Divorce Guide: 10 Essential Questions to Ask a Fitness Instructor or Movement Coach While Navigating Your Divorce
Divorce is not just an emotional transition—it’s a physical one, too. Stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval can take a toll on your body, affecting your sleep, energy levels, and overall health. A fitness instructor or movement coach can be a powerful ally during this time, helping you rebuild strength, boost confidence, and release stress through physical activity. But finding the right fit is crucial. Here are 10 essential questions to ask a potential fitness instructor or movement coach while navigating your divorce to ensure they align with your needs and goals.
Rebuild your strength after divorce: 10 questions to ask your coach
1. What is your experience working with clients navigating life transitions like divorce?
Divorce can come with heightened emotional stress and sometimes physical health changes. A fitness coach who understands the complexities of life transitions can design a workout plan that not only focuses on physical strength but also emotional well-being.
Follow-up questions:
How many clients have you trained who were going through major life changes?
Do you incorporate stress relief and mindfulness into your programs?
Are you familiar with gentle re-entry for people who haven’t exercised in a while?
2. What type of fitness programs do you offer? (Strength, cardio, yoga, etc.)
Everyone’s fitness needs are different. Some may need strength training to feel empowered, while others might benefit from yoga or Pilates for mindfulness and relaxation. Understanding their offerings helps you choose the right kind of support.
Follow-up questions:
Do you offer customized workout plans?
Are there options for low-impact workouts if I’m recovering from stress or injury?
Can you help with both weight training and mindfulness-based movement?
3. Do you offer one-on-one sessions, group classes, or both?
The setting of your fitness routine matters. Some people thrive in group environments, while others prefer the privacy and focused attention of one-on-one coaching.
Follow-up questions:
Are private sessions available if I’m not comfortable in a group setting?
Do you offer virtual classes if I’m unable to travel?
Can you provide hybrid options, mixing group classes and personal training?
4. How do you help clients set and achieve fitness goals?
During a divorce, goal-setting can feel overwhelming. A fitness instructor with structured plans and realistic milestones can make your fitness journey empowering rather than intimidating.
Follow-up questions:
Do you create customized fitness plans based on individual goals?
How do you measure progress?
Do you offer support for setting realistic expectations during challenging times?
5. How do you handle emotional days when motivation is low?
Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster, and there will be days when getting out of bed—let alone working out—feels impossible. A compassionate coach knows how to motivate without judgment.
Follow-up questions:
How do you help clients stay consistent when they’re emotionally drained?
Do you adjust workouts based on energy levels and mood?
Can you provide mental health check-ins during sessions?
6. Are you experienced with trauma-informed fitness or movement therapy?
Divorce can sometimes be accompanied by emotional trauma. A coach experienced in trauma-informed movement is sensitive to triggers and ensures that physical activity is safe and supportive.
Follow-up questions:
Are you trained in trauma-sensitive fitness approaches?
Do you understand how to work with clients who may have anxiety or PTSD?
How do you create a safe and welcoming environment during sessions?
7. Are your sessions in-person, virtual, or both?
Flexibility matters during a divorce transition, especially if you are moving, handling childcare, or adjusting to a new routine. A coach who offers both virtual and in-person options can keep you consistent.
Follow-up questions:
Do you offer virtual training sessions?
Are there flexible scheduling options like evenings or weekends?
Can you accommodate travel or relocation by switching to virtual sessions?
8. What are your fees, and how are they structured?
Understanding the cost upfront helps you budget during a potentially financially sensitive time. Some coaches charge hourly, while others offer packages.
Follow-up questions:
Do you charge per session or offer package deals?
Are there discounts for long-term commitments or multiple sessions per week?
What is your cancellation policy?
9. Do you provide nutritional guidance or partner with a nutritionist?
Exercise is only part of the wellness equation—nutrition plays a huge role in emotional and physical health. A coach who offers nutritional guidance can help you fuel your body for strength and recovery.
Follow-up questions:
Do you provide meal planning or nutrition tips?
Are you partnered with nutritionists for holistic support?
Can you help with stress-related eating habits?
10. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
Hearing about other clients’ experiences, especially those who were navigating major life changes, can give you confidence in your decision. Testimonials can also offer insight into the coach's style and effectiveness.
Follow-up questions:
Can you share testimonials from clients who were going through divorce?
Do you have before-and-after stories that showcase progress?
Are there clients I can speak with directly for feedback?
It’s important to remember that…
Divorce is a transformative journey, and taking care of your body is a vital part of healing. The right fitness instructor or movement coach helps you rebuild physical strength, reduce emotional stress, and find confidence as you step into your new chapter. By asking these ten essential questions, you can find a coach who not only understands fitness but also the emotional weight of starting over.