AFPA Health and Fitness Blog

When a coaching client tells you they have a complex health condition, do you feel confident coaching them? 

TW: Detailed discussion about eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors

For some people, the meaning behind the term eating disorder feels distant and difficult to comprehend. For others, the term may bring up difficult feelings or feel deeply triggering. 

Health and wellness coaches have key roles in supporting clients in working toward health behavior change. An important element of implementing health behavior change strategies is identifying ways to sustain them in the long term while also leaving room for the normal changes in lifestyle everyone experiences. 

Regardless of whether you’re a personal trainer, health coach, or nutritionist, keeping track of clients’ health information can get overwhelming—fast. This is especially true when you have a large base of clients dealing with a unique mix of risk factors and health conditions.

Consumers no longer view “wellness” simply as “improved fitness and nutrition,” but, instead, as a much broader and holistic path—one that encompasses better long-term health management, mental health (specifically, mindfulness), and sleep.

Your client has high blood pressure. Understandably, they’re worried about the effect physical activity could have on their blood pressure. 

Given that the world has spent the last two years in and out of lockdowns (due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), it’s no surprise to learn that technology is increasingly cementing its place within people’s fitness routines.

Imposter syndrome is experienced by the best of us. It makes us doubt our abilities and may keep us from taking steps toward our professional goals. 

“To be honest, I’m afraid of working out in the gym.”