As a trainer and health coach, I know at least a few people will assume I want to whip you into shape and get you to lose weight and build muscle. I’m going to take some time here to explain my core beliefs and values and hopefully address anything that may be intimidating you about working with a trainer or health coach.
Weight Loss:
Let’s address this right away. I do not care if you lose weight. I will never assume that should be the goal. If you tell me you want or need to lose weight, we will talk about your whys and get clear on those, and then your goal is my goal.
Sometimes reducing body fat is very beneficial. It reduces our risks for several preventable diseases (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), reduces stress on joints, and could just make it easier to move. It can be as simple as improving the diet and increasing physical activity. But it isn’t always that simple and the concept of weight loss can triggering and discouraging.
What I want you to know is that when you are eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping and generally taking care of yourself, your body will take the shape it’s going to take and it’ll look good because you’ll feel good. I want you to know that I will not presume you want to or should lose weight, I will guide and support you if that is your goal.
The same rules apply to building muscle.
No Pain No Gain:
I will teach you all the good old movement patterns and we will work to build foundational strength because it is vital for every body. That will include challenging you with new movements, more reps, increasing loads, and all the other principles of training. I will challenge you to do things just to show you that you can learn to do them and see if you like them. I’m not looking for a certain amount of sweat, and I don’t actually want you to be very sore. My job is to use tried and true, evidence-based training principles to accomplish your goals - not to push you past your limits. At least not until we’ve really gotten the foundations down.
Your trainer’s job is to show you what to do to get where you want to be effectively and efficiently with purpose and solid reasoning. My motive is to empower you to feel confident in your abilities. I’m not here to judge you or hold you to any standard.
Well, unless your standards are kind of low...then I’m here to get you to raise them...
reasons to work with a health coach
01 : they have a wide breadth of knowledge of health related sciences and can connect you to information that may help you
02 : they can look at the big picture and remind you where you’re headed if you feel overwhelmed or discouraged
03 : they are your cheerleader no matter what
04 : they will build a step by step plan with you
05 : they will help you adjust your plan to overcome unforeseen obstacles
06 : they are truly passionate about supporting SUSTAINABLY healthy lifestyles
07 : they take the time to listen to what’s on your mind
08: they will nudge you toward behavior change, but at a pace that works for you
09 : you can discuss non-medical questions you aren’t sure who to ask
10 : they consider all the dimensions of wellness and look for the intersections - physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, etc.