Frontiers in Public Health (Oct 2015)
Aspire Project - an integrated wellness coaching model facilitated by an online coaching technology
Abstract
• Background The practitioners have comprehensive experience in the health and fitness industry and are increasingly aware of the growing need to facilitate change to enhance wellness within the general population. An advisory board that include specialists in all areas of wellness have contributed to the Aspire Project. Many individuals require guidance and support to enhance their levels of wellness. Defined by The World Health Organization, wellness is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." A common wellness intervention is the service provided by personal trainers. The traditional scope of practice for a personal trainer is to enhance physical wellness and typically focuses upon exercise prescription and instruction with basic nutritional advice. More recently personal trainers are increasingly aware of the mental and social wellbeing facet of wellness, and therefore an integrated approach to personal training and coaching. • Description The PT Aspire Project (case study) focuses upon a personal training and coaching model that integrates all the elements of wellness. The model is supported by an online platform that helps the personal trainer/coach to profile clients, set goals, and assign an individualised action plan. A comprehensive tracking function allows for monitoring across all the elements of wellness. The platform aims to empower and encourage the personal trainer to take an holistic approach to client wellness while at the same time encouraging the client to become involved in an active process of increased awareness and conscious choice in the path toward a healthy and fulfilling life. • Conclusions PT Aspire provides personal trainers and coaches with a powerful facilitator of client goal achievement and behaviour change. It encourages an innovative approach to coaching that considers the key elements of wellness delivered via digital technology.
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