what is the best way to become a wellness coach? Is cerification a must?
I am a veterinarian and spin instructor. In my “previously life” through school I instructed everything from aqua aerobics to step aerobics. I am maxing out in my educational budget so want to prioritize my next phase in life. I am very interested in nutrition and have a fair amount of base knowledge but would like to help others. I have been investigating the Wellcoaches program as well as the IIN program. Any thoughts on how well these certifications may be accepted in the larger medical and fitness community?
I agree with LaRue in that fitness and personal training is a movement towards a holistic approach. Our focus as trainers should be on the well-being of the client not just on the proper way to lift weights, how long to run in order to burn fat and/or lose weight. All of that is just part of the whole (holistic) picture. In my opinion, the current health crisis in this country is letting us know that a lifestyle change is what’s needed. Wellness/Health Coaches will be the the link between the clients doctor and apart of their health team. As fitness trainers the added certification is a natural transition. I recommend you investigate both IIN and Wellcoach but my money is on IIN because their emphasis is on “bioindividuality” in that “one person’s food could be another person’s poison.” That really reasonated with me. And being that you’re a veterinarian, I strongly recommend you do some research on a fellow veterinarian by the name of Dr. Joel Wallach. That’s if you haven’t heard of him yet. Good luck in your researching and trust your gut. God bless.
Don