Becoming a health coach may seem like a wonderful idea. This profession allows you to help others reach their health goals while possibly making a relatively decent living in the process. Whether you are a seasoned health coach or you are aspiring to become one, there are a few different ways to boost your credentials and to set yourself apart from others who carry the same title. You may do this through acquiring a certification in nutrition, exercise or behavioral modification.

Nutrition Certification

Acquiring a certification in science based nutrition will provide you with in-depth knowledge to help people make lasting changes to their diet. You’ll need to understand the mechanics behind how the body takes in and eliminates calories. You’ll also need to know information on macronutrients and micronutrients, and how each of these plays into overall nutrition. In order to find out more about these concepts, you’ll need to research certifications based on the populations you would like to work with. You can find certifications in nutrition through reputable organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Precision Nutrition.

Exercise Certifications

One of the main ways to help others in achieving their health goals is through exercise and physical activity. It is important to incorporate these into health coaching. Depending on the population that you would like to work with, you should consider acquiring a certification to better serve this population. ACE, ACSM, NASM and ISSA offer a variety of different certifications you can obtain. The subject matter may vary, but you can pick from populations such as cancer patients, Silver Sneakers or prenatal and postpartum women. You may be required to hold a degree, so it is important to verify this.

Behavioral Modification Certification

Without behavioral modification, nutrition and exercise would not be possible. It is important to have an understanding of how behavioral modification can be both beneficial and detrimental to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. There are a variety of techniques such as positive reinforcement, systematic desensitization, aversion therapy and extinction. Depending on your qualifications, you may have the capacity to pursue a certification in one or more of these methods to aid your clients in reaching their goals.

Healthy coaching can be a rewarding career. You can help yourself grow as a professional and better serve your clients by obtaining certifications in related fields. This can be through a science based nutrition program, adding an additional exercise-based certification or pursuing training in behavioral modification.