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 beyond the obvious credentials?
We have listed some traits to consider when choosing a health coach.
Basically, it all comes down to how the two of you get along. 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 dig into what all this means.
Why is it important to find a good health coach?
A qualified health coach acts as a personalized guide.
They will help you achieve your goals with personalized advice, motivation, customized nutrition plans and exercise routines designed specifically for you.
You won’t be given blanket or generic advice on diet and exercise. This individualised approach ensures that you maximise your full 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 when you’ve found one?
These seven qualities are by no means an exhaustive list, but they can help you narrow down your choices.
1. They can guide you through their process.
A good health coach should possess the ability to clearly explain the steps, strategies and milestones that are integral to their approach.
Not only does this demonstrate their expertise, it also shows that they have a structured process in place to help you succeed.
What’s more, they should also be able to draw on knowledge gained from practical experience. Expressing lessons learned from working with other clients like you shows that they understand the problems or preferences you may have. They have demonstrated that they know how to address challenges similar to yours.
2. They can provide references and testimonials.
A hallmark of a good coach is their willingness to share references and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in their ability, but also underlines their commitment to client satisfaction.
Ideally, these references will be from clients in your demographic with similar goals. If you have a particular injury, for example, a good trainer will have testimonials from clients they’ve 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 demonstrates the coach’s confidence in the relationships they’ve built. If a coach avoids providing references, that should raise concerns about their interactions with clients and the impact of their coaching.
Testimonials, in particular, offer insight into the tangible benefits clients have experienced under the guidance of a coach. Positive testimonials not only validate the coach’s skills, but they also give you an idea 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 lots of questions. A quality coaching relationship is built on understanding, and effective coaches recognize the importance of digging deeper into your unique circumstances.
Rather than presenting a ready-made solution, a good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why.” They should want to understand your specific motivations, challenges, and goals. The questions you ask should help you tailor your coaching plan to your particular preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another quality of a good coach is the ability to integrate their thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember that this is a two-way process. collaborative relationship.
Listening goes beyond the spoken word; it involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of their communication. A good coach is in tune not only with that you say but as 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 coach listens, understands, and adapts the program. This flexibility ensures that the coaching process remains dynamic and adapts to your changing needs and circumstances.
5. They communicate openly and frequently.
As we’ve said, transparent and open communication is a two-way street. This element is critical to success and includes how and when you and your coach communicate.
Effective coaches set clear expectations about communication from the beginning. Whether it’s setting up regular check-ins, defining response times, or outlining preferred communication channels, a good coach is approachable and reliable when responding. You should feel comfortable communicating with them, knowing that your coach is receptive to any questions or concerns you may have.
6. They consider your health in a comprehensive way.
Your well-being goes beyond isolated aspects like exercise and nutrition. You’ll know you’ve found a good health coach when he or she also takes into account your sleep quality, stress levels, past injuries, and exercise experience. He or she knows how these factors work together and influence each other.
For example, understanding your nutritional habits allows a trainer to develop a diet plan that enhances your current eating habits, without being unrealistic. Acknowledging past injuries or exercise 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 wellness is called “deep health.” And when you apply a deep health approach, you’re more likely to create positive habits that impact all aspects of your life, over the long term.
7. They can adjust their program to meet your needs.
A good coach will adapt your program to meet your changing needs as you work toward your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time constraints or preferences in training styles, a coach tailors the program to ensure it not only helps you progress, but also integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle and can be adapted as needed.
Tips for finding a good health coach
Finding a good health coach goes beyond looking for online reviews or asking friends for recommendations (although those are good ways to start).
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when looking for a health coach.
Identify your goals
Before you seek out a coach, take a moment for introspection.
Ask yourself why you want to work with a health coach and what specific results you want to achieve.
Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, better sleep, or overall wellness, clarity in your goals serves as a compass for selecting the right coach.
However, that’s okay too. No Whether you have a specific goal or your goal is something general like “I want to be healthier,” helping you 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 come up with a personalized plan.
Talk to potential health coaches
Once you have identified three to five potential health coaches, take the time to meet with each of them individually.
Prepare a list of questions and talking points to guide these conversations. Your questions should focus on things like their coaching philosophy, past experiences, and success stories. Understanding how their approach aligns with your goals is essential to making sure you truly understand each other.
During these conversations, also pay attention to the coach’s communication style and attitude. Consider whether you feel comfortable and truly heard during the conversation.
Daily logistics are also important. As you get to know each coach, ask about their availability, preferred communication channels, and the structure of coaching sessions. This will ensure a smooth and manageable collaboration.
Evaluate the “vibe”
Coaching is, at its core, a relationship-based service, and the personal connection you make with your coach can have a profound impact on your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive, supportive connection fosters a sense of trust, making the coaching relationship more enjoyable and effective.
However, it must be recognized that there is no such thing as a “perfect” coach.
Instead, focus on finding a coach who is “good enough” for you—someone whose approach aligns with your preferences and understands your unique circumstances. While there may be a coach who, on paper, seems to meet all of your criteria, the less tangible elements—like the coach’s personality, communication style, and overall energy—are paramount. Trust your instincts and choose a coach you truly connect with.
We are here to help you achieve your goals.
Precision Nutrition’s health coaches are experts in their fields. They take the time to understand your behavior and habits while designing a plan that fits your unique goals and lifestyle.
Our coaches don’t just give you advice on diet and exercise, they work closely with you so you can learn healthier, more sustainable habits that will help you feel better in the long run.
Try our 1:1 coaching program now and get the results you deserve.
