8 easy steps guide & examples how to become a wellnes coach.

Imagine this: you wake up, grab your coffee (or matcha, if that’s your thing), and kick off your day helping people feel better in their bodies, minds, and lives. That’s what a wellness coach does – empowers others to live their best lives, while building a fulfilling business of their own.

Sounds like a dream, right?

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to become a wellness coach. Well, it’s not just about being passionate (though that’s a big part of it). You’ll need clarity on your niche, a solid plan to launch your business, and the right tools to get your first clients through the door.

I’ve walked this path myself, starting out with nothing but a few emails from people asking for help. That turned into virtual summits, high-ticket coaching programs, and eventually a business that’s supported me through years of location-independent living (Australia, Sweden, Malta, and plenty of surf spots in between).

Now, I’m here to help you get started.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • What wellness coaching is all about
  • Steps to get certified as a wellness coach (or whether you need it)
  • How to set up your business and start making money

Let’s turn your passion for wellness into a business that inspires change in others and creates lasting positive effects – starting now.

What is Wellness Coaching

Wellness coaching is all about helping people live their healthiest, happiest lives – on their terms. As a wellness coach, your job isn’t to tell someone what to do or overwhelm them with advice they don’t need.

Instead, you guide them to find the balance that works for them, tackling areas like nutrition, fitness, stress management, sleep, and mindset. It’s about practical steps, real progress, and creating sustainable habits.

Think of it this way: you’re like a coach on the sidelines, helping your clients stay in the game and cheering them on as they reach their goals. But you’re also their strategist, helping them figure out what “winning” looks like in their life.

Wellness coaching vs. Other coaches: What’s the difference?

You’ve probably seen terms like “life coach” or “fitness coach” thrown around – and while there’s some overlap, wellness coaching is its own thing.

A fitness coach is all about physical training and performance. A life coach helps people map out their goals and take action on their dreams.

Wellness coaching, on the other hand, is broader. It’s about the whole picture – physical health, mental well-being, and even emotional resilience.

For example, a client might come to you wanting to lose weight. A fitness coach would focus on workouts and performance. But as a wellness coach, you’d also look at what’s going on behind the scenes – are they stressed out? Not sleeping well? Struggling with meal planning?

You’re there to help them connect the dots and make changes that stick.

What is a Wellness Coach?

Learn how to become Soul Unbound - A 5-Step Transformational Course and Toolkit for radical change, covering mind, body, soul, and earth practices.

As a wellness coach, you become your client’s partner in their journey towards a healthier, more balanced life. Think of yourself as someone who helps people uncover the best version of themselves, offering support, strategies, and accountability along the way.

Top traits that make a wellness coach stand out

A huge factor in becoming a successful wellness coach is how you connect, guide, and inspire. These are key traits that will help you stand out:

  • Genuine connection: Building trust and creating a safe space for clients to share openly is key to making a real impact.
  • Holistic approach: A wellness coach considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and addresses their unique needs.
  • Continuous learning: Staying informed about the latest wellness practices ensures your coaching remains relevant and effective.

Wellness coaches who’ve made a name for themselves (and what we can learn from them)

These coaches demonstrate that the key to building a successful wellness coaching business lies in authenticity, a clear niche, and a commitment to solving real-world problems for clients. Each one brings something unique to the table, showcasing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in this industry.

Carl Cincinnato

Carl Cincinnato, credentialed expert and co-host of the Migraine World Summit, with 26 years of experience managing migraines and advocating for global migraine health.

Carl Cincinnato’s mission is to empower migraine sufferers with knowledge and resources. As the founder of the Migraine World Summit, he has built a global community, connecting experts and patients to share the latest reserach and effective treatments.

After working with EHQ, Carl scaled his platform from a small community to over 100,000 email subscribers, becoming a trusted leader in his field.

Michael Morgan

Michael Morgan, CranioSacral Therapy expert and author, helping individuals hone their mental, emotional, and physical health to prevent Alzheimer's.

Michael Morgan, founder of Preventing Alzheimer’s, is a leading expert in preventing Alzheimer’s and promoting longevity through integrative techniques. His focus on craniosacral therapy helps individuals maintain brain health and improve quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients.

After implementing EHQ’s coaching system, Michael saw rapid growth, generating $40,000 within his first 30 days. His success demonstrates the power of pairing niche expertise with a high-ticket coaching offer.

John Kim

John Kim, known as the Angry Therapist, delivers self-help insights to improve overall health and well-being in short, casual sessions.

Known as The Angry Therapist, John Kim blends therapy and coaching to provide a no-nonsense approach to healing. His work revolves around promoting self-acceptance and growth through honest conversations and practical tools. John’s success highlights the value of breaking traditional molds and showing up authentically in a coaching business.

Emily Schromm

Learn with Em: Wellness coach training programs by Emily Schromm, including strength programs, EMFIT challenges, and apothecary-building workshops.

Emily is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and personal trainer who infuses energy and playfulness into wellness. From creating fitness challenges to designing nutritional programs, Emily’s work is all about empowerment and making health accessible. Her ability to connect with clients through humor and passion sets a strong example for creating an inviting coaching brand.

Darryl Edwards

Primal Play by Darryl Edwards, a health coach example promoting movement and play as a fun alternative to traditional workouts.

Darryl, the founder of Primal Play, turns fitness into fun with his creative movement routines. His approach encourages people to rediscover the joy of physical activity while promoting long-term health benefits. Darryl’s success lies in tapping into the primal human need for play, offering a unique angle on traditional fitness coaching.

Sara Artemisia

Sara Artemisia, a holistic wellness coach, plant spirit wisdom teacher, and financial coach helping professionals connect with nature and overcome inner blocks.

Sara Artemisia bridges the gap between nature and personal growth, offering guidance in plant spirit wisdom and multidimensional healing. Through workshops, online programs, and one-on-one coaching, Sara helps clients deepen their connection to the natural world.

With EHQ’s strategies, she grew her email list by 5,000 and successfully pivoted to a new niche, all while generating thousands in revenue.

Courtney Swan

Courtney Swan, health and wellness advocate, integrative nutritionist, and founder of Realfoodology, promoting real food and fixing America's food system.

The founder of RealFoodology, Courtney, is a nutrition coach who educates her audience about clean eating and food transparency. Her relatable content on Instagram and blog posts about sustainable, health-conscious living resonate with a modern audience. Courtney’s brand underscores the importance of building trust through knowledge-sharing and authenticity.

Michelle Leotta

Michelle Leotta, a health and wellness coach, helps health coaches turn their passion into profitable businesses, even if they're just starting out or not tech-savvy.

Michelle runs Health Coach Power, where she helps aspiring health coaches launch their businesses while managing burnout. Her programs focus on blending wellness strategies with professional success, inspiring a new generation of coaches. Michelle’s ability to empower her peers proves that coaching isn’t just about clients but also about lifting the entire industry.

How to Become a Wellness Coach

Guide on how to become a wellness coach

Steps to becoming a holistic wellness coach, including getting clients, developing your brand, setting up systems, and partnering with experts

Helping others achieve their best version of health and well-being starts with the right foundation. Whether you’re new to coaching or looking to refine your approach, these steps will help you build a successful wellness coaching business that makes a lasting impact.

1. Start with your niche

Your niche is your foundation. What gets you fired up? Is it fitness, integrative nutrition, mindset, spiritual, or holistic wellness education? Maybe it’s helping athletes recover faster after matches or guiding stressed-out corporate workers toward better work-life balance. For example:

  • Marie Marlowe is known as “The Acne Nutritionist.” She helps women improve their skin health through nutrition, offering personalized programs like “The Clear Skin Plan.”
  • Kirsten Oddy, a PCOS Nutritionist, supports women in managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome through lifestyle changes. Her site offers resources on fertility, hormone balance, and more.

Both examples show how zoning in on a specific area of wellness can attract a dedicated audience.

2. Learn the coaching skills you really need

Go beyond textbook knowledge. Dive deeper into areas like behavior change, emotional wellness, and goal-setting. A great coach knows how to connect with clients and help them navigate personal growth. For instance:

  • James Carson, a holistic health coach from Australia, focuses on creating life visions for his clients while grounding them in simple, actionable wellness principles. His success stems from consistent self-education and personal transformation.

Practical skills like motivational interviewing or behavior change strategies help you connect better with clients on their journeys.

3. Certifications that count

While wellness and health coach certifications can provide credibility, it’s your practical experience that matters most. Attend workshops or online courses on coaching psychology to sharpen your approach and client success.

  • Dr. Jen Coaching offers health psychology-based coaching and menopause programs, blending formal qualifications with an accessible, client-focused approach.
  • Programs like Health Coach FX specialize in hormone health while using certifications to underpin their message of simplicity and effectiveness.

4. Plan your game

Having a clear strategy is key – whether it’s offering virtual group sessions or one-on-one coaching. Mapping out your offerings, marketing, and client journey ensures your coaching business stays on track.

5. Get clients, get results

Building trust with clients is essential. If you want to coach busy professionals, focus on programs that balance their wellness goals with tight schedules. An example would be creating a weekly fitness and meal plan for executives.

  • Loliya Harrison, a nutritional therapist and personal trainer, personalizes her coaching for women in menopause, helping them manage energy levels and reclaim confidence.

6. Develop your brand and marketing

Establishing your personal brand is key to attracting clients. Use social media, a professional website, and content marketing to showcase your expertise and connect with your target audience. Look at:

  • Emily Nachazel, who combines functional and holistic approaches while making wellness content relatable and engaging online.

7. Set up systems and tools

From managing client communication to delivering programs, using the right tools can streamline your operations. Platforms like Zoom, Keap, and ClickUp (we use this at EHQ) help keep everything organized and efficient.

8. Partner with experts

Collaborating with like-minded professionals, such as fitness trainers, therapists, or nutritionists, expands your offerings and enhances client results. For instance, partnering with a holistic health expert or functional medicine doctor like those behind Health Coach FX for hormone testing, adding credibility and depth to your services.

What Does a Wellness Coach Do?

As a wellness coach, you’ll be helping people level up in more ways than they might realize. It could be anything from improving their physical health to managing stress or setting goals that truly matter.

For example, you might work with a professional athlete looking to fine-tune their performance or someone juggling a busy schedule trying to maintain mental and physical balance.

The everyday hustle of a wellness coach

Being a wellness coach is about being there to support, motivate, and guide your clients.

Every day could look different – one moment you’re creating a tailored fitness plan, the next you’re helping a client work through mindset blocks, then helping a working professional overcome anxiety by building small, manageable habits they can stick with – this is the kind of impact you’ll be making.

What Do You Need to Be a Wellness Coach?

Being a wellness coach is about stepping into the journey with your clients, helping them uncover their potential, and supporting them through every challenge along the way. Here’s what you need to set yourself up for success.

  • Coaching certifications: Certifications like ICF (International Coach Federation), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), or health-specific programs provide the foundational knowledge needed to guide clients.
  • Specialized tools for assessment: Tools such as questionnaires, health assessments, and goal-setting frameworks help track client progress and customize their experience.
  • Wellness resource library: Access to research articles, guides, and wellness tools that support your practice, such as nutrition databases or mental health resources.
  • Self-care and growth practices: Maintaining personal well-being through journaling, meditation, or ongoing education ensures you stay motivated and effective as a wellness coach.

5 Top Wellness Coach Certification Programs for 2025

Looking to add some weight to your wellness coaching business and become a certified one? Choosing the right certification can give you the foundation, credibility, and confidence you need to stand out.

1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Wellness Coach ($3,999)

NASM Certified Wellness Coach program provides training and education in holistic well-being and client success strategies

The NASM’s Certified Wellness Coach program is best known for its comprehensive training in fitness, nutrition, and wellness coaching. This certification program emphasizes behavior change and client-centered coaching.

2. National Wellness Institute Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate ($4,000)

Health & Wellness Coaching Certificate by the National Wellness Institute, offering professional health coaching programs in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The NWI’s Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate is best known for its holistic coach training program, integrating physical, emotional, and social wellness into client transformations. This program offers a practical, evidence-based curriculum.

3. Health Coach Institute (HCI) Become a Health & Life Coach Program ($4,450)

Health Coach Institute's program to become a certified health coach and life coach, offering tools and training to transform lives with a paying client guarantee.

The HCI’s Become a Health & Life Coach Program offers a strong emphasis on mindset, communication, and creating sustainable lifestyle changes for clients. This life coach certification offers a blend of coaching psychology and practical tools.

4. Wellness Coach Academy by Dr. Kim Foster ($6,500)

Wellness Coach Academy Certified Coach Directory showcasing graduates from their comprehensive training program for aspiring wellness coaches.

The Wellness Coach Academy, created by Dr. Kim Foster, focuses on habit formation, mindset shifts, and strategic coaching. Dr. Foster integrates her expertise as a physician and wellness advocate, ensuring a robust and credible curriculum.

5. Transformation Academy Master Wellness Coach Certification ($497)

Master Wellness Coach Certification program by Transformation Academy offering specialized wellness coach certification in health, nutrition, mindfulness, and fitness.

Transformation Academy’s Master Wellness Coach Certification is designed for individuals who want to help clients achieve balance, health, and personal growth. This course combines wellness fundamentals, life coaching strategies, and actionable tools to ensure a transformative experience for both coaches and clients.

How Much Do Wellness Coaches Make

Factors like specialization, location, and marketing strategy can influence your earnings as a wellness coach. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect based:

  • Entry-level wellness coaches: $23,500 to $36,479 annually
  • Mid-level wellness coaches: $36,479 to $50,572 annually
  • Top-tier wellness coaches: $50,572 to $156,000+ annually

How to earn more as a wellness coach

  • Niche down: Specialize in a specific area (e.g., women’s empowerment, mindset, corporate wellness) to attract high-paying clients.
  • Create high-value offers: Design premium coaching packages or programs tailored to your client’s needs.
  • Expand your reach: Utilize online marketing strategies, social media, and SEO to attract a wider audience.
  • Offer group coaching or virtual workshops: Provide group programs that maximize your time and increase revenue per client.
  • Focus on retention: Nurture long-term client relationships through regular check-ins, community building, and consistent results.

How to Start a Wellness Coaching Business

Starting your own wellness coaching business is an exciting journey – one that can offer freedom, impact, and the opportunity to help others thrive. Here are some steps to guide you:

  • Develop your offer: Create compelling offers tailored to your clients’s needs. This could be one-on-one coaching, on-demand courses, or even workshops designed to deliver real transformation.
  • Build your personal brand: Establish a strong online presence. From a professional website to consistent social media content, your brand should reflect your expertise and personality.
  • Set up your pricing model: Determine how you’ll charge for your services – whether it’s by session, package, or retainer. Clear pricing helps clients understand the value you provide.
  • Create a coaching framework: Organize your coaching sessions with a structured approach that ensures clients receive consistent and impactful results from start to end.
  • Partner with EHQ: Working with us means gaining access to experts who provide battle-tested strategies for success. Together with Sarah Thorslund and myself, you get proven, actionable guidance that drives real results and consistent success.

Own Your Coaching Journey

Now that you know how to become a wellness coach, are you ready to turn your passion into a money-making machine? At Entrepreneurs HQ, we have the system to help you in simple steps.

Download our 7-Step Blueprint so you can:

✅ Build and refine your high-ticket offers
✅ Create a simple, repeatable approach to bringing in quality clients
✅ Have more time, financial freedom, and flexibility
✅ Take bold steps toward building your dream business and kick self-doubt to the sideline

We’ll help you turn your expertise into predictable income and freedom. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – your next big win is just a click away.