A wellness coach is an individual who helps others keep on track with their wellness plan. The coach will help to not only devise an exercise routine, but also work on other aspects of wellness with the client. In some ways, the wellness coach will be a teacher. In other ways, the coach will be an encourager. Overall, the coach is a person who helps a client meet wellness goals.
Most people are familiar with personal trainers and what they do. These individuals set exercise goals for an individual, and then work with them to attain those goals. Often these are cardiovascular and weightlifting goals. Once they are met, new goals are often set. This is also a part of the job description of a wellness coach in many cases. However, exercise goals are not where the job ends, but simply a small part of the overall responsibility.
A wellness coach may also help with principles of a good diet. Though the coach may not be a certified dietitian, he or she will often have a good knowledge of nutrition, and understand the basics. Even such a basic understanding is enough to help set a diet for normal individuals. The coach may periodically check with the client to make sure the diet is being adhered to. This accountability is a good way to keep those on a wellness plan on track.
In addition to the principles of dieting, wellness coaches will also offer help on other health issues. For example, for those trying to quit smoking, they will offer some accountability, as well as advice on what to do when the urge hits. This may not totally stop relapses, but should provide another tool for those individuals. In addition to smoking, alcohol and fast food may be other problem areas as wellness coach helps individuals deal with.
A wellness coach often works with clients, who are part of an employee wellness or corporate wellness plan. These coaches may be hired to help keep track of an employee, and offer encouraging words of advice. This may even be done over the phone or through e-mail. Various software products can also serve some of these functions, especially when it comes to helping individuals keep track of exercise goals and planning a diet.
Though there may be rare cases where one coach deals solely, or predominately, with one client, most have many clients. Each is offered one-on-one service by being scheduled at different times, much like a personal fitness trainer will only work with one person at a time. This helps keep the cost affordable for many people, because they have the ability to choose how often and how long they will meet with a coach.