IAHC Study Guide 2026

Reflective listening is a core motivational interviewing skill where the coach mirrors and paraphrases to demonstrate understanding and help clients hear themselves more clearly.

IAHC ethical standards include coach self-care as a professional responsibility; impaired coaches cannot serve clients effectively and must address their own wellbeing proactively.

The guidelines recommend that adults include muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups on 2 or more days per week, in addition to aerobic activity.

Scope of practice defines the specific activities, services, and roles that a health coach is trained and ethically permitted to perform, distinguishing coaching from clinical practice.

Health coaches help clients set effective wellness goals by guiding them to create SMART goals. This acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By using the SMART framework, clients can develop clear, actionable, and realistic goals that increase their motivation and likelihood of success, providing a structured path toward their desired health outcomes.

While general health coaching might touch upon diet and exercise, specialized weight management coaching delves much deeper. It involves thorough individual assessments to understand a client's unique metabolism, lifestyle, preferences, and health conditions. Based on this, coaches provide tailored, evidence-based dietary plans and exercise routines, often working alongside other professionals like registered dietitians, to achieve sustainable weight loss and health improvements.