From Personal Trainer to National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
Empowering Your Health Journey
For over 20 years, I've been a certified personal trainer, driven by a deep belief that fitness training is preventative medicine. I am not discounting that the industry is full of people who push obsessive lifestyles, fad diets, and an extreme fixation on the "perfect body." I acknowledge that it swings the pendulum into an unhealthy realm, but I will focus on the industry's positives and how I live and breathe in it. My practice focuses on empowering people to reclaim their health using fitness training as a tool that helps them accomplish it. That is why I founded Momentum Fit in 2005. We have grown over the years, and my team is exceptional. We have the passion, dedication, and commitment to helping others, and we use fitness to help people live the lives they want.
I have immense job satisfaction and have witnessed incredible lifestyle and physical transformations. Even though I have seen the best, there have been moments when I was trying to help someone, and I felt limited by my scope of practice and the service I could give to our clients. People needed more than exercise and good nutritional habits to reclaim their health. That understanding led me to pursue a National Board Certification as a Health & Wellness Coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) (https://nbhwc.org/). As an NBC-HWC, I am uniquely positioned to holistically empower your health and wellness, addressing physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, and sleep quality.
Why Fitness is Preventative Medicine
Imagine your body as a fortress. Regular exercise strengthens your walls, boosts your immune system (the guards), and improves your overall resilience. Stronger muscles support your joints, reducing the risk of injuries. I like to compare muscles to the fountain of youth (especially as we age). Physical activity also combats stress, a significant contributor to chronic diseases. Think of exercise as your first line of defense, preventing illness and keeping you feeling your best.
However, the gym can have limitations. Let's say someone joins with the goal of weight loss. We design a fantastic program, but if their diet and sleep habits are subpar, results will be slower. This is where Health & Wellness Coaching comes in.
Beyond the Gym: Tackling Tough Behaviors with Coaching
As an NBC-HWC, I go beyond the workout. I delve deeper, helping you identify and address the root causes behind beliefs and behaviors that could be limiting your health. Through powerful coaching techniques, we work together on the following:
Identify your "why": What truly motivates you to prioritize your health?
Uncover your personal "why": We'll explore the deeper reasons behind your health goals. Are you seeking more energy, an improved mood, or a better quality of life? Understanding your intrinsic motivation will help you stay committed despite challenges.
Set meaningful goals: We'll work together to define clear, achievable goals that align with your personal values and aspirations. Whether it's losing weight, increasing strength, or reducing stress, your goals will serve as a roadmap for your journey.
Build sustainable habits: How can we integrate healthy practices into your daily routine, not just the gym?
Create a personalized plan: We'll develop a tailored approach that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. This may involve incorporating small, manageable changes into your daily routine, such as taking a short walk after meals or preparing healthy snacks in advance.
Address potential barriers: We'll identify and overcome obstacles hindering your progress, ensuring you have the tools and strategies to stay on track.
Manage stress and sleep: These factors significantly impact your health and well-being.
Explore stress management techniques: We'll discuss practical and effective strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies.
Optimize sleep quality: We'll explore strategies to improve your sleep, including creating a relaxing bedtime routine, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, and managing any underlying sleep disorders.
Make healthy food choices: Nutrition plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining your goals.
Understand your nutritional needs: We'll assess your dietary habits and identify areas for improvement. This may involve exploring nutrient-dense foods, portion control, and meal planning.
Develop a personalized nutrition plan: Based on your individual needs and preferences, we'll create a nutrition plan that supports your health goals. This may include recommendations for specific foods, meal ideas, and dietary supplements.
The Path to Becoming an NBC-HWC
The NBHWC requires the completion of an approved training program. I chose Precision Nutrition's Master Health Coach Certification Program (https://www.precisionnutrition.com/), which provided a comprehensive curriculum in:
Core Coaching Skills: Mastering active listening, powerful questioning, and building rapport to create a supportive coaching environment.
Health & Wellness Fundamentals: This course offers deep dives into nutrition, stress management, behavior change models, and motivational interviewing.
Coaching Ethics & Standards: Ensuring my practice adheres to the NBHWC's Code of Ethics and professional standards.
Upon completing the core educational program, I had to complete mentorship hours, which proved invaluable. Even though I have been coaching clients in fitness for so long, having a seasoned health coach provide feedback and guidance significantly accelerated my learning. I completed case studies and submitted a packet for approval to sit for the board exam.
The final step is the NBHWC exam, a comprehensive assessment of your coaching knowledge, health and wellness expertise, and commitment to ethical practice. It was rigorous and the waiting period to see if I passed was long, but I made it and I have been successfully coaching as an NBC-HWC since March of 2023.
Ready to Reclaim Your Health?
Becoming an NBC-HWC wasn't just about adding another credential; it was about equipping myself to empower you on your health journey. I can guide you to a stronger body and a healthier, more fulfilling life through a blend of fitness expertise and coaching skills.
Let's chat if you're ready to take control of your health and wellness! Click the button below to schedule a free discovery call, and together, we'll craft a personalized plan to help you reclaim your best self. Your journey is unique, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
With warmth,
Marie Merritt, NBC-HWC