There is a big movement at the moment in the global Health and Fitness industry towards wellness. The Health and Fitness industry can be very confusing at times, especially when it comes to fads and new movements. So, what is “wellness” and what does it mean to be a “Wellness Coach”?
Wellness is defined as; the state of being healthy, especially when it is something that you actively try to achieve, or activities that are designed to help people feel healthier and happier, or the business of providing these activities. (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023)
It is therefore important to understand that fitness can be incorporated into overall wellness, and that the wellness of any individual can be improved by including fitness-based activities into their daily routine.
Dimensions of Wellness
“Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit” (8 Dimensions of Wellness, University of Maryland)
A Wellness coach should strive to encourage the following in their clients:
- Promotion of Health Choices
- Self-Regulation
- Creation of Health Habits
- Self-Awareness
Trainer vs Coach
| Trainer | Coach |
| Lights a fire Under Someone | Lights a fire Inside Someone |
| Affects the hour they are with someone | Affects the hours they are not with someone |
| Hopes To Get Through the Session | Hopes To Get Through To Someone |
| Reminds someone of their problems | Solves the problems |
| Stretches your legs | Stretches your limits |
| Counts your reps | Discounts your excuses |
| How much time you put in | How much you put into time |
| Wants you to do your best | Wants you to achieve better than your best |
| Concerned with How, Where and When | Concerned with Who, What and Why |
| Develops and Delivers a Workout | Creates and Cultivates a Purpose |