Can You Become a Health Coach After 40?

It’s a legitimate question because of the rigour and high level of physical activity associated with health coach training. But people fail to realise that there are several distinct aspects of health coaching.

Having established that, people might say that people above the age of 40 can do most of these. The truth is they can do every aspect of health coaching.

Health coaching doesn’t have an age barrier. It is open to everyone, as long as the desire to promote well-being exists. Honestly, not everyone has a passion for seeing other people maintain a healthy lifestyle at all times.

Passion is the only criterion that can determine an individual’s fitness for health coaching. Even personal training can be conducted online – requiring knowledge, passion, and commitment, but not necessarily the fitness of a younger person.

Now that we’ve cleared up all the doubts, let’s investigate how a 40+-year-old person can become an accomplished health and wellness coach.

It’s all well and good to want to become a health coach. It’s essential, however, to find out which field of health coaching you wish to pursue. You cannot delve deep into every area – you’ll only be posing impossible challenges for yourself.

That’s why you need to choose a field and a niche to specialise in.

Ask yourself these questions:

When you answer this question, it eases the burden of having to choose a field.

It’s necessary to narrow your focus. A common misconception is that you make more money when you cover a few different niches. That is false.

When you niche down, you are regarded as a thought leader in your area. You make a name for yourself, and it’s easy for people to associate you with your niche.

You can find a niche by going online and looking at what people are interested in. Make sure it’s a popular one.

There are some aspects of health coaching that do not require a degree. Fields like nursing and psychology, however, require that you get a degree before you can practice as a health professional.

It’s hardly surprising why. These are fields that deal with the body and mind of an individual. Before anyone can get the hang of it, one has to go through adequate training. A crash course isn’t what’s required. You have to put in at least three years of consistent study and hands-on practice.

Many reputable universities and colleges offer degrees in psychology and nursing, so there are plenty of options for applicants to choose from.

Note: These schools all have their strengths. Look for a school that is famed for offering quality education in your chosen field.

If you’ve chosen a field that does not require a degree, such as personal training, earning certifications should be your top priority. It means that you have learned the technical know-how in your chosen field – and you’re ready to conquer.

Even for those who have acquired a degree, it is beneficial to earn a health coach certification too. It gives you a competitive edge over your peers, and it bolsters your chances of securing well-paying jobs.

Before you get certified, make sure the health coaching program you’re gunning for is relevant to what you do. It’s common for people to opt for certificates that do not align with their career goals. Don’t be such a person.

Several providers offer certification programs for each field. Choose a reputable educator. After taking your course, take your exams. Prepare well for it and succeed. That’s all you need to get certified.

While you’re chasing your degree or certification, you can garner some experience on the side. Experience is your best way to prove to future employers and clients that you possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to tackle issues efficiently.

You can sign up as a volunteer or work in health and fitness clubs. Also, you can engage in coaching sessions with clients. Whatever you do, make sure you gain knowledge and expertise that’ll look great on your resume.

You certainly didn’t acquire that degree or certificate for fashion, did you? It’s time to put it to use. There are plenty of opportunities for certified health coaches because these people are ‘hotcakes.’ Start applying for jobs on different job portals.

It won’t be complete without noting that one can work in some of these fields as a freelancer. For example, you can be a personal trainer or a nutritionist without working under anyone.

However, it is advantageous to take up paid employment before becoming a freelancer. You’ll gain invaluable experience to work effectively.

There are health and wellness job boards that you can sign up to and opt to receive regular job updates from these boards. Be proactive with your job search and hopefully, you’ll get your desired job in your field.

To stay on top of your game, keep your skills updated. A great way of staying updated is by earning a current certification. Like degrees, certificates get outdated too, so get the latest certifications to keep up with the trends.

When you do this, you not only maintain your professional status. You’re also bolstering your resume. Besides, getting a promotion in your workplace becomes easier for you. 

Moreover, you have a higher chance of finding new clients, and you’re one step ahead of your competitors.

Want to set yourself up for success? Explore all there is to know about getting PT certified.