Fitness Careers and Health Coach Certification

tinanana7

Just wondering if there is anyone on here that is a certified Health Coach. I know that ACE offers a Health Coach Certification and they give a brief description about what being a Health Coach entails but would love to hear from some of you professionals as well about what the job is like. Some questions I had are:

How did you get into health coaching and what steps did you take to get into the field?
Is it something you do full-time as a career or part-time?
Is this a career where you can actually make a livable income?
How would you describe your typical day?
What to you like best and least about your job?

This isn't a complete list but its all I can think of at them moment, I think my coffee is wearing off lol! I am actually an allied health-care professional (vascular ultrasound) and I enjoy what I do so I am not really looking to change careers per se. I have always been health-conscious. But having started MFP about 4 months ago and losing over 30 lbs (post-baby weight), I have definitely begun to focus even more on overall health and wellness. It's funny, so much of my conversation with my co-workers nowadays revolve around healthy eating, fitness and exercise. Anyways, I did a google search to see what options might be out there if at some point I really was looking to change careers (or even do something like this on the side). I've toyed with the thought of becoming certified as a group fitness instructor as well (I love doing these types of classes at the gym) but not sure I have the time right now with two little ones at home and with working.

My main motivation isn't money but it wouldn't hurt if this could be something that could be a second career in the future. Sadly it seems for now anyways, taking care of sick people pays better than taking of healthy people. Seeing the end result so to speak of what unhealthy living can do to a person aka my patients is not always easy. It would be great to get to people before they get to that point by motivating them to live a healthy lifestyle. Any info you can provide would be much appreciated!

SideSteel

I'm also looking at a side-career in fitness/nutrition/etc.

Having said that, I found this article very educational:
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/

As an aside: I would also recommend paying close attention to Alan Aragon regarding fitness/nutrition. He's certainly one of the best.

Bobby__Clerici

I'm also looking at a side-career in fitness/nutrition/etc.

Having said that, I found this article very educational:
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/

As an aside: I would also recommend paying close attention to Alan Aragon regarding fitness/nutrition. He's certainly one of the best.

^^^^^^^^
THIS
And avoid any "coach" opportunity that involves you joining up some pyramid style MLM business.
Some such organizations have so diminished the term "coach".
Good Luck!

Squidgeypaws007

Bumping to read responses later!

skylark94

I'm also looking at a side-career in fitness/nutrition/etc.

Having said that, I found this article very educational:
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/

As an aside: I would also recommend paying close attention to Alan Aragon regarding fitness/nutrition. He's certainly one of the best.

Thank you for this! I am currently looking to go back to school for a BA in Nutrition. I really want to focus on helping people get fit and healthy without thinking they have to live on veggies and protein shakes. This article was very helpful.

healthyKYgirl

Bump

wareagle8706

bump.

I am currently studying for my CPT through NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness). I'm interested to hear what others have to say.

lesliev523

I am thinking the same thing, I will be interested in the responses!

tinanana7

I'm also looking at a side-career in fitness/nutrition/etc.

Having said that, I found this article very educational:
http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/

As an aside: I would also recommend paying close attention to Alan Aragon regarding fitness/nutrition. He's certainly one of the best.

thank you, this was very informative! Can't wait to hear more responses. In the meantime, off to scan my post stent/atherectomy patient. The one good thing about people living unhealthy lifestyles which can then lead to vascular disease is that I have excellent job security! I kid!

ChristinaBarnhouse

Thanks so much for posting this! Growing up and into my 20's, I was always overweight, then about 3 years ago, after my second child was born, I joined a gym and started exercising for the first time. Since then, I have lost over 40 pounds and weigh less than I did in high school! I feel better then I ever have and understand how important eating right and exercise is. My interest in fitness, nutrition and motivating others has skyrocketed.

I am 32 now and have done clerical work for the past 13 years. I've always been happy at my desk job, however I feel it's time for a career change. A career in health and wellness is something I'm very interested in have started looking into all the possibilities. I too would love to hear about your personal experiences in this job field or if there are articles, websites you would recommend.

Thanks!!

justjenny

This is very interesting...thanks for posting!