A Certified Health Coach is someone who has successfully passed a nationally-recognized board exam after completing an extensive study in nutrition, fitness, behavioral science, and stress management. For me, there was no doubt in my mind that I would need to become a Certified Health Coach. I want to provide the best services to my clients. And set myself apart as a credible resource in the health and wellness industry.

What is the Best Certified Health Coach Program?

There are several health coach certifications and nutritionist programs out there. But the only one accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Certified Health Coaches guide their clients to make weight-related behavioral changes through goal-setting, education, motivation, programming, support, appropriate progressions, and referral when necessary.” —American Council on Exercise

I also chose ACE because I had such a great experience with their text books, study guides, customer service, exam scheduling, and payment plans. I also earned my group fitness instructor certification from them in early 2014. 

What Sets Certified Health Coaches Apart from Others?

As a Certified Health Coach, I am passionate about this program. It has given me the education and tools I need to successfully lead my clients on an effective, science-based journey of loving themselves towards healthy. I personally feel having a health coach certification from an accredited program is of utmost importance.

In an online world where anyone can call themselves a “wellness coach” or “health coach” it can get a little dicey as to who is a legitimate professional in the wellness space. In my opinion, too many under-educated people—who ONLY have an affiliation with an MLM company—are wrongly promoting themselves with the title of “health coach.” 

I provide my clients with safe and effective fitness and nutrition plans. So I chose the most widely recognized and respected organization within the health and wellness community. As well as one based in science and experience. And backed by a board of highly-educated scientists.

Certified Health Coach’s Scope of Practice

A scope of practice is the range and limit of responsibilities associated with a specific profession. What I am legally allowed to do. And what I am not. A certified health coach has to be an expert in exercise science, nutritional science, and behavioral science. I am able to guide my clients to make behavioral changes through goal-setting, education, motivation, and programming (nutrition guidance, workouts, etc.).

Additionally, a certified health coach needs to know when to refer to another health professional. For example, if I were contacted by a potential client with Type II Diabetes who recently suffered from a heart attack, I would need to refer them to a Registered Dietitian.

Certified Health Coach versus Registered Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a trained nutrition professional who has met the strict educational and experiential standards set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The biggest difference between a certified health coach and a registered dietitian is an RD has completed a minimum of 1200 hours in a clinical internship. For this reason, RDs can serve patients with severe health issues. Certified health coaches can serve clients looking to improve their nutritional choices and fitness levels.

How Can I Help You Achieve Your Goals?

As a Certified Health Coach (ACE-Certification-Letter), I offer personal one-on-one consultations and group coaching. Together we create a true wellness plan for healing. NOT a new diet to follow. 

Diet culture boils “health” down to merely body size and weight. But there is SO MUCH MORE to health than that. I work with my clients to shift their goals away from appearance. Instead we move towards meaningful wellness goals that will actually improve how you feel. 

I would love to chat with you on a FREE 15-minute phone call! See if 1:1 consults or group sessions via Diet-Free Academy would be a good fit for you. Click the button below to sign up!