Coaching World Issue 19: Science of Coaching | Page 18

well-being approach and interlinks
mental and physical factors. The list
below provides a mere snapshot:
• Improves cognitive performance.
• Supports working memory,
reasoning and learning.
• Increases productivity and
energy levels.
• Raises self-confidence and
happiness.
• Alleviates anxiety.
• Reduces stress and depression.
• Keeps brain cells healthy and
encourages neurogenesis.
• Increases levels of usable
brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF).
• Aligns our circadian rhythm and
reboots our body clock.
• Increases Vitamin D absorption.
• Helps regulate appetite.
• Enriches cardiovascular and
immune system.
• Decreases risk for heart
disease, Alzheimer’s disease,
stroke and diabetes.
• Strengthens muscles and bones.
• Improves strength and balance.
• Improves blood flow to provide
oxygen, glucose and metabolic
products to the cells.
• Improves blood flow to remove
toxic electrons from the cells.

Walking Through a
Coaching Session
Walking and talking in the great
outdoors can be leveraged in a
variety of different ways to enhance
a coaching session or engagement:
• Offer clients the opportunity to
experience a single walking and
talking session to enhance your
usual coaching arrangement
and structure.
• Design dedicated walking and
talking sessions and vary the
duration (half-day, full-day or
multi-day), location, distance
and approach.
• Use the outdoor environment
for coaching-based exercises
during or in-between coaching
sessions (e.g., personal reflection,
mindful walking/sitting, breathing
exercises, deconstructing
metaphors drawn from nature,
deepening relationships
through conversation).
• Conduct virtual coaching
sessions from your “green office”
outdoors through Skype, Zoom
or another online platform.

Experiment. If walking and talking is
a completely new coaching idea, test
the concept in advance with your
peers or willing clients. Select an
accessible local park or open space
to test, then adjust and learn from
the experience.
Client comfort. Not everyone
enjoys spending time outside! Cocreate the entire outdoor element
with your client and reference this
within the coaching agreement.
Inclement weather plan.
Some clients are content to don
waterproof jackets and boots and
huddle under an umbrella; however,
some might prefer a drier, more
comfortable option.
Location, location, location.
Think about the venue and route
in relation to terrain, distance,
accessibility, fitness levels,
confidentiality and medical issues.

Things to Consider

Health and safety at work. Make
sure first aid, public liability and
professional insurance are covered.
Consider your personal safety as
well, especially when meeting a new
client for the first time.

The great outdoors is an amazing
environment to support and deepen
the overall coaching experience. The
following considerations should be
taken in advance to maintain highquality coaching services:

Client medical disclosure.
Clarify any medical conditions
relevant to walking outdoors that
might not usually arise during the
coaching partnership.

“ I ’ V E A LW A Y S B E E N A T M Y M O S T R E F L E C T I V E W H I L E O U T F O R

18

Coaching World

A W A L K . B E I N G I N T H E F R E S H A I R W H I L E G E N T LY E X E R C I S I N G
THE BODY IS A GOOD TIME FOR THINKING THROUGH
W H AT E V E R I S P L AY I N G O N T H E M I N D. ”
—PETE, ENGINEER