Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
If you've decided to work with a health coach, finding the right coach involves more than just listing qualifications.
How do you know if you’ve found the best health coach for you? What are the qualities of a good coach, beyond the obvious credentials?
Here are some characteristics to look for when choosing a health coach.
In essence, it all comes down to the “vibe” of the two people. You need to find someone you can get along with and trust. Someone who seems to truly “understand” you and is as invested in your success as you are.
Let's take a closer look at what all this means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
An experienced health coach serves as your personalized guide.
They will help you achieve your goals with advice, motivation, customized nutrition plans, and exercise routines designed just for you.
They don’t simply offer generalized or generic advice on diet and exercise. This individualized approach ensures that you reach your full potential and get the most out of your fitness journey.
7 Signs You've Got a Good Coach
What are the qualities of a good coach?
How do I know when I found it?
These seven traits are by no means an exhaustive list, but they may help you narrow down your options.
1. They can guide you through the process.
A great health coach has the skills to clearly articulate the steps, strategies, and milestones that are essential to their approach.
Not only does this demonstrate their expertise, it also shows that they have a systematic process in place to help you succeed.
More importantly, they should also be able to draw on insights gained from real-world experience. Expressing lessons learned from working with other clients like you demonstrates an understanding of the problems or preferences you may have. They have proven that they know how to solve similar challenges as you.
2. They can provide references and testimony.
A hallmark of a good coach is the openness to share references and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in their abilities, but also highlights their commitment to client satisfaction.
Ideally, these recommendations should come from your demographic of clients with similar goals. For example, if you have a specific injury, a good coach will get recommendations from clients they have worked with in the past who have experienced similar injuries or physical limitations. A good coach understands the value of real feedback and recognizes that past client experience can tell you a lot.
Additionally, the ability to communicate with past clients demonstrates the coach’s confidence in the relationships he has built. If a coach does not provide referrals, concerns will be raised about the impact of his interactions with clients and the coaching.
In particular, testimonials provide insight into the tangible benefits that clients have experienced under the guidance of a coach. Positive testimonials not only demonstrate a coach’s skills, but also provide a glimpse into the potential outcomes that can be expected.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach’s interest in your story reflects their commitment to your success. They should ask you questions. Lots of questions. A quality coaching relationship is built on a foundation of understanding, and an effective coach recognizes the importance of exploring your unique situation.
Rather than simply offering prepackaged solutions, a good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why.” They should want to understand your motivations, challenges, and specific goals. The questions they ask should help them tailor a coaching plan to your specific preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a good coach is the ability to integrate your thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember, this is a two-way street. Cooperative relationship.
Listening extends beyond speaking. It involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of your communication. A good coach is not only tuned in to what You say how You tell me.
A coach’s response to your feedback should create an environment of trust. When you express concerns or suggest changes to the plan, a good coach listens, understands, and adapts the program. This flexibility allows the coaching process to remain dynamic and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
5. They communicate openly and frequently.
As mentioned earlier, open and transparent communication is a two-way street. This element is fundamental to your success and includes how and when you and your coach interact.
Effective coaches set clear expectations for communication from the beginning. Whether it’s setting up regular check-ins, defining response times, or explaining preferred communication channels, a good coach is approachable and trustworthy to you. You should feel comfortable reaching out to your coach knowing that they are receptive to your questions or concerns.
6. They consider your health holistically.
Your wellness extends beyond isolated aspects like exercise and nutrition. You’ll know you’ve found a good health coach when they also consider your sleep quality, stress levels, past injuries, and exercise experience. They know how these factors work together and affect each other.
For example, understanding your nutritional habits can help your coach develop a meal plan that improves your current eating habits without being unrealistic. Acknowledging past injuries or exercise history can help you develop a workout routine that prioritizes safety and effectiveness. Considering your sleep patterns and stress levels can help refine your approach to improve your overall well-being.
This holistic, multifaceted view of wellness is called “Deep Health.” By applying a Deep Health approach, you are more likely to create positive habits that will impact every aspect of your life over the long term.
7. They can tailor the program to your needs.
A good coach will adapt your program to your changing needs as you work to achieve your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time constraints, or exercise style preferences, your coach will customize your program to not only improve your progress, but also ensure it integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle and can be adjusted as needed.
Tips for Finding a Good Health Coach
Finding a good health coach requires more than just looking at online reviews or asking friends for recommendations (though those are also great places to start).
Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for a health coach:
Check your goals
Before you seek out a coach, take a moment to reflect.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific outcomes you hope to achieve.
Being clear about your goals, whether it's losing weight, improving your health, getting better sleep, or your overall well-being, will help you choose the right coach.
But that's okay too ~ No Whether you have a specific goal or a general goal like “I want to get healthier,” part of a health coach’s job is to help you clarify and refine your goals. They can engage in meaningful conversations to understand your aspirations, challenges, and motivations until the two of you can create a personalized plan together.
Talk to a potential health coach
Once you've identified three to five potential health coaches, make time to meet with each one one-on-one.
Prepare a list of questions and discussion topics to guide these discussions. Questions should focus on things like coaching philosophy, past experiences, and success stories. Understanding how their approach aligns with your goals is essential to truly “understanding” each other.
During these conversations, pay attention to your coach’s communication style and demeanor. Consider whether you feel comfortable and genuinely listened to during the conversation.
Day-to-day logistics are also important. As you get to know each coach, ask about their availability, preferred communication channels, and the structure of their coaching sessions. This will ensure a smooth and manageable collaboration.
Rate the “atmosphere”
Coaching is inherently a relationship-based service, and the personal connection you make with your coach can have a huge impact on your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive, supportive connection fosters trust, making the coaching relationship more enjoyable and effective.
But recognize that there is no such thing as a “perfect” coach.
Instead, focus on finding a coach who is “good enough” for you. Look for a coach whose approach matches your preferences and understands your unique situation. A coach may fit all of your criteria on paper, but less specific factors like the coach’s personality, communication style, and general energy are most important. Trust your instincts and choose a coach who truly resonates with you.
We help you achieve your goals.
Precision Nutrition’s health coaches are experts in their field. They take the time to understand your behaviors and habits while designing a plan that fits your unique goals and lifestyle.
Our coaches don’t just give you advice on diet and exercise. They work closely with you to help you learn healthier, more sustainable habits that will help you feel better in the long run.
Try our 1:1 coaching program today and get the results you want.
