Obesity is a growing concern among children and adults despite the informational resources available on how to get fit and stay fit. To combat this, the fitness industry’s latest trend in personal training is “wellness coaching” according to Jacqueline Stenson, a contributing writer for MSNBC. Why? Personal Trainers are discovering that their clients, seeking support to become physically fit, don’t achieve their desired results by just being told “eat healthy foods” and “be sure to exercise daily.” Wellness coaches are taking aim at their clients’ lifestyle issues: from smoking to food choices, to job factors that induce stress, to time management and even to personal relationships. By focusing their efforts on all areas that impact on their clients’ overall health, wellness coaches hope to increase their clients’ success in achieving true wellness.

Tackling the obstacles to fitness from a broader wellness approach is an excellent idea because each individual has unique needs and demands that may be limiting their success. One adult may have career demands while another may have family responsibilities. One child may not be athletically inclined, while another may be preoccupied with electronic companionship, such as computer or video games. There are many forces that can challenge an individual’s ability to lead a healthy life-style and each needs to be addressed and overcome to achieve overall wellness.

This wellness approach is already employed and enjoyed by millions of martial arts practitioners. Martial arts has long been regarded as a complete workout for the “Mind, Body and Soul.” Most importantly, what sets the martial arts apart, and makes it more effective than a wellness coaching system, is that it provides each individual with the tools that are needed for long term success. A coach isn’t always going to be there for support. The martial arts prepares its students to rely on their own will through personal discipline and self confidence. These are key benefits of martial arts training. In a way, martial arts prepares you to be your own coach.

And while your actual training also provides you with exercise which helps to reduce stress, burn calories, build endurance, and strengthen muscles, your instructor can direct your martial arts training towards your specific needs. What are your goals? While all students share in the goal to achieve a black belt, instructors understand that you will also have other goals specific to you. Communicate with your instructor, let him or her know what your needs are. Then do your part, train hard and attend class consistently to discover the powerful results of martial arts training