Why we could all use a health advisor
Written by Jon Bula, GWA Owner and Cofounder
Clang! Thud! Slap! 5 more! The unmistakable sounds of the gym penetrate the thin walls separating my office from the training floor. A barbell being racked, a dumbbell hitting the floor, boxing gloves hitting the focus mitts, and the vocal encouragement from a trainer, these are comforting to someone who has owned a gym for more than 20 years. As I sit here in my fitness studio office I can hear various conversations between different personal trainers and their clients. Varied. Happy. Serious. Empathetic. Encouraging. The conversations between a trainer and client can cover any topic.
A client of mine, let’s call him Jay, is a very successful financial advisor. Jay has been my financial advisor for years. We have insurance policies, education funds for the kids, investments, and more. If I need advice on a mortgage renewal or a way to fund a home renovation, I have someone to help me navigate the complexities. During our training sessions we talk about all sorts of things.
On this particular day the topic was heart attacks. This was near and dear to Jay as his family has a rough history with this. Between his sets of deadlifts I asked him, “I wonder why we don’t have health advisors?” I mentioned that what I do is really very similar to what he does. He advises people on their finances, while I’m advising them on their health. The key part missing from my practice, however, is that the role of health advisor doesn’t really exist. As much as I benefit from a financial advisor, Jay would benefit from a health advisor. It’s one thing having saved money, but it’s another thing entirely being healthy enough to enjoy it. Jay loved it!
We went on to discuss how a good personal trainer is an invaluable resource for health and wellness advice. They are experts at exercise and motivating people to move. When you have an injury, your trainer probably knows a good physio, chiropractor, or massage therapist. They will undoubtedly know a good nutritionist, and possibly naturopath, acupuncturist, or even specialty medical doctors.
Coming off that conversation I can’t stop thinking about the effort we put into planning our finances for retirement. Freedom 55. RRSP. CPP. Pensions. Save. Plan. We all hear these and most of us have a financial plan in place. Nobody is really talking about their health in the same manner. Exercise daily, supplements, mindfulness, mobility, strength, VO2 max, nutrition. We know these words, but we don’t have a plan in place for them. What a fantastic opportunity for personal trainers!
Those looking to make a career out of personal training need something to separate themselves from the noise. I feel that experienced personal trainers are already operating in the role of health advisor in varying capacities. Health advisors being a licensed practice would be a dream outcome. We should all view our health as a finite resource, and something that needs to be worked on to maintain. The benefits of this are both personal and to society in general. A health advisor could help someone in so many ways:
- Exercise planning that fits your personal needs
- Nutrition advice/planning
- Interpretation and recommendations based on on all the personal health data modern fitness and sleep trackers can provide
- A resource to find the right practitioner when we do needs help with an injury or ailment
- Someone to help hold you accountable to maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- An expert on lifestyle factors that impact your health and a resource to lean on when questions arise
- Someone that can provide reporting/feedback to a healthcare practitioner
- The list goes on and on
Like any multifaceted and complex situation, a well thought out plan is essential to success. Understanding the factors that promote health and how simple habits can have significant impacts will be key teachings of your health advisor. Removing barriers and shifting through the noise will set you up for future success. We all want a well financed and comfortable retirement. We should all want to be healthy enough to enjoy it too! Work on your health as diligently as you would your investment portfolio. The investment will pay off!
Looking to hire your own ‘Health Advisor’? Book your free consultation with one our GWA Personal Trainers today!