6 Questions to Help You Find a Weight Loss Coach

...And My Answers

You’ve finally done it.

You’ve made the decision to work with a weight loss coach.

But when you try and find one, you’re faced with 21,700,000 results in Google. How the hell are you supposed to whittle those down?

Aaarrrggghhhh. It’s so frustrating.

Don’t worry.

Here are 6 questions to ask any potential coach to help you find the ideal person to help you on your journey.

1. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: How much do you charge and what do I get for that?

Money and value for money is probably the most important factor when deciding whether to hire someone, or make any purchase, actually.

You won’t want to spend your money if you don’t think you’re getting value for it, and if you can’t afford it, well, it doesn’t matter whether you get value or not.

So, what do I charge and what do you get for your money?

Unfortunately, my 1-2-1 appointments are fully booked at the moment. If you are interested in working with me then leave your name and e-mail address here and I will get in contact as soon as a space opens up.

That doesn’t stop me, however, letting you know what you get for your money…that really depends on what you need.

In our first few sessions we’ll look at where you are, where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.

On average my clients have an intensive couple of months at the start, with an hour session every week. After that it’s a monthly or bi-monthly catch up to keep you on track and work through any issues you may have.

I am always available for questions though. You can e-mail me, or leave a message in the private Facebook group you’ll have access to.

In the future there will be a series of programmes and courses that you can work through yourself. That will not only save you money, but you’ll be able to take it at your own pace.  

2. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: What qualifies you to coach me?

The health, fitness, weight loss and wellness industry isn’t hugely regulated and there are lots of coaches without qualifications.

Now, I’m not saying you should write off someone who hasn’t got any qualifications. I’m sure there are a lot of amazing coaches out there who haven’t gone through any formal education. And equally there are plenty of crappy coaches who are endlessly on courses. 

Only you know what level of education you’re comfortable with.

But, there is more to this question than just qualifications.

Ultimately you need a coach you can relate to, or, more importantly, who can relate to you.  Find someone who has been where you are, and has gotten where you want to go.

Do you want a six pack? Then your best bet is to go for a coach who has experience in body building or fitness modelling.

Do you want to be an athlete? Then you’ll need to find someone who has competed in your chosen sport.

Do you want to feel more comfortable in your skin? Then you’ll need to find someone who has worked through similar issues, and found a way to live a happier, healthier life.

What qualifies me to coach you?

Well, my formal qualifications include personal training and nutrition coaching. And I’m currently working towards a qualification in Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Above that though, I’ve been where you are.

I’ve been overweight. I’ve wanted to change my body.

I’ve lost 3 stone, and kept it off for over 6 years now. I’ve done that by integrating healthy habits into my everyday life. 

3. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: What was the last course you did?

Continuing education is so important in any industry. But in an industry, that deals with a subject as in depth as the human body, and that is constantly evolving, it is even more important.

Continuing Professional Development courses and conferences are really important in staying up to date on new research, new ways of thinking and new ideas.

The last course I attended was earlier this year at the Institute of Optimum Nutrition. The course was on supporting patients before, during and after cancer treatment. It was an excellent course and I learnt a great deal.

I also attended an online webinar recently on hormone balance throughout the different ages of womanhood which was supported by the Integrative Healthcare and Applied Nutrition.

4. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: What approach do you take to weight loss?

There are so many theories, approaches, protocols for weight loss, nutrition and training, it’s important to know which approach your potential coach will take. Whether you’ll need to take supplements, or detox, or use special machines, or wear special garments.

Whatever their approach is, you have to be on board with it. You have to understand it. You have to believe in it. Otherwise you won’t be comfortable doing what they’re asking you to do.

I’m not saying you should never question your coach, and just follow them blindly. You always need to ask if you’re unsure, but you have to have an underlying belief that they know what they’re talking about, and that they’re going to get you to your goal.

Otherwise, what are you paying them for?

I take a health first approach. I get my clients to concentrate on what is healthy, nutritious food and plenty of exercise, and everything else, including weight loss, falls into place. 

Being healthy isn’t just about those two things though, it’s about living your life, having fun, not depriving yourself. So, I also make sure my clients include a bit of what they fancy into their diet and lifestyle. 

As for anything else you might need, exercise equipment, supplements etc., only if they can add to your journey. Supplements might be needed if you can’t/don’t want to eat certain foods. And exercise equipment might be needed if you want to do a specific workout at home.

But all of this is dependent on what you, as an individual, need and require. 

5. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: What do you do in your spare time? What music do you like?

This might seem like a silly question, even a chat up line.

You’re not going to be spending much/if any of your spare time with them, so what does it matter?

Well, it’s good to have a rapport with your coach. You will be divulging some very personal information to them, and trusting them a great deal, so knowing something personal about them can help to put you at ease.

And, if you find out you do have something in common, even if it’s just having a passion, it can help make your time together that much easier.

So, what do I do? What music do I like?

Most of my free time at the moment is spent renovating my house with my husband. And I have to say, I’m loving it. Getting my hands dirty, getting to know the ins and outs of my house, see my vision come to life. And as a bonus I get a gorgeous home to live in.

Other than that, you can find me spinning around a pole, hanging upside from a hoop or silks, drinking coffee or cosmo’s with the girls, or researching where the next holiday is going to be. I’m hoping Canada skiing. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

As for music, I have an eclectic taste, but I’m a rock chick at heart. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Rolling Stones, Guns and Roses, Jimi Hendrix, you get the idea. 

6. Finding a Weight Loss Coach: Do you have a coach?

You might think it’s silly to ask a coach if they have a coach. But it’s really not.

I think a coach that doesn’t put any value in coaching is someone you should stay away from.

Coaches can help you see problems from a different perspective and can often come up with a solution that you’re just too close to see. And that doesn’t matter what your profession is. 

Anybody can learn from a coach, whether they coach in the same area as you or not.

Personally, I have a coach for my pole dancing and aerial antics. I have a coach for my business, and I have a coach to help with my nutrition.

I learn a massive amount from each one of them. Whether it’s just a particular trick, an approach to a challenge I might be facing, or something I can apply when coaching my clients.

Coaches are invaluable. I should know, I am one. 

Finding a Weight Loss Coach

I hope that helps you find a weight loss coach

Hopefully those questions will help you find your ideal coach to help you on your journey. Someone who can make your journey a bit easier. Someone you respect and enjoy hearing from.

If you liked my answers then why not get in touch.

© e-Slimmer 2021