Because the summer is a slower period for folks in my business (people taking vacations and although new clients want to look good in a bathing suit, they really don't want to spend any time in the gym), I decided that this would be a good time to complete a few certifications that I have been wanting to do: ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, and wellcoach Wellness Coach.
I'm really excited about the Wellness Coach certification. I think it's what a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for a personal trainer. Granted, some people are looking for someone to help them through their workouts, but for the folks out there who know what they're doing in the gym (for the most part) and know the basics of good nutrition (but just aren't doing it), this is the person they are looking for.
Excerpt from the wellcoach website:
The process of wellness coaching progresses through several stages:
You provide background information through an online well-being assessment so that you and your coach are well-informed on the key issues, including medical considerations.
During the first 60-90-minute coaching session, you identify your priorities and develop a personal wellness vision, three month plan and realistic goals.
In subsequent 30-45 minute coaching session, each week, month, or quarter, you and your coach review the progress towards your vision and goals, explore and resolve the most pressing issues, learn something new, and then agree on a set of goals for the following week. You will enjoy plenty of ah-ah insights along the way.
By the end of three months, you can expect to reach more than 70% of your three-month goals and feel energized and confident to embark on new areas.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I am not a co-dependent person. Although I like having clients who are with me for the long run, my ideal client is someone who needs help for a period of time, and then goes off to be successful on their own – therefore being an "advocate of Elizabeth".
The Wellness Coach certification is a series of 11 lessons (held over the telephone), and then I'm required to hold 4 hours of coaching with clients, I take a test & then a practical exam. Currently there are no licensing restrictions in any state surrounding life coaches or wellness coaches.
I took the certification test for ACE's Lifestyle & Weight Management the other day. I passed, and am now a Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant! I get to add some more alphabet soup to my name. I have to say though, that was that a HORRIBLE exam! It was poorly written, there were terms used in the test that had never been used in the text, there were multiple answers to most of the questions & most of the time, I really wasn't sure what the question was asking me. I must be full of spit & fire today because I called ACE to tell them exactly what I thought of the exam.
I got voicemail at ACE. So, I left a message & decided to call some creditors to dispute finance charges & miscellaneous fees on my accounts. Yaay for me.