How do you become a wellness coach – fast?
As a wellness coach, you help people achieve real, life-changing results while growing your income and creating more freedom in your own life.
And today, you’ll get the exact steps to becoming a wellness coach this year. This advice comes from my experience building an eight-figure coaching business and helping 3,500+ new coaches launch their own successful practices.
Want to get started? Read on.
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6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Key takeaways:
- The wellness coaching industry is rapidly growing (worth $20.36 billion globally) and has proven effectiveness.
- Certification is optional for most wellness coaching niches – what matters most is having expertise and proven results.
- New wellness coaches can start earning $1,500+ per package, with experienced coaches charging $3,000-$10,000+.
How to become a wellness coach – checklist:
- Learn the right skills
- Get certified (optional)
- Get coaching experience
- Find your coaching niche
- Create and price your coaching package
- Set up your coaching business
- Get your first coaching clients
What is a wellness coach?
A wellness coach helps clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Wellness is a broad term that includes stress management, self-esteem, mindset, and work-life balance.
And the industry is growing fast. According to MarketResearch.com, the health and wellness coaching sector was worth $7 billion in 2021. And the overall global health coach industry is worth $20.36 billion.
Even better—wellness coaching works.
A 12-week Mayo Clinic study found that wellness coaching improves:
- ✔️ Stress levels
- ✔️ Quality of life
- ✔️ Depressive symptoms
- ✔️ Physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being
But you might be wondering: Is the industry too saturated?
The answer is no. There’s plenty of room for your unique skills. Many of my clients have started coaching businesses from scratch and built successful careers.
For example:
- My former client Jamie of Simple Boost Wellness helps stressed-out entrepreneurial women boost their energy with healthier habits
- Another of my former clients, Cristina of Outsmarting Busyness, works with leaders to overcome stress and gain a focused, calm mind
Beyond personal fulfillment, wellness coaching is also a profitable and scalable business. You can start part-time, grow at your own pace, and eventually replace your 9-5 income.
So, how do you actually help clients as a wellness coach? Let’s break it down.
What does a wellness coach do?
As a wellness coach, you help clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Depending on your niche, you might support clients with:
- Health and nutrition
- Physical activity
- Stress management
- Sleep coaching
- Work-life balance
- Accountability
- Mindset
- Mindfulness
Most wellness coaches run their own businesses, but some work in:
- Private practice
- Health clinics
- Spas
- Hospitals
With that in mind, how does wellness coaching differ from health coaching?
Wellness coaching vs health coaching
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same.
- Wellness coaching takes a holistic approach, helping clients improve all aspects of well-being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
- Health coaching focuses more on tangible, physical goals like weight loss, fitness, and nutrition.
For example, if a client wants to lose weight:
- A health coach creates a structured plan focused on fitness, diet, and sleep.
- A wellness coach takes a broader approach, considering stress, self-esteem, daily routines, and mindset alongside physical health.
Wellness coaching vs life coaching
At the same time, many argue that wellness coaching is a type of life coaching—and they’re not wrong!
Every form of coaching ultimately improves a client’s life. However, wellness coaching is more specific and focuses on tangible health-related results.
Clients care about clear outcomes, and wellness coaching delivers exactly that.
| Aspect | Wellness Coaching | Health Coaching | Life Coaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Holistic well-being (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) | Physical health, nutrition, fitness | Personal development, goals, satisfaction |
| Common goals | Work-life balance, stress reduction, energy | Weight management, fitness, nutrition | Career, relationships, personal growth |
| Approach | Integrated strategies across multiple domains | Structured plans with measurable physical outcomes | Goal-oriented strategies to overcome limitations |
Now, the big question: Can you become a wellness coach? Let’s find out.
What qualifications do you need to be a wellness coach?
You don’t need a degree or certification to become a wellness coach. What matters most is having evidence-based results that prove your method works.
There are two common paths to becoming a wellness coach:
1) Professional background – Maybe you have experience in healthcare, fitness, or wellness from your 9-to-5.
- For example, my former client Lorisa was a nurse for 10 years before becoming a plant-based nutrition coach. She now uses her expertise to help her clients.
2) Self-taught expertise – You’ve gained wellness skills on your own and used them to get real results.
- Like another one of my former clients, David, who mastered herbal remedies for weight loss and now teaches others how to do the same.
The key is having a proven method that helps people—whether through formal training or personal experience.
Now that you know what it takes, how do you become a wellness coach? Let’s dive in.
How to become a certified wellness coach
You’re ready to start a successful wellness coaching business—but where do you begin?
Many new coaches waste time on logos, websites, and business cards. Instead, let’s focus on what actually matters, starting with step #1.
1. Develop the right coaching skills
To become a great wellness coach, you need:
- Communication – Clearly explain wellness concepts
- Active listening – Understand your clients’ needs
- Empathy – Support clients through their challenges
- Accountability – Help clients stay on track
- Leadership – Guide clients toward transformation
- Wellness expertise – Strong knowledge of health & wellness
- Business skills – Grow and market your coaching practice
These skills develop over time as you coach—so you don’t need to master everything from day one.
But what about certification? Do you actually need one to be a wellness coach?
Let’s find out next.
2. Get certified (if you want to)
A common myth in the coaching industry? You must be certified to work as a wellness coach.
The truth? It depends on your niche.
- If your coaching involves regulated health practices (medication, medical advice), you may need a certification, degree, or license. Be sure to research your niche to understand the legal requirements.
- But for most wellness niches, certification is not required. What matters most is your expertise, experience, and results.
However, if you want a certification, go for it. Choose a program that:
- Is accredited. The coaching certification industry is unregulated and some certification programs offer little value. Look for programs that are accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
- Teaches the skills you need. Select a program that focuses on the skills (whether coaching or business) you want to learn.
- Is within your budget. Wellness coaching programs cost around $3,000-$7,000. The one you choose should be within your budget.
Ultimately, xperience matters more than certification—and that’s what we’ll cover next.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
3. Get coaching experience
If you’ve worked in health, wellness, therapy, or nutrition, you already have a solid foundation for becoming a wellness coach. Your past experience can help you build credibility and attract clients.
And to get coaching experience:
- Start by offering lower-priced coaching to gain hands-on experience. (We’ll cover pricing strategies later.)
- Work with friends, family, or beta clients to refine your coaching process.
- Document client transformations to showcase real-world results.
The more experience you gain, the more confident you’ll feel—and the easier it becomes to attract paying clients.
Next, let’s talk about how to structure your coaching offers.
4. Find your coaching niche
You need to pick a niche to become a successful wellness coach.
Why? Because “wellness” is a broad term. Your ideal clients need to instantly understand how you can help them.
Find your own niche by asking yourself these two questions:
1) Who do I want to serve?
- Consider their age, gender, income, and challenges.
- Example: My client Jamie specializes in coaching stressed-out female professionals and entrepreneurs.
2) How can I help them?
- What specialized knowledge or experience do you have?
- Example: Jamie focuses on boosting energy and reducing stress as her key selling points.
Need examples? Here are a few different wellness coaching niches:
- Stress management coaching
- Sleep coaching
- Anxiety coaching
- Mental health coaching
- Lifestyle coaching
- Mindfulness coaching
- Confidence coaching
- Empowerment coaching
- Self-love coaching
- Weight loss coaching
- Fitness coaching
- Nutrition coaching
- Nurse health coaching
- Holistic life coaching
- Somatic coaching
- Happiness coaching
- Meditation coaching
- Mental performance coaching
- Intimacy coaching
- Fertility coaching
- Behavioral coaching
- Manifestation coaching
- Yoga coaching
- Intuitive life coaching
- Corporate wellness coaching
Still not sure what your niche should be? Find it out with this one sentence:
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to create your coaching package—let’s dive in.
5. Create and price a coaching package
The secret to a successful wellness coaching package? Focus on your client’s needs, not just their wants.
Step 1: Structure your coaching package
Your client might come to you with a surface-level goal—but what they really need is a deeper transformation.
Example: Take Jamie again, who works with stressed-out professional women. A client might say, “I need more time in my life.” But Jamie knows the real solution isn’t just about time—it’s about work-life balance, energy management, and prioritization.
💡 Ask yourself: What does your client truly need to achieve their desired result? Structure your coaching offer around those needs and outline a clear process.
Step 2: Set your coaching price
How much should you charge? It depends on your experience, offer structure, and coaching duration.
Many one-on-one wellness coaches charge anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on their expertise and package length.
If you’re just starting out, a great entry point is $1,500 for a 3-month commitment—that’s what I did when I launched my coaching business.
💡 Pricing tip: Start lower, gain experience, and raise your rates as you build confidence and results.
Step 3: Structure your package
For a 3-month coaching package, I recommend:
- ✔ Weekly 1-on-1 sessions → Keeps momentum & accelerates client progress.
- ✔ Clear deliverables & process → Define what’s included.
- ✔ Milestones & accountability → Track progress for better client results.
Now that your package is ready, it’s time for the next step—setting up your business.
6. Set up your coaching business
Starting your wellness coaching business is simpler than you think. Here’s what you need:
Essential tools
- a laptop with a clear webcam
- a Zoom account (or another video call platform)
- reliable internet connection
Choose your business structure
Your business legal structure depends on your preferences:
- ✔ Sole Proprietorship – Easy to set up, but offers less liability protection.
- ✔ LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Provides more legal protection, but requires more paperwork.
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, consult a professional to choose the best option for you.
Set up a coaching agreement
To run an ethical and professional coaching business, you need coaching agreements. These contracts outline:
- ✅ Scope of services
- ✅ Payment terms
- ✅ Client responsibilities
(I cover this in detail in my guide—read it here)
Choose an insurance (optional)
You can get coaching insurance, but it’s an optional step. The most common options are professional liability insurance for health coaches or general liability insurance. See my guide here on health coach insurance!
Pick a business name (or use your own)
You can create a brand name or keep it simple by using your own name—like I do with LuisaZhou.com. Here’s my full guide on coaching business names.
Now that your coaching business is set up, it’s time for the most exciting step… getting your first clients!
7. Get coaching clients
You’re ready to coach—but how do you find your first clients?
Start with your network
Your friends, family, and colleagues are a great place to start. Everyone knows someone struggling with their wellness, weight, stress, or work-life balance.
Action step: Let your network know you’re offering wellness coaching. Be clear about:
- ✔ What you do
- ✔ Who you help
- ✔ The transformation you provide
Many coaches land their first paying clients this way!
Use social media to find clients
Social media is a powerful tool to connect with potential clients and build a brand.
Potential coaching clients are active on:
- Facebook groups – Engage in wellness-focused communities.
- LinkedIn – Network with professionals interested in corporate wellness.
- YouTube & TikTok – Create video content to showcase your expertise.
- Instagram & Twitter – Share wellness tips & client wins.
- Reddit – Offer advice in relevant subreddits.
(My students have found clients on almost every platform—it’s about choosing the one that works for YOU!)
Example: My client Cristina, a naturopathic doctor, landed her first paying client through Instagram.
💡 You don’t have to use social media to get clients. In fact, here are several strategies you can use instead.
Use long-term growth strategies
The above methods are quick wins—but to build a sustainable coaching business, you’ll want long-term strategies.
Grow your email list
Email is one of the best ways to build an engaged audience who trusts you.
- ✔ Offer a free lead magnet (e.g., a wellness checklist, mini-course, or guide).
- ✔ Send valuable content to nurture your audience.
Why it works: Unlike social media, you own your email list—no algorithm changes can take it away!
Consider group programs and courses
Once you’ve worked one-on-one with clients and refined your process, you can scale with group programs or online courses.
- ✔ One-on-one coaching → Helps you hone your coaching skills & get client results.
- ✔ Group coaching or courses → Allows you to impact more people and increase revenue.
💡 Pro tip: Start with one-on-one coaching before launching group programs—it ensures you have a proven method before scaling.
And for more steps to finding coaching clients, take a look at this quick video:
Now you know exactly how to become a wellness coach.
The final step? Decide if you want to pursue a certification—and choose the best one for you.
Best wellness coaching certification programs
If you decide to get certified, here are some of the top wellness coaching certifications available.
Since coaching is unregulated, I’ve compiled this list to help you avoid low-quality online programs and choose a reputable certification.
Disclaimer: I haven’t personally enrolled in these programs, but I’m recommending them based on their reputation. Be sure to do your own research to find the best fit for you.
1. Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Training Program
The Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Training Program is a 12-week immersive program that covers all bases of the coaching process. It’s also accredited by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching.
Price: $4,900
2. Emory University Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate
The Emory University Health and Wellness Coaching Certificate is one of the best wellness certifications out there. It’s a rigorous academic program that prepares you for a wide range of health and wellness coaching niches.
Price: $4,995
3. Duke University’s Integrative Health Coach Training
Duke’s Health and Wellbeing programs are highly celebrated in the field. Their certification covers how to transform your client’s health habits and create concrete results.
Price: $5,500
4. International Association of Wellness Professionals Holistic Wellness Coach Curriculum
The International Association of Wellness Professionals offers an amazing holistic wellness coach certification. The modules span the 12 elements of human health and well-being to make you a wellness expert.
Price: $4,950
5. Health Coach Institute Dual Life & Health Coach Certificate Program
The Health Coach institute is one of the best schools for wellness coaching. Their program involves advanced nutrition, habit change and life coaching teaching.
Price: $4,950
6. University of North Dakota Health and Wellness Coach Certification
The Univerity of North Dakota program focuses on hands-on experience to hone your wellness coaching skills.
Price: $6,700
7. Georgetown University Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching
The Georgetown University Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching gives you a well-rounded basis in health and wellness coaching practices that can apply to many niches.
Price: $8,500
8. Institute for Wellness Education Wellness Coach Training Certification
The Institute for Wellness Education Certification uses evidence-based practices to train you as a wellness coach.
Price: $895
9. Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE)
ETE isn’t a certification program, but a self-study course on how to build your own coaching business. I built ETE based on my own decade-long experience and today, 3,500+ new coaches have used it to start their own businesses!
How much do wellness coaches make?
The average wellness coach salary ranges from $47,000 to $78,000 per year (source: Glassdoor).
However, as a self-employed online wellness coach, you have the potential to earn far more. Many of my clients have built six-figure businesses and beyond. That’s because you set your own rates and aren’t limited by an hourly wage or salary cap.
Average wellness coach salaries by location:
- California – $73,100/year
- New York – $77,400/year
- Florida – $63,000/year
- Texas – $64,900/year
FAQ: Become a wellness coach
Do wellness coaches make money?
Yes, wellness coaches can make money. By selling high-ticket coaching packages, you can quickly offer profitable coaching packages at $1,500 and up. For example, by just selling three coaching packages a month at $3000, you’d be at the six-figure mark. Other ways to make money include group programs, workshops, and online courses.
How long does it take to get a wellness coach certification?
It typically takes anywhere from a month to 12 months to get a wellness coaching certification, depending on the program you choose. Some programs take a few weeks, while others can last 1-2 years.
Is there a demand for wellness coaches?
Yes! The wellness coaching industry has grown in the past couple of years. The health and wellness coaching industry is projected to grow 8.9% per year and experts estimate that the sector will reach $20.36 billion. 82% of consumers also consider wellness to be a priority in their lives.
Start your wellness coaching business today!
There you have it – that’s how to become a certified wellness coach and start your own wellness coaching business.
What makes this career path so rewarding is that wellness coaching not only is about making a big difference in your clients’ lives, but it also provides the opportunity to design a life that aligns with your own values and schedule.
Plus, you can get started today!
Sure, it feels like a lot to take in at first. Even though I’ve packed this guide with value, there’s a lot more to discover – plus, you’ve got to actually do something with all this knowledge.
I’ve been there – when I first started my coaching business, I felt lost and would’ve given anything for someone to just tell me exactly what to do.
But all I could find was information about scaling your business after quitting your 9-5 – which isn’t super helpful when you’ve got years invested in your career!
So I poured hundreds of thousands of dollars and years into figuring it out on my own.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
And once I had a formula that worked? I hit six figures within four months and resigned from my day job that same week.
And since then, thousands of new coaches have used my blueprint to build their own thriving businesses.
Ready to discover exactly how?
Grab my FREE guide that shows you how to build a six-figure coaching business, even while you’re at a busy day job. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to replace your salary (and then some!) by strategically growing your coaching empire.
Warmly,
Luisa
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