Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
Signing up with a health coach is an investment.
Time! The money! Doing things!
It is also an investment in yourself.
With that in mind, we're here to help you figure out how to find the best health coach for you, taking into account your fitness goals, lifestyle, and personality.
Why you should interview your next new health coach
Talking to prospective health coaches is really the only way to find out if you “vibe” with them.
If you're going to invest time, money, and energy into this relationship, it should be with someone you feel comfortable with, and the way to find that out is through an interview.
Interview three to five potential candidates before choosing the person to work with. The point of these interviews is not to “bomb” a coach with difficult questions. Rather, it's about having a live conversation to make sure you click.
To get the most out of this meeting, prepare a list of questions and talking points. This will help you gauge how well each trainer matches your goals and whether their approach works for you.
There is no such thing as a “perfect” coach.
Instead, look for someone who is “good enough” and can just help you make progress.
If you're choosing between someone with all the “right” qualifications on paper versus someone you really connect with, go with the one you have a good connection with.
Coaching is a relationship-based service. The rapport you build with your coach is key to achieving the results you're looking for.
13 Questions to Ask Your New Health Coach
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential coaches, use this guide to ask the right questions. After these conversations, you will probably feel ready to choose “the one”.
1. What experience do you have working with clients like me?
When you are in the process of choosing a health coach, one of the most important questions you can ask is about their experience.
Specifically, ask about their past with clients who have similar goals to yours or those from a similar demographic / life stage as you.
This question serves as a filter to ensure you are choosing a coach who understands your specific needs. Furthermore, if a coach can personally witness the achievement of the goal you are striving for, this is a powerful testimony to their effectiveness.
2. What are your credentials?
This question is probably crucial: it can give you extra confidence and ensures that a trainer has a certain knowledge base.
Plus, some trainers may have “specialty” certifications—like prenatal and postpartum fitness, or intuitive nutrition—that may benefit you and your specific needs.
However, this is not about prioritizing certifications or degrees over the personal connection you have with your coach. Mostly, it's about making sure you're in safe hands.
3. What is your training philosophy?
A trainer's philosophy includes their beliefs about health, wellness and their approach to setting and achieving goals.
Pay attention to how a coach articulates his philosophy. Does it align with your values and beliefs about health and wellness? If it “fits,” it lays the foundation for a productive and harmonious coaching relationship.
4. What does your training process look like?
Knowing a coach's process allows you to anticipate the strategies they will use to help you achieve your goals. It also helps you gauge whether their approach works with your preferences and expectations.
If everything you've heard from your trainer sounds good so far, it's time to dig deeper. The following questions can help you understand a few more details about what it would be like to work with them.
5. If I sign up, will you create my workouts? (Or: What will you help me with?)
Understand the exact services a trainer will provide – such as nutrition, movement or stress management.
And find out how flexible their plan is. For example, if you already have an exercise program that you feel comfortable with, is it okay if you stick to it?
On the other hand, if you're starting with a clean plan, will they tailor a workout to fit your needs? Some trainers place a heavy emphasis on exercise, while others may take a more flexible approach that focuses on nutrition and other lifestyle habits.
6. How will we keep in touch and how often?
Some coaches prefer regular check-ins via video calls, while others may use messaging platforms or email correspondence. Either way, it's good to know. (And it's good to assess whether their communication style suits you!)
Ask how often you will have check-ins, progress updates, or opportunities to ask questions. Setting this up now will save you time and improve ongoing communication.
7. If we were to start working together tomorrow, where would we start?
An experienced trainer will have a clear and structured starting model for new clients.
They should be able to articulate a logical sequence of steps that demonstrate their expertise with the change process. This gives you confidence that they have successfully navigated customers through similar journeys in the past.
8. If we work together, what time commitment is expected from me (the client)?
Before you ask this question, consider YOUR availability and how much time and energy you can realistically devote to nutrition and fitness.
The level of time and commitment required can vary significantly from one coach to another. So find a trainer that can work with your schedule and commitment level.
Some coaches may take a more structured approach, requiring frequent check-ins and consistent communication. This can benefit clients who need a higher level of accountability and structured guidance.
On the other hand, other coaches may offer a “freer” style, offering resources and support that clients can access at their own pace.
9. What tools, applications, platforms and devices do you expect customers to use?
Some trainers may have specific apps or platforms they prefer clients use to track progress, while others just work with whatever you have on hand.
If they have specific tools they like to use, just make sure you feel comfortable and proficient using them.
10. How do you measure progress?
Find out how your coach will measure your progress—whether it's through behavioral tracking, body measurements, or other metrics.
This ensures that you have a clear understanding of how your progress will be assessed and celebrated!
11. How do you handle ebbs and flows in motivation?
Ebbs and flows in motivation are natural.
The response you get should be reassuring, as it's likely indicative of how they'll support you when you're feeling less enthusiastic – or even frustrated – about progress. (Note: ebb and flow is a work in progress also natural.)
If a coach can handle these fluctuations with empathy, understanding, and practical strategies, you'll be well supported.
12. Do you have any former clients I can talk to?
Testimonials, transformation photos and personal accounts can provide powerful evidence of a coach's ability to facilitate positive change.
An organized and effective trainer should have no problem securing references or connecting you with past clients.
13. What questions do you have for me?
A good coach understands that training is a collaborative effort.
They recognize the importance of getting to know you, and this question allows the trainer to gather the information needed to design an individualized training plan.
Additionally, a coach who has a series of thoughtful and relevant questions demonstrates his commitment to your success. They should be interested in your aspirations, challenges and preferences in order to provide the best possible guidance and support.
We are here to help you achieve your goals
You don't have to face your health journey alone.
Our trainers at Precision Nutrition are the best in the industry and our science-based 1:1 Training Program is customized to fit your unique needs, lifestyle and goals. Bi-weekly video calls and daily messages help you stay motivated as you gradually gain the skills and knowledge for long-term health success.
Learn more today and start dating YOUR coach.
