Reviewed by Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD
Once you’ve decided 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 characteristics of a good coach besides the obvious credentials?
We have listed some characteristics to look for when choosing a health coach.
Essentially, it all boils down to the way the two of you ‘vibe’. You should find someone you get along with and trust, someone who seems to “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 qualified health coach serves as a personalized guide.
They’ll help you reach your goals with personalized advice, motivation, customized nutrition plans and exercise routines designed just for you.
They won’t just give you generalized or general advice about diet and exercise. This personalized approach ensures you maximize your full potential and get the most out of your fitness journey.
7 Signs You’ve Found a Good Coach
What are the characteristics 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 walk you through their process.
A good health coach should have the ability to clearly explain the steps, strategies and milestones that are an integral part of their approach.
This not only demonstrates 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 draw on knowledge gained from practical experience. Articulating lessons learned from working with other customers like you shows an understanding of the issues or preferences you may have. They have proven that they know how to deal with challenges similar to yours.
2. They can provide references and testimonials.
A hallmark of a good coach is their openness to share references and testimonials without hesitation. Transparency not only reflects confidence in their ability, but also highlights their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Ideally, these references should come from customers in your demographic with similar goals. If you have a specific injury, for example, a good trainer will have testimonials from clients they have worked with in the past who have suffered a similar injury or physical limitation. A good coach understands the value of real-world feedback and recognizes that the experiences of past clients can speak volumes.
Additionally, the ability to connect with past clients demonstrates the coach’s confidence in the relationships they have built. If a coach avoids providing references, this should raise concerns about their interactions with their clients and the impact of their coaching.
Testimonials, in particular, offer insight into the tangible benefits clients have experienced under a coach’s guidance. Positive testimonials not only validate the trainer’s skills but also give you a taste of the potential results you can expect.
3. They ask you questions.
A coach’s interest in your story reflects 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 just presenting a prepackaged solution, a good coach should be genuinely interested in your “why.” They should want to understand your motivations, challenges and specific goals. The questions they ask should help them tailor the coaching plan to your particular preferences and lifestyle.
4. They listen to you.
Another characteristic of a good coach is the ability to incorporate your thoughts and feedback into the coaching process. Remember, this is a two-way street, cooperative relationship.
Listening extends beyond the spoken word. it involves deciphering the nuances and subtleties of your communication. A good coach coordinates not only What you say but how you say it
A coach’s response 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 adjusts the plan. This flexibility ensures that the coaching process remains dynamic, adapting to your evolving needs and circumstances.
5. They communicate openly and often.
As we said, 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 touch base.
Effective coaches set clear expectations about communication from the start. Whether you’re 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 receptive to any questions or concerns you may have.
6. They consider your health holistically.
Your wellness extends beyond individual aspects like exercise and diet. 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 influence each other.
For example, understanding your eating habits allows a coach to develop a nutrition plan that improves your current eating habits without being unrealistic. Recognizing past injuries or exercise experiences informs training routines that prioritize safety and effectiveness. Examining sleep patterns and stress levels further refines the approach, promoting overall well-being.
This holistic, multi-faceted 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 — long-term.
7. They can customize your program to fit your needs.
A good coach will adjust your program to fit your changing needs as you work towards your goals.
Whether you have specific dietary requirements, time constraints or training style preferences, a coach tailors the program to ensure it not only helps you make progress but also integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle and can be adjusted 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 as you search for a health coach.
Determine 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 results you are aiming to achieve.
Whether it’s weight loss, improved fitness, better sleep, or general well-being, clarity about your goals serves as a guide to choosing the right trainer.
However, it’s also okay not have a specific goal or if 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 formulate a customized plan together.
Talk to prospective 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 the coach’s philosophy, past experiences and success stories. Understanding how their approach aligns with your goals is essential to making sure you really “know” each other.
During these conversations, also pay attention to the coach’s communication style and demeanor. Consider whether you feel comfortable and honestly sound during the conversation.
Day-to-day logistics are also important. As you get to know each coach, ask them about their availability, preferred communication channels and the structure of coaching sessions. This will ensure a smooth and manageable collaboration.
Rate the “feel”
Coaching is, at its core, a relationship-based service, and the personal connection you make with your coach can profoundly affect your motivation and commitment to your health goals. A positive and supportive connection fosters a feeling of trust, making the mentoring relationship more enjoyable and effective.
However, recognize 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, less tangible elements such as a coach’s personality, communication style and general energy are paramount. Trust your gut and choose a coach you really 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 as they design 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, sustainable habits that will help you feel better in the long run.
Try the 1:1 training program now and get the results you deserve.
