Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions I get asked most often.
Don’t see your question here? Please get in touch and I’ll get back to you asap.
Is Walking Coach® about fitness training?
The main aim of Walking Coach® is to support you in bringing about change in your work or life; to help you arrive at creative solutions and to support you in sustaining your achievements. Developing a regular walking practice and working with the mind-body relationship may result in you improving your walking technique along with your physical well-being or fitness. However this will be something that underpins, rather than drives our work together.
What level of fitness do I need?
As a rule, as long as you are able-bodied and can walk, this is all the fitness you will need to work one-on-one with a walking coach. For partners or group sessions, we will always adopt the pace of the slowest walker – without any pressure or shaming, of course. Our offerings do vary in terms of challenge and terrain, but don’t worry, as we will always advise on this up front so you can make an informed choice about your participation.
Where do we walk?
The world is our oyster to be honest. So if you have a location in mind, please say. We will always aim to accommodate individual requests. In general, our walking coaching takes place in Fife, Angus and Tayside and most frequently, on the Fife Coastal Path and Lomond Regional Park. Special programs and multi-day walks may take us further afield. See this year’s events.
I don’t have a coaching requirement. Can we just walk and talk?
Our programmes and sessions have a developmental focus which are very different to simply ‘walking and talking’. We completely support those organisations who offer walking outings on a more social basis. They are a great way to get fit, connect with other people and share your adventures. And they might complement your coaching work too. If this is more your thing, we suggest the Ramblers or Meetup as a starting point.
What do we do if it rains?
Part of the beauty of working with the outdoors is that no two days are ever the same and the walking conditions can be quite unpredictable - a bit like life! We encourage you to ‘make friends’ with the weather, and to see it as part of your coaching. Normally we do have access to shelter if needed. On the rare occasion that the conditions present too much of a hazard either to the coaching or to personal safety, then we will re-schedule.
What about safety considerations?
While walking is one of the safest outdoor activities, nevertheless it does carry some risks. We take client safety very seriously - both physical and psychological. All our coaches or leaders possess appropriate outdoor qualifications to work in the terrains we use, and are certified to perform Outdoor First Aid. Before commencing your Walking Coach® programme, you will also receive advice concerning safety which your coach will discuss with you. If you have any concerns, please do ask us. You are always at choice - but please let it be an informed one :-)
What do you charge?
As all of our programmes are unique and bespoke, each programme will cost a different amount so probably not surprisingly, there is no Walking Coach® rate card. We are happy to provide indicative costs when you phone/email us to enquire, based on an initial scoping conversation.
If you are a private individual or small business owner-entrepreneur, Walking Coach® recognises that by making our rates as competitive as possible, while also reflecting the quality of coaching on offer. Our corporate fees are in line with most other executive, leadership and team coaching businesses.
We also acknowledge that sometimes, people need the most help at times when their financial situation is under extreme pressure. We have a fund set aside to help in these exceptional situations. Please ask if this applies you.