Blog: Coaching For Fitness

Whether you're calorie counting, running on the treadmill or event trying to finish a book everyone needs a little encouragement, and a bit of coaching. I've been getting plenty of encouragement from friends and family, but needed a bit more coaching for my goals.

First of all, I noticed I didn't really have goals in my endeavors. Then, I got an email at work notifying all employees that we now have access to a new health initiative benefit the company is offering. Part of the incentive is to complete four phone coaching sessions to receive $100. Yes, please! I signed up and was on the road to my free $100. 

At first, admittedly, I just wanted the money. But, the coaching is actually pushing me to work toward a goal. At first I was hesitant because my "coach" in the calorie counting phase of my weight loss was not very encouraging. She would get upset if I gained weight or lagged in a week. It was not a good match for me, and was actually a factor in me quitting. I needed to do things at my pace, not someone else's. 

In part, I've halted my intensive calorie counting because I'm getting married in May, and I can't afford any more dress alterations. The alterations lady looked me up and down in my dress full of pins and said, "You lose weight?"

::I nod::

"Don't lose anymore weight!"

Yes, I can afford a gym, but not more alterations to my dress. Therefore, I'm extending my efforts to the gym and getting back into running. I explained this situation to my phone coach and she has been great working with me to figure out what's the best route for me to take. We set specific (and attainable) goals each phone call, and she is coaching without being judgemental.

Ok, so not everyone has access to $100 or a program like this. But, my guess is whether it's a friend, a family member, a gym staffer, a co-worker or even your worst enemy, I bet there is someone out there that would make a great coach for you. Go over your situation with them and your goals. Be sure to pick someone that won't judge you if you eat a cream puff or take the night off to heal your sore thighs. I think those are the kind of coaches that make you want to cheat more.

One thing that has helped me is buying charms for my little reward keychain, then giving them to my fiance to hold. I trust him to hide them well, and not give them to me until I've reached the goals that will earn me those charms.

Do you have a coach in your endeavors? Are you a coach? What motivates you? How do you keep on track?