Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
Once you decide you want to work with a health coach, finding the right one goes beyond checking off a list of qualifications.
How do you know if you’ve found the best health coach for you? What are the qualities of a good coach besides the obvious credentials?
We have listed some traits to consider when choosing a health coach.
Essentially, it all comes down to how the two of you “vibe.” You should find someone you get along with and trust, someone who really seems to “get you” and is as invested in your success as you are.
Let’s delve into what it all means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
A trained health coach serves as a personalized guide.
They’ll help you reach your goals with personalized advice, motivation, personalized nutrition plans, and workout routines designed specifically for you.
They won’t just give you generalized or generic advice on diet and exercise. This individualized approach ensures that you maximize your full potential and get the most out of your fitness journey.
7 signs you’ve found a good coach
What are the qualities of a good coach?
How do you know when you’ve found one?
These seven qualities are by no means an exhaustive list, but they can help you narrow down your options.
1. They can guide you through the process.
A good health coach should possess the ability to clearly explain the steps, strategies and milestones integral to their approach.
This not only demonstrates their experience, but also shows that they have a structured process to help you succeed.
Furthermore, they should also be able to take advantage of the knowledge gained from practical experience. Articulate lessons learned from working with other clients as you demonstrate understanding for any issues or preferences they may have. They have shown that they know how to address challenges similar to yours.
2. They can provide references and testimonials.
A hallmark of a good coach is their openness to sharing references and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in his ability but also underscores his commitment to customer satisfaction.
Ideally, these referrals should be from customers in your demographic with similar goals. If you have a particular injury, for example, a good trainer will have testimonials from clients he has worked with in the past who experienced a similar injury or physical limitation. A good coach understands the value of real-world feedback and recognizes that past clients’ experiences can speak volumes.
Additionally, the ability to connect with past clients demonstrates a coach’s confidence in the relationships they have built. If a coach avoids providing references, that should raise concerns about their interactions with their clients and the impact of their coaching.
Testimonials, in particular, offer insight into the tangible benefits clients have experienced under the guidance of a coach. Positive testimonials not only validate the trainer’s abilities but also give him an idea of the potential results he can expect.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach’s interest in your story is a reflection of his or her commitment to your success. They should ask you questions, lots of them. A quality coaching relationship is built on a foundation of understanding, and effective coaches recognize the importance of delving deeper into their unique circumstances.
Instead of simply presenting a pre-packaged solution, a good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why.” They should want to understand your specific motivations, challenges, and goals. The questions you ask should help you tailor your training plan to your particular preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a good coach is the ability to integrate their thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember, this is two-way, collaborative relationship.
Listening extends beyond the spoken word; It involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of your communication. A good coach is in tune not only with that you say but as You say.
A coach’s responsiveness to your feedback should foster an environment of trust. If you express concerns or suggest modifications to the plan, a good coach listens, understands, and adapts the program. This flexibility ensures that the coaching process remains dynamic, adjusting to your changing needs and circumstances.
5. They communicate openly and frequently.
As we said, transparent and open communication is a two-way street. This element is critical to your success and includes how and when you and your coach touch base.
Effective coaches set clear expectations regarding communication from the beginning. Whether it’s establishing regular check-ins, defining response times, or outlining preferred communication channels, a good coach is accessible to you and trustworthy to respond. You should feel comfortable communicating, knowing that your coach is receptive to any questions or concerns you have.
6. They consider their health holistically.
Your well-being extends beyond isolated facets like exercise and nutrition. You’ll know you’ve found a good health coach when you also take into account the quality of your sleep, your stress levels, your past injuries, and your experience with exercise. They know how these factors work together and influence each other.
For example, understanding your nutritional habits allows the trainer to develop a diet plan that improves your current eating habits, without being unrealistic. Recognizing past injuries or exercise experiences informs training routines that prioritize safety and effectiveness. Considering sleep patterns and stress levels further refines the approach and promotes overall well-being.
This holistic, multifaceted view of wellness is called “deep health.” And when you apply a Deep Health approach, it means you’re more likely to create positive habits that affect all aspects of your life, long term.
7. They can adjust their program to fit your needs.
A good trainer will adjust their program to suit your changing needs as you work toward your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time constraints or preferences in training styles, a trainer tailors the program to ensure it not only helps you progress but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and can be adapted as needed.
Tips for finding a good health coach
Finding a good health coach goes beyond looking for online reviews or asking friends for recommendations (although those are good ways to start).
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when looking for a health coach.
Identify your objectives
Before looking for a coach, take a moment for introspection.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific results you want to achieve.
Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, better sleep, or overall well-being, clarity in your goals serves as a compass for selecting the right trainer.
However, it’s also okay. No have a specific goal, or if your goal is something general like “I want to be healthier.” Helping you clarify and refine your goals is part of a health coach’s job. They can engage in meaningful conversations with you to understand your aspirations, challenges and motivations until you both forge a personalized plan together.
Talk to potential health advisors
Once you’ve identified three to five potential health coaches, take the time to meet with each of them individually.
Prepare a list of questions and talking points to guide these discussions. Your questions should focus on things like their training philosophy, past experiences, and success stories. Understanding how your approach aligns with your goals is essential to ensuring you truly “get” each other.
During these conversations, also pay attention to the coach’s communication style and demeanor. Consider whether you feel comfortable and truly heard 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 the coaching sessions. This will ensure smooth and manageable collaboration.
Assess the “ambiance”
Coaching is, at its core, a relationship-based service, and the personal connection you make with your coach can profoundly impact your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive, supportive connection fosters a sense of trust, which makes the coaching relationship more enjoyable and effective.
However, recognize that there is no “perfect” coach.
Instead, focus on finding a coach who is “good enough” for you: someone whose approach aligns with your preferences and understands your unique circumstances. While there may be a coach who, on paper, appears to meet all of your criteria, less tangible elements like the coach’s personality, communication style, and overall energy are paramount. Trust your instincts and choose a coach you really connect with.
We are here to help you achieve your goals.
Precision Nutrition health coaches are experts in their fields. They take the time to understand your behavior and habits while designing a plan that fits your unique goals and lifestyle.
Our trainers don’t just give you advice on diet and exercise. They work closely with you so you can learn healthier, more sustainable habits that will help you feel better in the long term.
Try our 1:1 coaching program now and get the results you deserve.
