Does a Personal Fitness Trainer Need a Health Coach Certification?

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There are many personal fitness trainers in my country. I ever wonder how most of them qualified as a fitness trainer. What path each of them take to become of personal fitness trainer? A good fitness trainer should have a fitness or exercise qualification to begin with. Ideally, one must obtain a personal training certification as their base credential. Once a trainer has their personal training certification, their education doesn’t stop there. This is because there are so much development and latest information in the world of fitness. This information can then be used to improve training results and income.

One course that I want to introduce to personal trainers is the ISSA health coaching program. Becoming certified as a health coach offers many benefits. I believe that it’s important to first understand what it means to be a certified health coach. Here is an article that I reprint with ISSA’s permission to help you appreciate the value of being a Health Coach Specialist.

What Is a Health Coach?

Health coaches helps clients overcome health and wellness obstacles that extend beyond the gym. This might involve finding ways to better manage stress. It could also include providing nutrition advice. Or maybe you come up with ways that clients can quit smoking or improve their sleep quality.

In many cases, clients hire a health coach to help them better manage a physical or mental health condition. People with diabetes may look for a coach who can help them create a healthier lifestyle, thus lowering their blood sugar levels. Someone with high blood pressure might turn to a health coach for help with getting this vital sign under control.

A health and wellness coach has advanced knowledge in the management of chronic disease. They have a greater understanding of the challenges people with these types of conditions face. This helps them craft a more effective response, providing the client with higher levels of health and wellness as a result.

What to Look for in a Health Coach Certification Program

Before obtaining your personal trainer certification, you likely shopped around a bit. Maybe you researched what each program taught, the additional resources it provided, or how long it would take you to get to the certification exam. You might have even read its reviews to see what others thought.

It benefits you to perform the same due diligence when choosing a health coaching program. Look at whether it covers the topics you want to learn. Also consider how the materials are provided. Some people prefer an online certification program, for instance. This enables them to further their training when it is convenient for them. 

If the cost of certification is an issue, what type of payment options does the program offer? Can you spread out the expense over time, making it more affordable? And if this is an option, can you do it without paying a high amount of interest (if any interest at all)?

If you’re ready to get started, check out ISSA’s Health Coach certification program. This online health coach training program provides the education needed to start offering health coaching services. You’ll also learn coaching skills that can enhance your ability to get your clients results. This makes you even more valuable as both a personal trainer and a health coach. 

*Contents reprint with ISSA permission.