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Recently I read an article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Getting Fit without Pain". In the article it explains that many people over the age of 50 are going to physical therapists to kick-start a safe fitness program. It continues to explain that the general personal trainer establishment is not prepared to train you properly based upon your special needs (i.e. injuries, ailments, symptoms, etc). You may be surprised to hear this, but I absolutely agree. Conversely, I can also argue that not all physical therapists or others in the medical establishment are prepared to develop long-term fitness and health solutions.
For now though, I will address the personal training paradigm. To begin, when you think of a personal trainer you may have visions in your head of someone wearing a bandana and camouflauge pants yelling at you (Biggest Loser comes to mind). On the other hand, you may see the trainer who is barely paying attention looking in the mirror or playing on a smart-phone. I have seen and heard of other types that would be considered less than professional.
Unlike many other professions, personal trainers are not licensed professionals. Considering the amount of chronic diseases and acute injuries that are currently present, this is very unfortunate. Weekly, I hear stories about trainers who hurt someone, don't show up to appointments on time, bring personal issues into the sessions, etc. Often times, many of the injuries that occur are during group settings (such as boot camps and group circuit training programs). Problem here is that this is not "personal" training, though it is advertised that way. What's really unfortunate is that there are trainers that thrive on hurting their clients and pushing them to the point they vomit.
However, I must point out that many professions, including the medical establishment were not licensed at one time. I also must point out that just because you're licensed does not make you a professional nor does it mean you're guaranteed to get the best of services. With that said, I have to mention that not all personal trainers or personal trainer organizations are the same. There is a dichotomy that exists.
In one camp, there are the trainers who are often under-educated and very inexperienced. Many health clubs hire trainers like this as their concern is not providing the best service, but improving the bottom line. There is usually a lack of guidance and employee training. As a result, there is high turn-over of trainers.
In the other camp, there are the personal trainers who are very knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, contraindications to exercise, program design, proper form and technique, et cetera. Usually, these are the trainers who are degreed in exercise physiology or have at least gone through a credible program such as the National Personal Training Institute (a 500 credit hour program). Moreover, their concentration in continual education is in holistic approaches verses dogmatic approaches such as body building or unvaried program design. These trainers do a great job of identifying risk factors (i.e. heart conditions, orthopedic conditions). This camp will also do the medical clearances and refer to medical professionals when appropriate.
It's because of the paradigm that I prefer to be referred to as a fitness coach instead of personal trainer. Unlike most personal trainer establishments, FT North Buckhead is not a whiz, bang, boom personal training establishment. We look at the entire individual to create a customized program based upon the current fitness level, habits, and lifestyle of the individual. From there, it's about taking a safe and steady progression to achieve long-term results versus quick fixes.
Fitness/Nutrition Coach
Whether you are looking to come to Fitness Together North Buckhead or not, Kelly will send you a FREE REPORT 6 Essential Qualifications That Makes A Personal Trainer A Professional. E-mail him atkellyhuggins@fitnesstogether.com for your free copy.
I agree with you about the problem with trainers. I often would see trainers (in a few gyms I've been to) play on the phone more than focus the attention on the client. It's as dangerous as it is inconsiderate. It gives us a bad reputation, and that just makes me angry.
ReplyDeleteI can think of quite a few gyms who will hire "trainers" who obtain their certification from places who specialize in "get em' in and get em' certified quickly". I see those people work with clients in a manner that is dangerous or simply using a "cookie-cutter routine". This is simply sorry. You cannot treat or formulate a plan that is the same for each person. Each client is an individual and has different needs/goals. It is our job to create a plan suited for each client. Those trainer's who get the overnight certification do not have the tools to do this.
I have clients ask me about rehab. When that question arises, I always ask what injury are they experiencing/recovering from and if they have a doctor's clearance. If it is out of my scope of practice then I'll advise them to seek out the help of a physical therapist and come to me when they are ready to progress to training. It's what is best for the client - it's about their health.
A good trainer is passionate about health, love the profession and continually educate themselves. I chose ACE to get my certification through and work on CECs to further expand my knowledge. I am enrolled in a nutrition school so I can serve my clients more fully. I love what I do and respect my field. It is not above me to refer someone to a different trainer if I feel that I am not the best person for their needs. I have turned down two gyms that wanted to hire me, but I didn't agree with their ethics or training programs. I chose this career because I love it and I want to help people. Helping people should always come first.
I have spoken with a few people who were injured by a "trainer" and it just saddens me that the experience they had with a fitness professional was a negative one. Our job is to provide a path to optimal fitness safely and effectively. Anyone looking for personal training should always check the credentials of a trainer and meet with them to see if they are the best fit.
Best advice I can offer - stay away from large, glitzy gyms and look to smaller specialized like Fitness Together Georgia or Iron Clutch Fitness. Make sure the facility and trainer is the best match for your goals. Ask questions and work wit a trainer at least once to make sure the experience is the suited for you.