patients' progress through regular sessions and check-ins.
This significantly increases the likelihood that you will stick to your workout and nutrition intentions. Without accountability for scheduled sessions, it is easier to skip a workout 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 reaffirms the importance of allocating time for your well-being.
Reason #6: You have trouble staying motivated.
In addition to providing accountability, a health coach also serves as a source of encouragement and motivation.
They celebrate your victories, reassure you during challenging moments, and provide constructive feedback. They help you understand the ebb and flow of progress and generate the motivation needed to maintain behavior change.
A health coach will take the time to understand your aspirations, challenges, and goals, and you will feel heard and valued. Having a coach who supports you and pushes you beyond your limits can make all the difference.
Reason #7: You need professional help.
Working with a health coach isn’t just about achieving your fitness and nutrition goals. It can be a valuable learning experience.
Certified Health Coaches have a deep understanding of human physiology, body mechanics, behavioral change, and nutritional science, making them an invaluable resource for clients seeking comprehensive knowledge of holistic wellness.
Reason #8: You need someone to make decisions for you.
Working with a health coach can free you from the constant decision-making that comes with managing your fitness and nutrition.
From exercise routines to diet plans, the sheer number of choices can often lead to “decision fatigue,” which can be frustrating. Having a trusted professional to guide you and help you narrow down your choices can be a relief.
Reason #9: You enjoy taking care of yourself.
Exercise doesn't have to feel like an obligation.
A health coach can help you find enjoyable ways to move your body, which can help you feel more confident about taking care of yourself.
Not all exercises are right for everyone, but a health coach can help you find the right exercise for you, even if you've never exercised before.
Reason #10: Because you want to learn how to take care of yourself.
If your goal is to ultimately create and follow your own instincts, working with a health coach can help you achieve that goal.
As mentioned earlier, a health coach understands exercise, nutrition, and how the two work together to create a healthier lifestyle. By committing to learning the wellness skills and knowledge that work for you, you will be able to take care of yourself sustainably one day.
Reason #11: You’re looking for long-term benefits.
Anyone can start exercising or follow a fad diet.
However, a health coach can help you learn how to integrate nutrition and exercise into your life. Sustainable.
This means considering factors such as your age, current fitness level, goals, lifestyle, and all other factors that affect your health. Long-term benefits include learning how to manage all six aspects of Deep Health (not just what you eat and how much you exercise). These six aspects are:
- Relationship Health
- existential health
- Mental Health
- Physical health
- emotional health
- Environmental Health
When you consider your psychological well-being, your ability to focus and think clearly, how your home and work environments are conducive to your health, your relationships with others, and your overall sense of purpose, you are more likely to make meaningful plans and stick to them.
We help you achieve your goals.
You don’t have to navigate your health journey alone.
Precision Nutrition's coaches are experts in exercise, nutrition, and behavior change and can help you achieve your goals effectively and safely.
Through our 1:1 coaching program, you will work with a coach who will use scientifically proven methods to customize a nutrition and wellness plan based on your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. With help, you will learn how to integrate healthy habits into your daily life for long-term success.
