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've listed some features to look out for when choosing a health coach.
Basically, it all depends on how you both “vibe”. You need to find someone you get along with and trust, someone who seems to really “get” you and is as invested in your success as you are.
Let's dive deeper into what this all means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
A skilled health coach serves as a personalized guide.
They'll help you reach your goals with tailored advice, motivation, custom meal plans and exercise routines designed just for you.
They won't just give you general or general advice about diet and exercise. This individualized approach ensures that you maximize your full potential and get the most out of your fitness journey.
7 signs that 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 their process.
A good health coach must possess the ability to clearly explain the steps, strategies and integral moments of their approach.
This not only shows their expertise, but also shows that they have a structured process to help you succeed.
Even more than that, they should also be able to build on knowledge gained from practical experience. Articulating lessons learned from working with other clients like you shows understanding of issues or preferences you may have. They have proven that they know how to handle challenges similar to yours.
2. They can provide references and testimonials.
A hallmark of a good trainer is their openness to sharing references and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in their abilities, but also underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Ideally, these references 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 they have worked with in the past who have experienced a similar injury or physical limitation. A good trainer understands the value of real-world feedback and recognizes that past client experiences can speak volumes.
Additionally, the ability to connect with past clients shows a coach's confidence in the relationships they have built. If a trainer avoids providing references, this should raise concerns about their client interactions and the impact of their training.
Testimonials, in particular, provide insight into the tangible benefits clients have experienced under a coach. Positive testimonials not only validate the trainer's skills, but also provide you with a glimpse of the potential results you can expect.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach's interest in your story is a reflection of their 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 into your unique circumstances.
Rather than simply presenting a prepackaged solution, a good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why.” They should want to understand your specific motivations, challenges and goals. The questions they ask should help them tailor their exercise plan to your unique preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a good trainer is the ability to integrate your thoughts and reactions into the training process. Remember, this is a two-way street, Collaborative relationship.
Listening extends beyond the spoken word; it involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of your communication. A good trainer is adapted not only what you say but HOW you say it.
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 trainer listens, understands and adjusts the program. This flexibility ensures that the training process remains dynamic, adapting to your evolving needs and circumstances.
5. Communicate openly and often.
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 establish clear expectations about communication from the start. Whether it's setting up regular check-ins, setting response times, or outlining preferred communication channels, a good coach is accessible to you and reliable in responding. You should feel comfortable reaching out, knowing that your coach is open to any questions or concerns you have.
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 take into account 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 allows a trainer to develop a diet plan that improves your current eating habits without being unrealistic. Knowing past injuries or training experiences informs training routines that prioritize safety and effectiveness. Consideration of sleep patterns and stress levels further refines the approach, promoting overall well-being.
This holistic, multifaceted view of well-being is called “Deep health. And when a Deep Health approach is implemented, it means you're more likely to create positive habits that affect every aspect of your life – for the long term.
7. They can tailor your program to fit your needs.
A good trainer will adjust your program to fit your changing needs as you work towards your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time constraints or exercise style preferences, a trainer tailors the program to ensure it not only helps you make progress, but also integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle – and can adjust as needed.
Tips for finding a good health coach
Finding a good health coach goes beyond looking for reviews online or asking friends for recommendations (although those are good ways to start).
Here are some other tips to keep in mind while looking for a health coach.
Identify your goals
Before you look for a coach, take a moment for introspection.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific results you are aiming to achieve.
Whether it's weight loss, improved fitness, better sleep, or overall wellness, clarity about your goals serves as a guiding compass in choosing the right trainer.
It's also okay, though NO to have a specific goal, or if your goal is something general like, “I want to be healthier.” Helping to clarify and refine your goals is part of a health coach's job. They can engage you in meaningful conversations to understand your aspirations, challenges and motivations until you both create a tailored plan together.
Talk to future health coaches
Once you've identified three to five potential health coaches, take the time to meet with each one one-on-one.
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 their approach aligns with your goals is key to making sure you really “get” each other.
During these conversations, pay attention to the coach's communication style and behavior. Consider whether you feel comfortable and genuinely heard during the conversation.
Day-to-day logistics are also important. As you get to know each trainer, ask them about their availability, preferred communication channels and the structure of training sessions. This will ensure a smooth and manageable collaboration.
Rate the “vibe”
Coaching is, at its core, a relationship-based service, and the personal connection you form with your coach can profoundly affect your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive and supportive relationship fosters a sense of trust, making the training 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 matches your preferences and understands your unique circumstances. While there may be a coach who, on paper, seems to fit all of your criteria, less tangible elements like the coach's personality, communication style, and overall energy are important. Trust your instincts and choose a coach you genuinely connect with.
We are here to help you achieve your goals
The health coaches at Precision Nutrition are experts in their fields. They take the time to understand your behavior and habits while designing a plan to fit 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, sustainable habits that will help you feel better long-term.
Try ours 1:1 training program now and get the results you deserve.
