Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
When you decide you want to work with a health coach, finding the right one isn’t just about checking a list of qualifications.
How do you know if you’ve found the right health coach for you? Besides the obvious qualifications, what are the qualities of a good coach?
Here are some characteristics to look out for when choosing a health coach.
Essentially, it all comes down to the “vibe” between the two of you. You should find someone you get along with and trust, someone who really “gets” you and is as invested in your success as you are.
Let’s take a closer look at what all this means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
A skilled health coach will act as your personalized guide.
We’ll help you reach your goals with personalized advice, motivation, custom nutrition plans and exercise routines designed just for you.
We don’t just offer general advice on diet and exercise – this personalized approach helps you maximize your 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 if you’ve found it?
These seven characteristics are by no means an exhaustive list, but they can help you narrow down your choices.
1. They will walk you through the process.
A good health coach should have the skills to clearly articulate the steps, strategies and milestones that are essential to their approach.
Not only does this prove their expertise, it also shows they have a structured process in place to help you succeed.
Additionally, they should be able to leverage insights from real-world experience. Articulating lessons learned from working with other clients just like you demonstrates that they understand your problems and preferences. They prove that they know how to deal with challenges similar to yours.
2. You can provide letters of recommendation or testimonials.
A hallmark of a great coach is the openness to share referrals and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in the coach’s abilities, but also underscores their commitment to client satisfaction.
Ideally, these testimonials should come from clients who are in your target demographic and have similar goals. For example, if you have a specific injury, a good coach should have testimonials from clients who have experienced a similar injury or physical limitation in the past. A good coach understands the value of real feedback and knows that past client 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 testimonials, it should raise concerns about their interactions with clients and the impact of their coaching.
In particular, testimonials provide insight into the specific benefits clients have experienced under a coach’s guidance. Positive testimonials not only validate a coach’s skills, but also give a glimpse into the potential results they can expect.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach’s interest in your story shows their commitment to your success. They should ask you lots of questions. A quality coaching relationship is built on a foundation of understanding, and effective coaches recognize the importance of digging deep into your unique situation.
A good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why” rather than simply presenting you with a ready-made solution. They should want to understand your motivations, challenges, and specific goals. The questions they ask should help them customize a coaching plan to fit your specific preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a great coach is their ability to incorporate your thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember, this is a two-way street. Collaborative relationship.
Listening is not just about words. It also involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of communication. A good coach will: what You say how You say.
A trusting relationship should develop when your coach is responsive to your feedback. If you express a concern or suggest a change in the plan, a good coach will listen, understand, and adjust the program. This flexibility keeps the coaching process dynamic, adjusting to changing needs and circumstances.
5. Communicate openly and frequently.
As we’ve said before, transparent and open communication is a two-way street. This element is fundamental to your success and includes how and when you and your coach communicate.
Effective coaches set clear expectations about communication from the start. Whether it’s setting regular check-ins, defining response times, or outlining preferred communication channels, a good coach is accessible to you and trusts your responsiveness. You feel comfortable reaching out, knowing that your coach will listen to your questions and concerns.
6. Consider your health holistically.
Your health is about more than just the individual aspects of exercise and nutrition. If you find a health coach who also takes into account your sleep quality, stress levels, past injuries, and exercise experience, then you’ve found a good coach. They understand how these factors work together and affect each other.
For example, understanding your nutritional habits allows your coach to create a meal plan that improves on your current eating habits without being unrealistic; taking into account past injuries and exercise history informs a training routine that prioritizes safety and effectiveness; and factoring in your sleep patterns and stress levels further refines your approach to promote overall health.
This holistic, multifaceted view of wellbeing is called ‘Deep Health.’ 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 term.
7. You can tailor the program to suit your needs.
A good coach will tailor the program to your changing needs as you work to reach your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary restrictions, time constraints or training style preferences, your coach will customize a program to not only encourage your progress but ensure it seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle and can be adapted as needed.
Tips for finding a good health coach
Finding a good health coach requires more than just scouring online reviews or asking friends for recommendations (although these are a good way to start).
Here are some tips to keep in mind when searching for a health coach.
Clarify your goals
Before you seek out a coach, take some time to introspect.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific outcomes you want to achieve.
Identifying your goals, whether that be losing weight, improving your fitness, improving your sleep or overall health, will guide you in choosing the right coach.
But it’s okay do not have Whether you have specific goals or general goals like “I want to be healthier,” a Health Coach can help you clarify and refine your goals. A Health Coach will have meaningful conversations with you to understand your aspirations, challenges, and motivations, and together we will develop a customized plan.
Talk to your prospective health coach
Once you have identified three to five potential health coaches, take the time to meet with each one individually.
Prepare a list of questions and topics to guide these discussions. Questions should focus on coaching philosophy, past experiences, success stories, etc. Understanding how the other person’s approach aligns with your goals is essential to truly “getting” each other.
During these conversations, pay attention to your coach’s communication style and demeanor as well. Consider whether you feel comfortable during the conversation and are genuinely listened to.
Day-to-day logistics are also important: as you get to know each coach, ask about their availability, preferred communication channels, and how your coaching sessions will be structured. This will ensure a smooth, manageable collaboration.
Evaluate the atmosphere
Coaching is an inherently relationship-based service, and the personal connection you build with your coach has a profound impact on your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive, supportive connection fosters trust, making the coaching relationship more enjoyable and effective.
But realize that there is no such thing as a “perfect” coach.
Instead, focus on finding a coach who is “good enough” for you – one whose approach suits your preferences and who understands your unique situation. While there may be a coach who seems to meet all your criteria on paper, it’s the more intangible factors like a coach’s personality, communication style, and overall energy that matter most. Trust your instincts and choose a coach with whom you feel a genuine connection.
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 nutrition and exercise advice – they work closely with you to help you develop healthier, more sustainable habits that will make you feel better in the long term.
Try our one-on-one coaching program today and achieve the results you desire.
