Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work as a holistic coach? Can you build a career helping people improve their health without becoming a doctor, physical therapist, or personal trainer?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with holistic coach Fernando Alvarez May to explore a profession that combines strength training, corrective exercise, lifestyle coaching, and wellness into one unique career. Fernando explains how he helps clients improve their movement, reduce pain, sleep better, manage stress, and build healthier lives through personalized coaching.
We discuss how he transitioned from a background in kinesiology and athletics into owning his own coaching business, why mentorship has been more valuable than traditional education, and how he attracts clients primarily through referrals and local SEO instead of social media.
If you're considering a career in health and wellness, fitness, coaching, or entrepreneurship, this episode provides an honest look at the rewards and challenges of building a business centered around helping people feel their best.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What a holistic coach actually does
- How corrective exercise differs from traditional personal training
- The education and certifications that can help you get started
- Why continuing education and mentorship are so important
- How holistic coaches find and retain clients
- Whether you need a college degree to succeed
- Typical work schedules and flexibility
- What it's like running your own coaching business
- Salary expectations for holistic coaches
- The best and most challenging parts of the profession
Whether you're exploring a new career, thinking about starting your own coaching business, or simply curious about holistic health, Fernando shares practical advice and real world experiences that can help you decide if this career is right for you.
If you enjoy learning what it's really like to work in different professions, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with professionals from a wide variety of careers.
Guest: Fernando Alvarez May
=====
Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:26 - What does a holistic coach do?
1:23 - How to start a health coaching business
2:36 - The best way to get new clients
3:26 - The best form of advertising for a wellness business
4:19 - Client onboarding
6:36 - Client duration with the business
7:42 - Health coaching business, virtual vs. in person
8:25 - What kind of education is needed for a holistic health coach?
10:57 - Finding physical space for holistic health coach
12:08 - License, medical professionals, and accepting insurance
15:05 - Hidden perks for a wellness coach
15:54 - A typical schedule
16:42 - Learning the business
19:05 - Why this is the best job
20:50 - Why this is the worst job
22:31 - Liability insurance requirements
22:46 - What's after a holistic coach career?
24:09 - Skills for entering the coaching business
25:05 - How important is a college education for this field?
25:59 - Fernando Alvarex-May has the floor.
27:02 - Highlights from the episode
29:10 - Salary information
29:46 - Outro
=====
Guest Information:
Fernando Alvarez-May
Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
=====
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
Instagram: Time We Discuss on Instagram
Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads
