Build a health team to help reach your goals

Technically I am a certified personal trainer, however, I consider myself to be a health fitness professional and lifestyle manager for my community, friends and clients. That might sound broad and it is supposed to. My career and even yours is more than just one title. It encompasses so many different areas.

I made the decision a few years into my career to make personal training my profession. Most people in the fitness industry decide to become a trainer or instructor because they enjoy exercise and what is has done for them and then they want to share it with others.  That is only part of the equation. Being a trainer is not just something I enjoy, reap benefits from and want to share with others, but my knowledge and skills can help others make serious life changes.  Really I am helping my clients manage their life and all that goes along with it.

Where am I going with this?  I do not know everything and I admit that on a regular basis. There is not one health professional that knows everything about everything health. This is why it is important to have a health team. Each of us should have a group of professionals to assist in pursuing our health fitness goals and these team members need to work together for you, the client.  

I am always looking to build and grow my health team. I need a physician, dentist, physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, dietitian, yoga instructor, personal trainer, and so many more. Why are they all important for my success? Because they all have differing viewpoints and knowledge base, allowing them to guide me in a slightly different path. There is not one method that works for everyone. We are all different and we need to embrace the difference to find out what is going to be the most effective towards reaching optimal health.

I am a trainer that loves being coached and trained by other health fitness pros. Why?  To keep myself in check, to assist me with finding my balance between exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. The number one thing that I look for in my health team members is communication and collaboration with other professionals in my team. Differing opinions might happen between professionals, which is healthy and normal, but are they willing to work together towards what is best for me, as a client, not what is best for them.  

Let’s decide on your goals, start to build or rebuild your dream health team, make a plan for success with your team members, and achieve your goals with their encouragement and accountability. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “A chain is no stronger than its weakest link, and life is after all a chain.”

Liz Whalen is a personal trainer and health fitness specialist who lives and works in Libby. She also blogs at lizwhalenhfs.com.