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One of the easiest ways to describe the role of a Health and Fitness Coach is to compare it to a sports-team coach. Coaches are resources used for their knowledge of the sport and their ability to teach athletes techniques that will help them excel during competition. If you’ve ever played a sport at any level then you can think back to those experiences and remember one theme that was constant regardless of the arena. The coaches could teach you and help you sharpen your skills, but they wouldn’t be able to stand next to you when it was time to turn practice into performance.
Health and Fitness Coaching is going to be a very similar journey. A Health Coaching relationship is made up of two people. One person has a goal or objective in mind for themselves. The other person is a Health Coach who combines their education and experience with a certification focused on helping people reach their goals and create lasting results. The most important part of this relationship will be that once a client leaves a session; they’re 100% responsible for moving themselves through the tasks and homework assignments that they set with their Health Coach. Keep in mind that these goals and objectives are going to be completely unique to each individual. The spectrum of [Health - Wellness - Fitness] suggests that even though many clients may have similar goals; the service can support a wide range of uses as long as the outcome promotes a healthier and happier client.
Tips for Setting Goals and Starting a Health Coaching Relationship
People tend to experience change in a few fundamentally similar ways. No matter what improvements we're hoping to make for ourselves; we can compare that process from start to finish and see that people will usually take the same first steps.
1. Decide to Change
● Acknowledge that you want to change or improve something about yourself.
● Decide what specific changes are a priority to you.
● Don’t rule out goals based on social norms or fear of embarrassment.
2. Setting Realistic Goals
● Don’t allow social media or advertisements to influence your focus areas or ideal norms.
● Decide on a timeline that accommodates your work-life balance.
● Make your goals maintainable long-term without sacrificing your “QOL” - Quality of Life.
3. Choosing Resources and Strategies
● Reserve Health & Marathon Health - We've partnered together to present this new Midtown - Public Safety & Occupational Health division. Our office will house a one-stop-shop of full-spectrum services to help you on your path to improvement.
● Talk About Your Goals and Plans With Others - Creating accountability is a vital part of ensuring that you follow through on your plans to change. Knowing that someone is expecting you to stick with your decision can create a sense of obligation to work through rough patches when you’d be likely to veer off-track.
● Creating Written Logs and Firsthand Accounts - Some of us have amazing memories but most of us aren’t likely to remember what we ate last week or did for (exercises, sets, reps) at the gym or station. Even though it might feel odd or time consuming; making a point to log and track your activities throughout the week will give you the opportunity to look back on your efforts and compare what has created success with what hasn't.
● Internet Libraries - When in doubt about a food, exercise, sport, etc. you can always use the internet to track down clarification on a topic or to clear up doubts you may have for yourself. Just keep in mind that even though internet forums can provide great anecdotal evidence; it’s important to collect information from verified sources whenever possible.
● Mentors - Find someone you know personally who has taken the journey you want to start for yourself. Take a few minutes to have them recall their experiences so that you can create your strategy and prepare yourself for any obstacles you might face.