How to Train to Be a Weight Loss Coach

Certified weight loss coaches customize nutrition and fitness programs to meet the weight loss goals of each client. They focus on the whole person, caring for their outer body and serving as a cheerleader when the journey gets rough. You can become a weight loss coach if you have been involved in fitness for a long time and want to pass your knowledge on to others. If you've struggled with weight, you may want to help others and show them that a healthy life is possible. Training includes learning about human anatomy, fitness, nutrition and psychology.

Instructions

• 1

  Take biology, anatomy and nutrition classes. Biology and human anatomy classes helps you gain a better understanding of how all of the body's systems work and interact with one another. Nutrition classes provide information about food groups and vitamins and minerals found in each food. Select community colleges offer associate degrees in science or degrees for nutrition specialists. If you don't have time to take classroom courses or they are not offered in your area, you can take at-home courses.

• 2

  Gain a general knowledge of exercise physiology and kinesiology. More than likely, you already have regular exercise routine, but these courses give you a better understanding of how the body reacts to exercise. Exercise physiology analyzes the mechanisms that control physical activity and how to improve and maintain proper health and fitness. Kinesiology studies human movement when exercising and playing sports. You can take classes at home or in a classroom.

• 3

  Get life coach and weight loss coaching certification. Technical colleges and trade schools in your area may offer certification. Several educational institutions, such as the Spencer Institute and Universal Class, offer online classes. The certificate classes hone your coaching skills, as well as teach you how to run a business. The curriculum includes classes on talking to your clients, mind wellness, business strategies, weight training, aerobics, and motivational and public speaking.

• 4

  Shadow a weight loss coach. An experienced weight loss coach provides suggestions on how to be a successful motivator. You can ask weight loss coaches at a local gym if they will let you accompany them. They will likely have to ask their clients if they don't mind you sitting in on private sessions. Bring a notepad to write down ideas that you can use when you begin your career. The weight loss coach may even do mock sessions as a way to test your skills.

• 5

  Get certified as a personal trainer. This is an optional step, but it increased your credibility when talking about exercise and fitness. Select technical colleges and trade schools offer certifications. Organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine, provide personal training certification.

• 6

  Get first aid and CPR certification. You must be prepared for clients with specific health problems, making it necessary to administer assistance before first responders arrive. If you plan to teach exercise classes as part of your services, minor injuries and falls may also occur.