Personal Trainer or Beachbody Coach- What is the difference?

So what is the difference between a personal trainer and a health and fitness coach?  Can you be both?  Isn't 1 better than the other?

I have been getting a lot of questions on this topic, so let me start with some background.

In the US, we have a problem.  Approximately 69 % of the Population is overweight according to NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Disease).  Enough of the population is pre-diabetic that there are PSA's on the TV on Saturday Mornings- Do I have Pre Diabetes.

So as a result there are lots of people trying to solve the problem.  None taking the same approach.

Does that make one approach better or worse?  In my opinion no, but you have to understand the approaches so that you can find the right solution for you.

Let me again preface this by, I do not care if you are overweight.  I don't care if you wear a bikini, or your jeans fit.

I, personally, care if you are healthy.  

Being inactive, and over weight comes with some pretty high health costs in both money and quality of life and I don't want you to pay for either. Add in the "Sick Care" system in the United States and we have to do something.  I want to do something.    (BTW  I hate the term FAT, but I am using it because it is the one thrown around.)

So Personal Trainers.  Their goal- to design programs for an individual or small groups of individuals.  They have the skill to assess your health risk and design program specifically for you.  Not all trainers are the same.  Some have certifications, some have degrees & certifications, some have advanced degrees & lots of certifications.  (Can you see a hierarchy in whom they are qualified to work?  You should.)  Also not all certifications are the same- for more information on reputable certifications contact me or check this out.  I spend my days training people to do just this and take these certifications.  Personal trainers are NOT dietitians, it is out of their/my scope of practice to prescribe a diet for anyone.  There is another challenge with personal training.  It can be expensive.

So what is a health coach, more importantly what is a Beachbody Coach?  If they aren't educated in field, why should they be talking about health?

Remember when we talked about the Fittest & Fattest Cities?

At one point, Philadelphia made the list.  In response, they created a city wide health promotion campaign and it had an impact.  So how did they do that?  They trained individuals in the community to promote physical activity in the community.  The term is called lay educators.  They were successful and lots of other people are successful doing it too.

So how does this work?  You give, smart, passionate, people the tools they need to motivate people to make healthier choices.  So they are not creating exercise programs or diet plans.  Coaches are using the ones created by scientists, personal trainers, the people listed above and cheering on their peers, friends, family, community to be healthier.  Wouldn't you rather hear health information from someone like you?  Someone you trusted?  That describes Beachbody Coaches.  The average joe, who has an interest in helping people.  By helping them find the right program- designed by someone else- to help you be healthier.  It is way cheaper than Personal Training.

Does it work for everyone?

No, if you have significant pre-existing conditions should you talk to people with more education?

Yes.  But if you are looking to get healthier, Beachbody might be a better solution for you.

So you can do both?  Yes, I do.

Hmmm let that sink in.

Think this might be something you are interested in learning more about?  Fill out this application and I will contact you!