Is Wellness Coaching Right for You?

Everything we do is, in some way, impacted by our health, our level of fitness, our energy level and how we feel in any given moment.  In fact, you might say that health is the most important determinant of success and happiness.  So why, if wellness is so important, is it so difficult to maintain?

Andrea’s Story

Andrea a 42-year-old project manager had climbed the ladder of success at her tech company.  Her job was extremely stressful and she worked long hours, taking work home with her at night and on weekends.  Andrea didn’t have a college education.  She was purely a self-made professional, rising from a low-income upbringing.  She felt the need to work hard to compete in the marketplace.  Lunch was typically eaten at her desk (sometimes from the vending machine) and it had been a decade since she had worked out.

As so often happens, Andrea’s self-neglect gradually led to serious health challenges.  She put on 40 pounds and her blood pressure was through the roof.  Her energy was low and she feared that she might be seriously ill.  During a visit to her doctor, he recommended that she consult with a wellness coach.  She made the call, which proved to be a turning point in her life.  With the help of her coach, she lost weight, started being more active, and found ways to manage her day-to-day stress.  She began to sleep better at night and her blood pressure went back to normal.  Mostly, Andrea was able to re-engage with her family and friends, something that she really wanted.

What Can You Expect from Wellness Coaching?

Wellness coaching provides a unique opportunity to look at your fitness, nutrition, stress, and health habits and how they are helping or hurting you.  You also have the chance to dig down and discover what is really important.  What do you want in your life that would be possible if you felt fantastic?  Here is what you can expect to get when you work with a wellness coach:

• Clarity.  You will become as clear as possible on what you want in your life from your health and fitness goals.  The clearer you are, the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
• Perspective.  Most people don’t tell anyone what they want or why they are concerned about their health.  It’s hard to feel safe discussing personal struggles.  Outside perspective will help you develop an effective action plan.
• Support.  Few (if any) successful people get there on their own.  Great athletes, musicians, actor’s, and CEO’s have coaches that help them achieve success.  Living a fit and healthy life is no different.  Be willing to ask for the help that you need regarding your health.
• Accurate information. You need good information to help you eat better, stay fit, manage stress, and become a savvy healthcare consumer.  A good health coach will help you separate fact from fiction and give you the information you really need.
• Accountability.  There is nothing more powerful than having someone believe in you, stand in your corner, cheer you on, and push you when you can’t quite do it on your own.  You’ll achieve things that you never believed were possible.
• Fun!  While your health might be serious business, we believe that you can have fun getting there.  When you’re having fun you’ll move toward results faster and easier.

After your sessions you should feel confident and energized, armed with an action plan to tackle your unique challenges.  When you follow the action plan and work through the challenges that come up, results are right behind!

Ideal Candidates for Wellness Coaching

“I was overwhelmed by my work and home life, and I was eating to handle stress.”  This type of statement isn’t uncommon when someone is looking for a wellness coach.  Because there are many factors that go into overall health (fitness, nutrition, stress management, sleep, proper medical care) it can be difficult to see how the whole process works together.  If you are confused, overwhelmed, bored, or have failed to see results from your health and fitness efforts, a wellness coach can help.

Wellness Coaching at X Factor

At X Factor we have a system that has helped many people achieve results.  Because at X Factor we believe that everyone has unique challenges when it comes to maintaining health and fitness over the long haul, wellness coaching is a good model for our clients.  Everyone gets specifically what they need, rather than a one-size-fits-all type of program.  Here’s the process:

• Coaching Foundations.  These are two hour-long sessions that identify client goals, what has worked in the past, and the client’s current barriers to success.  The sessions end with developing an action plan to move forward.  Some people use this program to jump-start their wellness efforts.

• On-going wellness coaching.  These 30-minute sessions are weekly or bi-weekly. The ongoing sessions are great for accountability, reaching milestones, re-adjusting the initial plan, or managing any problems that come up along the way.  Sessions are available on a month-to-month plan.

Common Questions

Wellness coaching is one of the latest trends in health and fitness, so people often have questions.  Here are some of the most common.

1. Do I have to live in Houston to take advantage of X Factor’s wellness coaching program?  

   No.  We do most sessions via phone, Skype, or videoconference.  We can help you regardless of your location.

2. How is wellness coaching different from personal training? 

   Personal training targets fitness (and sometimes nutritional issues) in an onsite session using exercise equipment.  Wellness coaching discusses fitness as an overall part of your wellness and fitness strategy. 

3. Is wellness coaching the same as counseling? 

   Wellness coaching is different from counseling in that you will be looking specifically at health and wellness issues, creating an action plan and working toward results. 

4. What is the main benefit of wellness coaching?  What will I get from it? 

   We think the best part about wellness coaching is that you will target your goals and reach them much faster than without coaching.  If you’ve had things that you wanted to accomplish, but thought it wasn’t possible, a coach just might be the person to help.  The bottom line is the results that you get from the process.

If you are considering wellness coaching, call us and see if it’s right for you.  Let’s talk!

Here’s to reaching for the stars!

Question of the day:  What have you been able to achieve with the help of a coach?  I'll leave my answer first.