How to Stay Fit While Traveling for Work

There is an overwhelming amount of messaging that bombards us when it comes to weight loss programs, dieting and working out. Having a health coach is a great partner in helping you reach your fitness goals while also improving mental health and well-being. Learn more about what a health coach does and what to expect when you start working with one

Researching ways to achieve optimal health can prove overwhelming. Many find this task exasperating, if not altogether discouraging. The health industry is saturated with certified personal trainers, wellness specialists and health coaches and a vast majority of people cannot distinguish between them. This makes it difficult for some to determine which professional is ideal to help them achieve their goals.

What is a Personal Health Coach?

A personal health coach works 1:1 with an individual to help then achieve healthy fitness and eating habits to reach goals and achieve a better mental state. Health coaches can help create diet and meal plans, create workout plans and to help create healthy routines. 

A certified health coach focuses on the whole person by looking at a broader, more comprehensive view of one’s life. Certified health coaches listen to their clients’ needs and challenges. In addition, they empower them to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors that prevent, mitigate, and, in some cases, reverse chronic diseases. They provide the direction necessary to assist their clients with optimizing their health and wellbeing, enhancing their ability to truly thrive. In other words, health coaches hold their clients accountable, guiding and directing them.

What Certification Does a Health Coach Have?

In order for a health coach to work with you, they must have: 

A credible health coach will have a nationally accredited professional certification through one of the premier certifying agencies such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the International Coach Federation (ICF). These are the highest standard of competence for a coaching professional and provide assurance to the general population that the coach has mastered foundational principles in coaching. The ACE Health Coach Certification is the only health coach certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and is considered the gold standard in health and fitness.

Health Coach vs Nutritionist

While a health coach helps clients make healthier, long-lasting food choices, they differ from a nutritionist because a nutritionist only focuses on dietary challenges, habits, and education to improve one’s health.  As mentioned previously a certified health coach focuses on the whole person by looking at a broader, more comprehensive view of one’s life while.

Health Coach vs Personal or Gym Trainer

A personal trainer focuses on the physiological side of health such as exercising, muscle growth, and weight loss.  A certified health coach focuses on the whole person by looking at a broader, more comprehensive view of one’s life. A health coach can create workouts and exercise plans for weight loss or other goals, but they offer more of a mental well-being focus. Learn more about the differences between a health coach vs. personal or gym trainer.

What Can a Health Coach Do for Me?

You may feel so busy and overwhelmed with your work and busy professional life that you can’t imagine fitting in time to lose weight, eat healthier and work out. A health coach helps you make a plan that reaches your goals even if you live a busy lifestyle or are always working or traveling. They will  awaken you to your own unique skills, strengths, abilities and untapped potential by utilizing behavior-change techniques. They can help you optimize your health and well-being so you can truly thrive in life.