Improve Your Fitness Game Plan

Partner with a health and wellness coach to reach your goals

It’s much easier to skip the gym, put off quitting smoking or ignore your high cholesterol when no one’s watching. That’s why many people are turning to health coaches to get their wellness back on track.   

A 2023 survey from Civic Science reports that 18% of respondents have already used a health and wellness coach to help achieve their personal goals, while another 18% plan to do so. Most said they were interested in improving their physical health and fitness or quality of sleep. Studies show that accountability does help people stick to their health goals. For example, a recent study reports that individuals who engaged in diabetes health coaching showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction of A1C. 

Health coaches are similar to personal trainers; however, while trainers design fitness programs for clients looking to achieve weight loss or increase strength, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) “empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals.” Certified coaches help clients use their own insights, personal strengths, and resources to set goals, commit to action steps, and establish accountability in building an envisioned healthy lifestyle, according to the board. 

However, not everyone who calls themselves a health coach has the same clinical background or behavioral approach. While some coaches may have nursing credentials or certifications in fitness or other health-
related areas, there are no state or federal regulations governing who can call themself a health coach.

“If you’re looking for a health coach, choose someone who is nationally certified, uses evidence-based strategies, and takes the time to truly listen,” says Christine Sheldon, a certified exercise physiologist and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach working in the Elliot Fitness Services department. 

Sheldon, who also has a background in pulmonary rehabilitation and dialysis education, creates personalized exercise programs for patients who’ve been referred to her by Elliot health care providers. New clients often struggle with consistency and putting themselves first, Sheldon says, and one-on-one coaching can help them take manageable steps and build confidence along the way.

“What I like best about coaching clients is seeing their progress — both physically and personally,” she says. “With health coaching, I find it especially rewarding to help people discover their ‘why’ and overcome barriers. Health coaching is so effective because it bridges the gap between medical recommendations and real life,” she says. 

Later this year, The Elliot plans to expand its health coaching services to Elliot employees and community members.

Recognize the Value of Health Coaching 

Elevance Health, more commonly known as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, offers individual health coaching to its members, including programs that focus on weight management, healthier eating, stress management, and tobacco cessation. Most of Anthem’s health coaches are registered nurses, and all must complete regular continuing clinical education to stay abreast of the latest  research development and care guidelines, according to Anthem spokesperson Jim Turner.

“Our customers complete surveys about the value and success of their health coaching, and we use survey results to inform our program and improve it,” he says.

Case managers at Anthem connected to patients’ health care providers may reach out to members, or members can seek out health coaches on their own — either in person or virtually. Some participating New Hampshire employers invite health coaches to the workplace to help answer questions and connect employees to providers and other health care resources.

Companies with employees that report high engagement in Anthem’s wellness program, including health coaching, report 21% higher productivity, 37% lower absenteeism, and 65% lower employee turnover, according to Turner.

Lori Hubbard, RN, BSN, has worked as a health coach for Anthem for the past eight years after spending several years in nursing. She moved to health coaching to help Anthem members learn more about preventative care and disease management. In her role, she visits participating New Hampshire companies and helps answer employees’ questions and connect them to the resources they need.

“I see a lot of people who have diabetes who wonder, ‘Am I eating right? How do I get my blood sugars under control?’ ” she says. “So I help people with goal-setting and coming up with some of those key components and reduction of risk factors.”

Over the last couple of years, Hubbard says more and more members are asking questions about managing their mental health. While she is not a mental health clinician, she is able to talk to them about what mental health support could look like for them and what goals they could work toward.

“Many times, I’ll offer to call a provider with them and initiate that process, because a lot of times, that’s the barrier — just picking up the phone and doing it,” she says. 

One of the great benefits of health coaching is that no matter what a member’s goal may be, Hubbard says she will find a way to check in with them. She helps them refocus their goals and stay on track. If asked, she
will also review lab reports and helps members better understand what their numbers mean and how they can make changes to improve them.

“It’s hard if you have someone who’s trying to make improvements to their cholesterol (numbers) and then they don’t get a call back, and they’re thinking everything is okay, but their number is too high. They wonder if they’re doing the right things,” she says.

Members often don’t recognize the small changes they make are cumulative and can move them closer toward their goals. For example, while it’s recommended that people get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, even making just a 10-minute walk can be a positive step for a member looking to increase their exercise, Hubbard says. 

Coaches are also trained to recognize whether their clients are ready to move on to more challenging goals, and they seek to understand you — not judge you.

“The right coach offers support, accountability, and a personalized approach that aligns with your unique goals,” Sheldon says. “It (health coaching) combines expert guidance with the understanding that the patient is the expert of their own life.”