Have a question? When comparing wellness coach vs life coach, note that wellness coaches help improve a client’s overall well-being, while life coaches help people achieve their life and work goals. Both wellness and life coaches each assist their clients in reaching a more complete, fulfilled life; however, they each target different areas of that life to improve upon.
Wellness coaches and life coaches both offer valuable guidance and support through their coaching sessions, but their approaches and areas of focus differ.
In this article, I discuss both styles of coaching based on my 12+ years in the fitness industry working as both a wellness coach and life coach, so you can understand which may be the best fit for you should you decide to enter the world of wellness or life coaching.
Table of Contents
Wellness Coach vs Life Coach: Overview of Each Career Path
What does a wellness coach do?
Wellness coaches help clients improve their physical, emotional, and mental health, using goal setting and behavioral tools. Wellness coaching provides accountability and a support structure which increases the likelihood of client adherence.
Sometimes people feel like they need an extra push to become more fulfilled in their life, so they contact a wellness coach on their own. Other times, clients are referred to the coach by a friend or colleague.
After the initial consultation, the coach sits down with a client and creates a map of where someone is at from a wellness perspective. They then create a plan for the client to follow. The coach and client communicate and meet periodically after that to reassess and monitor plan progress. This adds accountability and gives the client extra support if something goes wrong, or they encounter unexpected issues following the plan.
Wellness coaches can empower clients to better manage stress, manage their time better, improve their self-worth, organize their life, exercise, and adopt positive lifestyle choices.
For example, a wellness coach might help a person who just gained a few pounds and wants to feel better about themselves or someone who feels like life is moving a bit too fast and needs to figure out how to find a good work-life balance.
Or maybe an individual wants to optimize their sleep or eating patterns and needs to learn how to fix certain poor behaviors.
What does a life coach do?
Life coaches focus on overcoming personal and professional challenges, allowing someone to live the life they want to live. This may include things like time management, switching careers or even personal situations. The most famous example of a life coach is Tony Robbins.
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Different life coaches work with multiple methods, however, the main goal of meeting with a life coach is to learn and take the steps towards a more fulfilling life purpose.
Life coaches can assist with helping clients understand their life goals and fulfill their hopes and dreams.
Aspects a life coach may offer assistance with things like long-term financial planning, business decisions, or even helping clients learn how to communicate and strengthen their personal and professional relationships.
Huge life changes offer unique challenges and having the help of a professional can be the catalyst for change.
A life coach can be that mentor who inspires their clients to be the best version of themselves. Or life coaches can also take a background role, offering principles and tips for their clients to follow through individual coaching or a group course.
What are the similarities between Life and Wellness Coaching
Both types of coaching involve taking stock of where you’re at with programs to get to where you want to be. Wellness and life coaching both deal with taking positive action to improve aspects of your life. It’s just the thing that you’re improving is slightly different between the two styles of coaching.
Life and wellness coaching support behavior and lifestyle changes, so someone can reach their business or health goals.
Coaches must both stay within the proper scope of practice. Coaches may collaborate with therapists if necessary, but both professions need to remember that coaching is not therapy. Also, neither type of coaching is a substitute for medical treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent disease, but coaches are not doctors or registered dietitians and cannot prescribe specific nutrition recommendations.
There are no laws governing life coaching and wellness coaching, so you don’t legally need to register or provide any certification to offer counseling. However, both life and health coaching do have certain organizations that provide some accreditation. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) monitors both types of coaching. Wellness coaching also has the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
If you want to find the best health or wellness certification, pick one from an organization that has the support of one of these governing bodies.
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Life Coach and Wellness Coach Differences
​While both wellness coaches and life coaches prioritize the overall well-being of their clients, the main contrast lies in their specific areas of expertise and the depth of their approach to holistic personal development.
A wellness coach focuses on helping clients maintain a healthy lifestyle by addressing physical and mental well-being, while a life coach supports individuals in setting and achieving their objectives, providing guidance on personal growth, relationships, and career paths.
Wellness coaching is a holistic type of advice that factors in someone’s goals, but also their emotional and psychology.
Life coaching can involve someone’s physical and emotional health, but that’s usually not the focus.
This works the other way around too. Life coaching typically focuses on helping someone reach their professional goals. Wellness coaching can also deal with professional goals, but the focus is more complete health and lifestyle of the individual rather than just their employment.
Is it Worth it to Become a Wellness or Life Coach?
There are multiple reasons it can be worth it to become a wellness coach or life coach, including to improve your own wellbeing, to enhance the health and lifestyle of the people around you, and to make a living in an industry which is growing at a record rate.
If you enjoy working with someone to help them improve their life and mindset, wellness and life coaching is a good fit for you.
Furthermore, if you like tackling problems head-on and the satisfaction of helping someone reach their goals, then each profession will bring you a lot of opportunities.
If you’re more goal-oriented and success-minded, life coaching may appeal to you more, whereas those people who want to deal more with someone’s health may be more attracted to a wellness coach career.
You could even combine the two or even health coaching, wellness coaching and life coaching.
Combining the expertise of a wellness coach and a life coach can provide a comprehensive approach to personal growth and development that appeals to anyone seeking balance in their life with the tools of both disciplines.
Maybe you want to be a wellness coach who also incorporates fitness training as a part of your coaching. Finding your niche can give you an opportunity to stand out in the industry and create a unique experience for your clients.
Wellness Coach Certifications
These are some of the best wellness and health coach options available to you:
- ISSA Health Coach Certification
- NASM Certified Wellness Coach
- ACE Health Coach Certification
- National Society of Health Coaches Certification
- Wellcoaches School of Coaching Certification
- Dr. Sears Wellness Institute Certification
- Duke Health and Well-Being Coach Training
Life and Wellness Coach: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the training for a wellness coach compare to that of a life coach?
The training for a wellness coach and a life coach differs in several key aspects. While both professions focus on helping individuals improve their overall well-being, the training for a wellness coach tends to have a more holistic approach. Wellness coaches undergo extensive education in various fields such as nutrition, exercise science, psychology, and alternative therapies. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide clients towards physical, mental, and emotional wellness. On the other hand, life coaches primarily focus on personal development and goal setting. Their training typically involves courses in communication, motivation, and leadership skills. Ultimately, professionals in both fields aim to support individuals in leading fulfilling lives, but the training for a wellness coach encompasses a broader range of disciplines to address all aspects of well-being.
Can you work with both a wellness coach and a life coach simultaneously?
Absolutely! Working with both a wellness coach and a life coach simultaneously can be incredibly beneficial. While a wellness coach primarily focuses on physical health, nutrition, and exercise, a life coach helps individuals set goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal growth in various aspects of their lives. By combining the expertise of both coaches, you can address your overall well-being comprehensively. The wellness coach will guide you in developing healthy habits, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and improving your physical health, while the life coach will assist you in identifying and pursuing your passions, enhancing relationships, managing stress, and finding fulfillment. Together, they provide a holistic approach to self-improvement and empowerment.
What qualifications or certifications are required for someone to be a wellness coach?
To become a certified wellness coach, individuals must undergo rigorous training and obtain specific qualifications. The process begins with completing a comprehensive wellness coaching program accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This program covers various aspects of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, aspiring wellness coaches must complete specialized courses in nutrition, exercise science, stress management techniques, and holistic healing practices. After completing the required coursework, candidates must pass a rigorous examination to demonstrate their knowledge and competency in the field. Once certified, wellness coaches are equipped to guide individuals towards achieving optimal health and well-being through personalized coaching plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.
How can I determine if I need a wellness coach or a life coach?
Determining whether you need a wellness coach or a life coach depends on your specific goals and needs. A wellness coach primarily focuses on improving your physical and mental well-being, helping you achieve optimal health through personalized plans tailored to your lifestyle. On the other hand, a life coach assists individuals in various aspects of their lives, such as career, relationships, and personal development. To determine which type of coach is best for you, consider assessing your priorities and areas where you feel you need the most support. If you are seeking guidance in achieving overall wellness and balance, a wellness coach may be the right fit. However, if you require guidance in multiple areas of your life, a life coach might be more suitable.
References
- Yahoo! (n.d.). Health and wellness market to hit around USD 8,940 billion by 2032. Yahoo! Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/health-wellness-market-hit-around-152000296.html?guccounter=1#:~:text=The%20global%20health%20and%20wellness,5.46%%20from%202023%20to%202032.(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab)
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Tyler Read
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