Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
Once you decide you want to work with a health coach, you need to find the right coach, more than just checking off a list of qualifications.
How do you know if you’ve found the right health coach for you? Beyond the obvious qualifications, what are the qualities of a good coach?
We have listed some characteristics to look for when choosing a health coach.
Essentially, it all comes down to the “atmosphere” of the two of you. You need to 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 take a deeper look at what that means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
A skilled health coach will serve as your personal guide.
We’ll help you reach your goals with personalized advice, motivation, custom nutrition plans, and exercise routines designed just for you.
They don’t just give general or generic advice about diet and exercise. This personalized approach will help you reach your full potential and get the most out of your fitness journey.
7 signs you’ve met a good coach
What are the qualities of a good coach?
How do I know when I’ve found one?
These seven qualities are by no means a complete list, but they can help you narrow down your choices.
1. Walk us through the process.
A good health coach should have the skills to clearly explain the steps, strategies, and milestones essential to their approach.
This not only proves their expertise, but also shows that they have a structured process to help you succeed.
Not only that, but you also need to be able to draw on insights gained from practical experience. By articulating lessons learned from working with other clients like you, you demonstrate an understanding of any issues or preferences you may have. They have proven that they know how to deal with similar challenges as you.
2. Be able to provide references and introductions.
The hallmark of a great coach is their openness to share references and experiences without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in your company’s capabilities, but also emphasizes your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Ideally, these references should come from a customer base with similar goals. For example, if you have a specific injury, a good coach will have testimonials from clients they have worked with in the past who have experienced similar injuries or physical limitations. Great coaches understand the value of real-world feedback and recognize that past client experiences can speak volumes.
Additionally, the ability to connect with past clients demonstrates confidence in the relationships the coach has built. If a coach avoids providing references, there should be concerns about the interaction with the client and the impact of the coaching.
In particular, testimonials provide insight into the tangible benefits that clients have experienced under a coach’s guidance. Positive testimonials not only prove the coach’s skills, but also give you a glimpse of the potential results you can expect.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach’s interest in your story shows their commitment to your success. They should ask you a lot of questions. Quality coaching relationships are built on a foundation of understanding, and effective coaches recognize the importance of digging into your unique situation.
A good coach will be genuinely interested in your “why” and not just offer a packaged solution. They will want to understand your motivations, challenges, and specific goals. The questions they ask should help you tailor your coaching plan to your specific preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a good coach is the ability to incorporate their own thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember, this is a two-way partnership.
Listening extends beyond the spoken word. It involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of communication. A good coach cares not just about what you say, but how you say it.
The coach’s response to your feedback should foster an environment of trust. When you raise concerns or suggest modifications to the plan, a good coach listens, understands, and adapts the program. This flexibility ensures that the coaching process is always dynamic and adapts to evolving needs and circumstances.
5. They communicate openly and frequently.
As mentioned earlier, transparent and open communication is a two-way street. This element is fundamental to success and includes when and how you and your coach build your base.
Effective coaches establish clear communication expectations from the beginning. Whether it’s setting up regular check-ins, defining response times, or outlining your preferred communication channels, a good coach will be accessible and authentic to you. You should feel comfortable reaching out to your coach as they will be open to any questions or concerns you may have.
6. They consider your health holistically.
Your health extends beyond individual aspects such as exercise and nutrition. You’ll know you’ve found a great 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 influence each other.
For example, by understanding your nutritional habits, a coach can develop a meal plan that improves your current eating habits without being unrealistic. Being aware of your past injuries and athletic experience will result in a training routine that prioritizes safety and effectiveness. Taking your sleep patterns and stress levels into account further refines your approach and promotes overall well-being.
This holistic, multidimensional view of well-being is called “deep health.” And when you apply a deep health approach, you’re more likely to develop positive habits that will impact every aspect of your life in the long run.
7. Tailor the program to your needs.
A good coach will adjust the program to your changing needs as you strive to achieve your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time restrictions, workout style preferences, etc., your coach can customize a program to not only help you progress, but integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle and meet your needs. Be able to adapt accordingly.
Tips for finding a good health coach
Finding a good health coach requires more than looking at online reviews or asking friends for recommendations (though these are good ways to start).
Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for a health coach.
identify goals
Before you look for a coach, take some time to self-reflect.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific results you want to achieve.
Whether it’s weight loss, increased fitness, better sleep, or overall health, being clear about your goals will help guide you in choosing the right coach.
However, it’s okay if you don’t have a specific goal. It can be a general goal, such as “I want to be healthier.” Helping people clarify and improve their goals is part of a health coach’s job. We can have meaningful conversations to understand your aspirations, challenges, and motivations until the two of you create a customized plan.
Talk to a future health coach
Once you’ve identified three to five potential health coaches, take the time to meet with each of them one-on-one.
Prepare a list of questions and issues to guide these discussions. Your questions should focus on your coaching philosophy, past experiences, and success stories. Understanding how the other person’s approach aligns with your goals is essential to truly “getting” each other.
Pay attention to the coach’s communication style and demeanor during these conversations. Think about whether you feel comfortable and genuinely listened to during the conversation.
Daily logistics are also important. As you get to know each coach, ask about their availability, their preferred communication channels, and the structure of their coaching sessions. This ensures smooth and manageable collaboration.
Evaluate the “atmosphere”
Coaching is an inherently relationship-based service, and the personal connection you establish with your coach can have a significant impact on your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive, supportive connection fosters trust and makes the coaching relationship more enjoyable and effective.
However, realize that there is no “perfect” coach.
Instead, focus on finding a coach that’s “good enough” for you – one whose approach aligns with your preferences and who understands your unique situation. While some coaches may seem to meet all of your criteria on paper, intangible factors such as a coach’s personality, communication style, and overall energy are most important. Trust your instincts and choose a coach with whom you can genuinely connect.
we help you achieve your goals
Precision Nutrition’s health coaches are experts in their fields. They take the time to understand your behaviors and habits and create a plan that fits your unique goals and lifestyle.
Our coaches do more than just give you advice on diet and exercise. They will work closely with you so you can learn healthier, more sustainable habits that will make you feel better in the long run.
Try our 1:1 coaching program today and achieve the results you deserve.
