Improving your health can feel challenging. Between endless online advice, conflicting recommendations, and busy schedules, it can be difficult to know where to start and even harder to stick with healthy changes long-term.
That is where a health coach can make a real difference. A health coach turns overwhelming information into a clear, personalized plan and helps you set realistic goals, build better habits, and stay accountable. Instead of trying to figure it all out on your own, you have someone who understands your challenges and guides you toward lasting progress.
At PartnerMD, our certified health coaches work closely with your physician to provide personalized guidance, ongoing support, and the accountability you need to create lasting results.
In this article, we will explain what a health coach is, how they help you improve your health, and what makes PartnerMD’s approach unique.
According to the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching, a health coach is a trained professional who helps you improve your well-being by supporting meaningful, lasting lifestyle changes.
They partner with you to set personalized goals, provide guidance and accountability, and empower you to make choices that align with your values and long-term health.
A health coach is more than just someone who tells you what to eat or how to exercise. Think of them as your personal partner in health, someone who helps you build better habits, improve your understanding of your body, and create a plan that works for you.
At PartnerMD, our health coaches focus on key areas of overall wellness, including:
Nutrition and balanced eating
Exercise and activity
Sleep and recovery
Stress management
Long-term lifestyle habits
Their goal is not to hand you a one-size-fits-all plan. It is to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and feel confident in your health journey.
One of the biggest challenges in improving your health is not knowing what to do; it is figuring out how to make it work for your life. That is where a health coach can make all the difference.
One of the biggest challenges in improving your health is not knowing what to do; it is figuring out how to make it work for your life. That is where a health coach can make all the difference.
With so many diets, fitness plans, and health trends, it can be hard to know what is right for you. A health coach helps you cut through the noise and focus on credible, evidence-based strategies tailored to your needs.
For example, a 2023 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that patients working with a health coach lowered their systolic blood pressure by an average of 7 points compared to those receiving usual care. For many, this means fewer medications and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Health is not one-size-fits-all. A coach works with you to set realistic goals and develop strategies based on your lifestyle and preferences.
This is especially true for weight management. A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients in a 12-month coaching program lost an average of 7.2% of their body weight, with 60% losing at least 5%. For many, this leads to more energy, better mobility, and lower risks related to diabetes and heart disease.
Getting started is exciting, but staying consistent can be tough. Holidays, work travel, and family responsibilities often get in the way. Your coach keeps you on track, adjusts your plan when needed, and celebrates your progress.
Stress affects nearly every aspect of your health, from blood pressure and weight to sleep and mood. A health coach helps you identify your main stress triggers and teaches simple strategies like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and daily routines to manage them more effectively.
Quality sleep is essential for energy, weight management, heart health, and focus, yet many people struggle to get enough. A health coach helps you create better bedtime routines, address lifestyle factors that affect sleep, and build habits that improve rest and recovery.
Health coaching is not just about short-term change. Research shows that the benefits can last well beyond the coaching period itself.
In a systematic review published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, researchers analyzed 28 clinical studies on health coaching and found that 25 of them showed sustained improvements in areas like weight, blood pressure, mood, and overall quality of life even after coaching ended.
This demonstrates that health coaching goes beyond quick wins. It helps you make changes that stick for the long term.
Health coaching is not just about numbers. Coaches help you discover your own personal motivation and build confidence in your ability to change. For many patients, this shift in mindset is what makes healthy habits stick for the long term.
Choosing the right health coach can make a significant difference in your results. With so many backgrounds, certifications, and coaching styles out there, it is important to know what to look for. Here are the key qualifications and factors to consider when finding a coach who aligns with your goals and needs.
Look for a coach with a strong foundation in health or wellness, such as a degree in exercise science, nursing, nutrition, or a related field. Many qualified coaches also hold recognized certifications from organizations such as the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), or Precision Nutrition.
Some health coaches pursue advanced training in areas like nutrition, functional movement, cognitive health, stress management, or chronic disease support. If you have specific goals such as improving mobility, managing weight, or enhancing brain health, look for a coach with training that aligns with your needs.
A good coach does more than provide information. They help you create lasting behavior change by listening, collaborating, and building a plan tailored to your lifestyle rather than offering a one-size-fits-all program.
Beyond qualifications, the right coach is someone whose approach matches your vision for better health. Whether you want to improve sleep, manage stress, increase strength, or develop healthier habits, finding a coach who supports your priorities makes success more achievable.
At PartnerMD, health coaching is not an add-on. It is an integrated part of your care. Our certified health coaches work alongside your physician to ensure your coaching supports your medical plan and your long-term goals.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Included with membership: No extra fees for health coaching.
Physician collaboration: Coaches and doctors work together for cohesive care.
Flexible access: Sessions available in person or virtually.
Whole-person approach: Support for nutrition, activity, stress, sleep, and lifestyle habits.
Continuous resources: As a member, you also get access to Wellness University, a library of 70+ physician-approved courses to help you stay on track between sessions.
A health coach can help you move past confusion and take control of your health with a clear, personalized plan. At PartnerMD, coaching is designed to help you make lasting changes and build better habits that support your overall well-being.
With your coach and physician working together, you are never navigating your health journey alone.
Health coaching is just one part of PartnerMD’s personalized approach to primary care. If you want to better understand how concierge medicine works and why it gives you more time, more access, and more support, we have a resource to guide you.
Download our free guide, Understanding Concierge Medicine, to learn what concierge care is, how it works, and how PartnerMD can help you take charge of your long-term health.