We’ve heard of corporate coaches and life coaches, but what about wellness coaches? According to a recent survey by the American College of Sports Medicine, “educated and experienced fitness professionals” now constitute the MOST important fitness trend in the world. With two thirds of our healthcare costs driven by our daily choices, we can see why now, more than ever, is a good time to seek guidance in our pursuits of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
So what is wellness coaching? In a nut shell, wellness coaching is the art of creating an environment thru conversation and a way of being, that facilitates a process where anyone can make healthy changes and achieve all the lifestyle goals that they can imagine. Wellness coaches shoot to put the clients in charge of their own health by not only asking them to take charge of their lives, but by uncovering their natural impulse to be well, and inspiring and challenging them to go beyond what they would do alone. The goal of any coaching relationship is to help individuals become one’s best self.
How does wellness coaching work? Most certified wellness coaches meet with clients on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis, mainly via phone calls. Wellness Coaches work one-on-one with clients to develop their personal wellness vision, three month goals, and a series of weekly goals that will help take them to their peak wellness. Coaches serve to act as non-judgmental and empathetic support partners by allowing clients to develop right before their eyes. They don't just give advice, but act as tour guides in creating lasting changes.
Why would I ever need a coach? In a recent study by the University of Kansas, Center for Weight Management, participants in a phone based coaching program lost almost as much weight as another group receiving services through the face-to-face clinical method. Telephonic participants lost 23 pounds over 12 weeks; and 28 pounds over 26 weeks. Clinic-based participants lost 28 pounds over 12 weeks; and 28 pounds over 26 weeks. To put it simply, wellness coaches make a positive impact, provide accountability, and when you’re stuck in the muck, they get you out of it.
All and all, coaching is a relatively new field, beginning in the late 1970’s in the corporate environment, but now we are beginning to see this new and needed niche in the health and fitness industry. Hilton Head Health has certainly taken notice and over the past three months the program staff (me included) have been training to become certified Wellness Coaches thru the ACSM endorsed Wellcoaches program. We have been learning to take off our expert hats and strap on the coaching hats. In these efforts, we hope to launch the first ever H3 wellness coaching program before the New Year. It is one thing for our amazing guests to make lifestyle changes during their stay, but we want to ensure these changes are LASTING. Be on the lookout for when we become certified wellness coaches because the day is right around the corner! We are excited to finally have a network that will help our guest grow and hold onto everything they’ve learned within the H3 walls.
If you would like to learn more about the wellness coaching trend, check out this article by WebMD.
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