Find Virtual Health Coaching Services

Do you need extra motivation as you try to improve your health? Consider using virtual health coaching services to keep you on track.

Taking care of your body is a challenge at the best of times. Amid the extra challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and when dealing with a busy work schedule, children, or other priorities it may seem impossible. Perhaps you have weight loss goals you cannot seem to meet. You may also struggle with a lack of muscle, low stamina, or aches and pains related to your job. All of those scenarios and more are good reasons to focus on your health.

Getting healthier is not as simple as making a wish and snapping your fingers. It takes a lot of time and effort. You may also find you need some help to reach your goals. Friends and family members can help you to some degree. However, there are many benefits professional services offer that friends and family members cannot provide. One such professional service you can use to improve your health is a virtual health coaching service.

What is a Health Coach?

A health coach is a type of life coach dedicated to helping you achieve your physical wellness goals. One of the most common physical wellness goals is weight loss. However, a health coach can also help you overcome a variety of physical health challenges. Some of those challenges include:

• Recovering from Specific Health Events (Heart Attacks, Strokes Etc.)

• Overcoming Alcohol or Cigarette Addiction

• Developing Healthier Eating Habits

• Building Muscle Mass and Strength

• Leading a More Physically Active Life

• Solving Problems or Overcoming Challenges Relating to Physical Wellness

What Does a Health Coach Do?

A health coach is a professional who listens to your goals and helps you figure out ways to achieve those goals. The health coach you choose can assist you by providing feedback and suggestions based on your expressed needs. He or she can also function as an accountability partner by checking in several times a week to monitor your progress. When you are anticipating discussing your progress with another person, you are more likely to stick to your wellness plan. 

Your health coach can also help you adapt your lifestyle based on recommendations from your doctors. For example, the health coach might help you create meal plans that incorporate less salt, if you have high blood pressure. However, it is not your health coach's job to tell you exactly what to always do. The health coach is only there to act as an assistant during your fitness journey. He or she can offer suggestions and advice. It is up to you to decide how much of that advice to incorporate into your daily life.

What is a Virtual Health Coach?

A virtual health coach is similar to an in-person health coach. The major difference is the virtual health coach provides motivation, accountability, and feedback from a distance. He or she may communicate with you via phone calls, text messages, or video chats. Those messages may consist of quick check ins in combination with longer online meetings. During online meetings you can discuss existing or new health concerns and brainstorm solutions. 

Reasons to Hire a Virtual Health Coach

Among the top reasons to hire a virtual health coach as of 2021 is to avoid social interaction concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Logging in virtually to meet with your coach keeps you safe while you work on your health improvement journey. Other good reasons to seek a virtual health coach instead of in-person assistance include:

• Inability to Travel Due to Health Issues

• Access to Coaches with All Experience Levels and Areas of Expertise Online

• Schedule Flexibility

• Ability to Find Coaching Services Within Your Budget

Top Virtual Health Coaching Service Types and Companies

There are several different types of virtual health coaching services available. One of the top options is Vida. Vida offers annual, three-month, and monthly subscription. The annual subscription cost is $699. It offers the best per month value. Through Vida you can get assistance with specific health concern categories, including:

• COPD

• Healthy Eating

• Weight Management

• Diabetes Control

• Blood Pressure Control

Vida is currently the top company offering individual health coaching services, but Lark Health and other smaller companies are quickly expanding as well.  As of 2021, Lark coaching is available for free if your health insurance plan is accepted by Lark. You can also check with your employer to see if virtual health coaching is offered through your company. Vida and other companies, such as Concentra offer virtual health coaching packages for companies to offer employees. 

Freelance Virtual Health Coaches

You also have the option of hiring a freelance virtual health coaches. Particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many fitness enthusiasts have started their own virtual health coaching businesses. The advantage of hiring a freelance virtual health coach instead of a signing up for services through a large company like Vida is you can often save money. However, you must take care when selecting a freelance coach.

A certified virtual health coach must typically hold some type of health and fitness degree. He or she must also have verifiable credentials and references, such as certification from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Some freelance health coaches specialize in specific health-related fields, such as weight loss. Therefore, you must also seek out a coach whose skills are in line with your personal health needs and goals.

Selecting the Best Virtual Health Coach 

To find the best virtual health coach, start with one willing to offer a free consultation. A trained, certified coach can answer any basic questions you have about the coaching process. He or she can also provide you with a basic outline of a plan for meeting your coaching needs during that consultation. Also, make sure the virtual coaching service offers assistance in your desired formats. For example, you may prefer daily text check-ins or weekly video calls. Some services offer combinations of formats for quick and consistent coaching. 

Finally, make sure you like your virtual coach. You need to feel comfortable chatting with him or her about your challenges and fitness goals if you expect assistance meeting those goals in a timely manner. You are more likely to respond positively to health coaching when you view your health coach as a trusted confidant.