5 reasons reasons health coaching may NOT be for you

Like everything else, because we are all different and have different needs and wants, health coaching may not be for everyone. Below are 5 reasons health coaching may not be for you.

1. You are already living a healthy and fulfilling life. 

The reason why someone would need health coaching is that their current lifestyle is leading them to a downward trajectory of poor health. They may not be eating a balanced diet, have poor levels of physical activity, have poor sleep, or are unhappy most of the time. Those of you who are already living in health would not need health coaching. Their lifestyle would exemplify what is healthy living and would be excelling in their career, family life, and personal life. This group of people should continue what they are doing. 

2. You are not ready for change.

Some people may not be ready for change. They may be happy continuing to live their lives as per the status quo. The resistance to change may come from the habitual grind of a busy lifestyle that prevents one from even considering how different their lives can be if they were healthier. Others do not see the need for change. They may feel that they are immune to lifestyle diseases despite living unhealthily. They may have a YOLO (you only live once) mentality to life and would rather carry on their Merry unhealthy ways. The other perspective is because you only live once, imagine how much more you can enjoy a fulfilling life if you were healthier. There is another group of people who aren't ready for change because they do not believe that health is for them. They do not realize that it is possible to get healthier no matter where on the spectrum of health they lie. They feel they are fixed with the status quo and are destined on the path of ill health. For them, I'd say change is always possible. Health is a birthright given to everyone. All it takes is The Next Step. 

3. You are not looking to improve health holistically.

A health coach manages health holistically, taking into consideration different aspects of health such as sleep, relationships, and time in nature beyond just nutrition and exercise. We analyze and deal with the various contributing factors, not just one particular area. Some people may want very specific improvements in particular areas of health, that's where other healthcare and fitness professionals come in. If you just want to improve your physical fitness, perhaps it is a strength and conditioning coach or a personal trainer you should be looking for. If you want specific guidance on nutrition, perhaps a nutritionist or a dietitian would be better suited. Health coaches, however, may also be the channel to refer you to the right professional if it is beyond our scope or to someone that can help you in a specific area. If you wish to have health looked at holistically, then perhaps health coaching is for you.

4. You are looking for passive treatments

Unlike passive treatments, health coaching takes on an active approach toward the betterment of health. Individuals have to be involved actively to make behavioral changes. It is unlike a massage where you basically lie there and let the masseur work on you while you travel to a different dimension. It is unlike faith healing where you get cured from prayers and the laying of hands.  Health coaching involves active work on your part to make positive changes in health behaviors. For those who favor a passive approach, perhaps health coaching is not for you.

5. If you are not already seeing a healthcare professional for your chronic illness and complex medical conditions

Health coaching should not be a substitute for your physician or other healthcare professionals but can be used as an adjunct to co-manage chronic illness and complex medical conditions. Your health coach may work together with your physical and relevant healthcare professionals so that health goals can be aligned. It should be part of a multidisciplinary approach for the patient. Your health coach cannot take over the role of your physician, your dietitian, or your physiotherapist. Hence, it is important that you still have reviews with your relevant healthcare professionals to co-manage your conditions together with your health coach.