NASM CWC key terms

A communication technique in which the coach gives full attention, notices verbal and nonverbal cues, and paraphrases what was said to confirm understanding and show genuine interest.

A collaborative, client-centered counseling style that helps people resolve mixed feelings about change by drawing out and strengthening the person's own reasons and confidence for changing.

Questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, inviting the client to explain, elaborate, or reflect; they produce richer information and encourage the client to do most of the talking.

Statements that genuinely recognize a client's strengths, efforts, or past successes. Used well, they build confidence and reinforce change without sounding like empty praise or judgment.

Restating or paraphrasing the content or feeling of what a client has said so the client feels heard and can clarify, correct, or explore the topic further.

Client statements that favor moving toward a behavior change, such as reasons, need, ability, or commitment. Coaches deliberately evoke and reinforce it because it predicts actual change.

Client statements that favor staying the same or argue against changing. It is a normal part of mixed feelings and is acknowledged and explored rather than argued against.

Holding two conflicting feelings or thoughts about a behavior at once, such as wanting to be healthier while also wanting to avoid effort. It is a normal, expected part of behavior change.

A person's belief in their own ability to carry out a specific behavior or task successfully. Stronger self-efficacy predicts greater persistence when obstacles appear.

A model describing readiness to change in stages-precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance-with coaching strategies matched to the client's current stage.

A technique for weighing the pros and cons of changing a behavior against the pros and cons of staying the same, helping clients resolve mixed feelings and decide.

The ability to understand a client's perspective and feelings and to communicate that understanding without judgment; it is a core ingredient of an effective coaching relationship.

An approach that respects the client's right to make their own choices, offering information and options rather than pressure or commands, which supports motivation that comes from within.

Goals written to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This format makes goals clearer, easier to track, and more likely to guide action.

Planning ahead for lapses by identifying high-risk situations, rehearsing coping responses, and agreeing how the client will return to the plan without giving up.

A structured process of gathering information about a client's health, behaviors, environment, and goals to establish a starting point and guide the coaching plan.

A form completed before coaching begins that collects medical conditions, medications, symptoms, injuries, and lifestyle habits to identify risks and any need for referral.

A brief screening questionnaire with yes/no items about symptoms and medical conditions that helps decide whether someone should check with a physician before becoming more physically active.

Measurements and information collected at the start of a program, such as activity level, body measurements, or eating habits, used to set goals and compare later progress.

Selecting and sequencing goals, activities, and strategies that fit a client's assessment results, preferences, and readiness, with planned progression and review points.

Regularly checking agreed measures and client feedback to see whether the plan is working, then adjusting the plan when results or circumstances change.

A brief preliminary check for conditions or risk factors that may call for medical clearance or referral before or during a wellness program.

Nutrients needed in large amounts that supply energy-carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Their balance influences calorie intake, fullness, and normal body function.

The relationship between calories taken in from food and calories burned through metabolism and activity; a surplus promotes weight gain and a deficit promotes weight loss.

Federal recommendations advising adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days each week.

Exercise in which muscles work against an external force such as weights, bands, or body weight, improving strength, muscular endurance, and bone health; adults are advised to do it twice weekly.

A framework for building an exercise plan by deciding Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type of activity; it helps coaches progress a program safely and systematically.

Time spent sitting or lying awake with very low energy use, such as desk work or screen time. Long sedentary periods carry health risks even for people who exercise.

Habits and conditions that support consistent, restful sleep, such as a regular schedule, a dark cool room, and limiting screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed.

Techniques and habits used to reduce or cope with stress, including breathing exercises, time management, physical activity, and social support.

Paying attention to hunger, fullness, and the sensory experience of eating without judgment, which can support better food choices and more comfortable portion sizes.

Maintaining enough body water by drinking fluids throughout the day, with extra attention around physical activity and in hot weather.

The limits of what a professional may legally and ethically do based on training, certification, and law. Wellness coaches do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.

A client's voluntary agreement to take part in coaching after understanding its purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to stop at any time.

The ethical duty to keep client information private, sharing it only with authorized people or when the law requires it, such as when someone is in imminent danger.

Directing a client to a qualified professional, such as a physician, registered dietitian, or mental health provider, when the client's needs fall outside the coach's scope or expertise.

Clear limits on the coach-client relationship that protect both people, such as avoiding romantic involvement, business conflicts, and inappropriate personal disclosure.

A formal set of principles from a certifying body that guides professional conduct, covering honesty, respect, confidentiality, and staying within the limits of the role.