Some thoughts and discussions from me.
I’m an ACE Certified Health Coach!
For the past 6 months, there’s been an ever-present beast of a textbook following me around my house. I’ve spent hours with it at the couch, at the kitchen table, and even in bed!
I’ve been studying for the ACE Health Coach exam, and – especially the last 30 days – studying has taken up most of my spare time. It’s a new(ish) certification for ACE, and I’d heard it was one of the toughest ACE exams, so I took my studying pretty seriously.
Well, on this past Friday, the day had come to test my knowledge and skills, and around 1:30 in the afternoon, I’d found out that I’d passed!
I’m officially an ACE Certified Health Coach, which is the only health coach certification accredited by the NCCA!
What does this mean?
How is a health coach different from a certified personal trainer? Becoming a health coach basically helps me to lead my clients more effectively. A health coach certification provides advanced knowledge and tools to help even more now, those who are struggling with their weight. They help people who struggle with obstacles that keep them from eating better and making their health a priority. Advanced skills include:
- behavior change
- physical activity/exercise
- nutrition coaching
I admittedly over-studied for the exam, but I’m a nervous test-taker, and the textbook for the exam was even thicker than the text for the personal trainer exam. I’ll write a post solely on my exam prep and more about the exam itself soon.
Naturally, as soon as I got home, I called up my friends to celebrate. All of our neighborhood friends came over and we drank mimosas, nibbled on some appetizers, and took a load off to kick off the weekend. I then proceeded to fill the weekend with as may activities as possible that did not include studying 
Like Saturday morning backyard TRX workouts (with another neighbor friend!) followed by the most delicious bagel sandwich in bagel sandwich history.
Once a week, Shane and I get the 4 Corners bagel from the shop down the street, which includes southwestern cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, bacon, and egg. Yeah, I know.
And then a farmer’s market and Pearl Street stroll with this gal, sharing an afternoon beer at a neighborhood tap room with Shane and my friend Katie, and then evening walks followed by a froyo double date,
Mine’s the pink spoon Shane’s is the monstrous one to its left (lol) We’ve lived by a Menchie’s ever since we moved to Colorado, and this is the first time I’ve ever tried it. Menchie’s is really, really good you guys!
– and then Sunday morning walks with friends,
followed by Costco trips and pool time.
(not all mine ) And then finally around mid-afternoon on Sunday I was beat, so I parked it on the couch the rest of the afternoon – and didn’t study
Ready for the week ahead! Full of online training, a new in-person client, and TRX schtuff. Happy Monday!
How did you fill your weekend?
CONGRATS!! you are amazing friend… I too have a book that I’m lurking lately.. 😉
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Dealing with Burnout
Thanks, Brittany!! Excited for you, too 🙂
Congrats! That is so exciting! Bigger than the ACE personal trainer text?!? I’m impressed. 🙂
My weekend included my bridal shower and my sister’s birthday. Fun stuff!
Amy recently posted…The Best Time of Day to Exercise
I’m SO proud of you, Paige! You’ll make a perfect health coach…seriously!
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List recently posted…practically a star
Thank you so much, Lindsay! xo
Congrats on passing Paige, that’s awesome!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Weekend Recap: Sushi and BBQ.
That’s so exciting! Congrats.
Fuona @ Get Fit Fiona recently posted…Hiding in the Corner of Yoga Class
Congrats on passing your test!!!
Caroline @ Fighting For Wellness recently posted…5k Foam Fest Recap {includes a discount code}
Congrats! So exciting:) I remember feeling a huge weight lifted once my NASM PT exam was over. I can relate to doing anything but studying once it was over:) Enjoy your week!
Thanks, Carol! Yes – a Hayuge weight lifted!
Ahh congratulations, Paige!!! You must be so relieved and excited!
That bagel sandwich looks so epic. Glad you had a wonderful weekend!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…I’m Okay With That
Thank you, Alison! Yes, I am definitely both of those 😉
Congratulations! A bagel and fro-yo in the same day sounds like the perfect way to celebrate!
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…Feeling better already
Wahooooo! You’re awesome, Paige! Congrats! This sounds like the perfect fit for you.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Sharing My Story
Congratulations! Way to go coach!!
I hardly ever have bagels, but I bought some for my co-workers today and had half! So glorious!
Julie recently posted…MIMM: Shape’s Summer Shape Up
Congratulations! I think this will be a great addition to your bag of skills! After the summer is over and I get back to a regular schedule, I may want to chat with you, if you’re going to be doing this online as well!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…I Am NOT A Healthy Living Blogger
That is ridiculously fantastic news! Great job!! I know how much I studied for the group fitness certification and how large that textbook was. I can’t imagine this one 🙂
Heather @fitncookies recently posted…Firecracker Workout
Congrats on getting your health coach certification!! 🙂
Polly @ Tasty Food Project recently posted…Maui Recap: Pictures Galore!
Congratulations girl!!! I was thinking of you when I still had my test to take, you were my motivation to get a good post-exam selfie. 😉
Heather @ FITaspire recently posted…The 2nd #MoveHappy Challenge: Week 1
Ha! And that you did 😉 Proud of you, girl!
yayyyy! congrats! this is so awesome for you. you are so knowledgeable and will help so many. also, i have been craving a bagel for weeks. i need to make that happen!
janetha recently posted…sunday night stuff.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to
Do you have to have prior certifications from ACE to do the Health Coach Certification? I really want to do it but am not sure about the procedures and am not a personal trainer or anything. Thanks!
Jen @ Bagels to Broccoli recently posted…Like A Girl…
Yes, I believe you need to be a certified personal trainer or equivalent (cscs, etc.)
First off, great website! I found you by hitting up google for “ACE Health Coach Exam”. I’m taking my exam on Saturday and was looking for some last minute tips. 🙂 Congrats on passing the test. I became a personal trainer through ACE last October and hopefully will officially be a health coach this Saturday! I did a bit of looking around on your site and I really like the layout. I’m kind of going through something similar with the move across country. Currently in Milwaukee, leaving a teaching career and pursuing a career in health fitness down in Austin, TX! A bit scary but I’m excited as well. Anyway, just thought I’d leave you a note.
Hi Paige! I’m thinking of becoming a PT/Health Coach through ACE as well and stumbled across your site. Congrats on passing! Would you say the Health Coach exam is harder than the PT exam?
Jayni @ Fit and Lively Mom recently posted…Exercising With Kids: Walking
I’m taking the exam at the end of October and would love some specific study advice if you or anyone remembers anything good to know about the exam! I got my CPT through ACSM which was pretty tough so I’m digging in but wondered how technical it is…like memorizing all the vitamins is overwhelming! Also would love to hear how you’ve implemented your new certification into your current business! Thanks!
Congrats! I am studying for this exam now too and it’s bringing up all the stress and anxiety I had for my CPT exam! Eek! Any words of advice on prepping?
🙂
Erin recently posted…Yoga and Autumn Soup Do a Soul Good