by AAPTE | Jul 27, 2018 | Personal Training
At AAPTE, we believe structure determines function and condition of structure determines opportunity. “Training movement” is a piece of the exercise equation. Our partner at The Cofactor, wrote a clear and concise article that addresses why training movement patterns without a functional understanding of what is moving, is a concern.
by The Cofactor
Movement is the new buzz word sweeping across the fitness industry, with fans, believers, and devoted followers.
Not a day goes by without an Instagram post, a blog or YouTube video saying “it is about movement” and “train movements” etc.
In my attempt to lookup movement patterns, I found some references saying it is 5 patterns, others referred to 6 patterns and finally references to7 patterns.
Based on those movement patterns, movement screens were also developed and regularly conducted on clients and athletes, outcomes are then used to determine patterns needing work or improvement, so trainers can focus on them, at least in theory.
Based on movement patterns we are expected to squat in a specific form, push in a specific form, deadlift in a specific form etc. This line of thinking, of course, makes life easy for us trainers as all we have to do is look for a few reference points and judge if the move matches a pattern dictated to us.
It is no wonder in the age of prepackaged everything, trainers jump all over the idea, we really do not need to think, we just need to follow “protocols” or some pre-determined motions while sounding intelligent! rather than analyzing and getting down to the bottom of issues. The later is hard work and dedication.
Yes, I am going to rush into a conclusion and already tell you that I am not a big fan of the idea of movement patterns, and for the rest of this blog, I am going to explain why.
Read the full post here…
by AAPTE | Feb 9, 2017 | Personal Training
For a fitness professional, understanding the field is important to your success in the rapidly growing industry. The American fitness industry commands a whole 5 billion dollars in paid gym subscriptions. Furthermore, there is an opportunity for more subscriptions to fitness centers. According to CDC, 70% of persons aged over 20 years are overweight whereas 35% have been diagnosed with obesity in the United States. Besides, there has been increased awareness about fitness and healthy living habits.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness and recreational sports centers employed 533,200 people in 2014, and jobs are expected to grow 8% by 2024. Fitness trainers and instructors held about 279,100 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most fitness trainers and instructors were as follows:
- Fitness and recreational sports centers – 58%
- Civic and social organizations – 12%
- Educational services; state, local, and private – 5%
- Government – 4%
- Healthcare and social assistance – 4%
As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors. For example, some organizations may open their own exercise facilities onsite to promote employee wellness.
Other employment growth will come from the continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles for people of all ages. In particular, the baby-boom generation should continue to remain active to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with aging.
Employment trends
If you’ve trained as a fitness professional, employments opportunities are available. Today, there are vast work opportunities in recreation centers, fitness facilities, work studios, and other commercial enterprises. As long as you are well trained and acquainted with the emerging trends in the industry, finding a good paying job will be easy.
Wages per state
Secondly, the fitness professional needs to know about the wages in different states. This will enable him/her to choose where to establish their businesses and the rates to charge. For instance, based on BLS, California employed 27540 fitness instructors and trainers by 2015 and paid them an average of $23.82 per hour compared to New York employment of 15970 individuals at an hourly wage of $ 28.76.
Having a good understanding of the industry is core to the success of any fitness instructor. For more salary and income statistics visit the Department of Labor Statistics.
by AAPTE | Jan 19, 2017 | Personal Training
Working as a personal trainer can be a highly fulfilling job, as you work to help people develop the bodies and lifestyles they want, motivate them to achieve their goals and celebrate as they make progress. However, like any job, there are a few mistakes that you can be making as you work that can be decreasing your effectiveness as a great trainer. Here are 5 blunders to avoid:
- Skipping a fitness assessment for new clients – In order to familiarize yourself with the needs, strengths and weaknesses of a new client, it’s important to do a proper initial assessment. This can be a time to identify any health concerns as well as goals.
- Recommending generic routines – Each client is unique and has different needs and ways of approaching exercise. While you may have preferences for certain workout routines, exercise is not one size fits all. When you start working with a new client, it’s important to design a custom workout program that suits not only what they are trying to achieve, but embraces their exercise habits, such as a preference for variety, or a love of cardio, in order to encourage them to keep at their workouts.
- Not continuing to learn – No matter what career you are in, constantly continuing to educate yourself in your field is key to becoming even better at what you do. Whether it’s taking a class on new methods or new studies, specializing in one area, taking a new certification or taking a class in a field that compliments training, learning is one way to make sure that you stay competitive in your field.
- Lacking communication with your clients – Part of what makes a great trainer is the ability to effectively communicate with your client. This is how you will give them your expertise and knowledge, and ensure that they are performing exercises safely and correctly. Take the time to explain why proper form is important and what each exercise does for the client.
- Not specializing yourself – By specializing in one area of training or one type of client, not only will you set yourself apart from the crowd, but this allows you to focus and become the best at one facet of training, whether that is training sports professionals, working with the elderly or helping individuals new to exercising ease safely into fitness.
by AAPTE | Jan 17, 2017 | Personal Training
Personal training is a highly competitive field with many very knowledgeable and skilled professionals competing for clients. The good news is that the aging baby boomers have a greater interest in personal training than past generations and there has been a growing need for personal trainers. To stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to learn motivational strategies, specialize in a specific type of client, open up multiple revenue streams and remain committed to your education.
Motivate Your Clients
Though you will need to understand the most-effective exercise techniques, the role of a personal trainer is more than simply a dispenser of knowledge. Your primary role is to motivate your clients to continue exercising. This requires that you build a relationship with your clients. Since you will be working with a broad range of people, you are better off if you are the type of person who enjoys social interaction. Besides fitness, you may find yourself often find yourself providing emotional support as well when your clients become frustrated.
Specialize
Determine the type of client you would like to work with. Then, you can specialize in the exercise techniques that are the most likely to help that type of client. You may choose to specialize in clients that are struggling with obesity or you could help athletes. Regardless, the methods you use will need to be tailored to your types of clients.
Find Multiple Sources of Income
It is risky to rely on only personal clients as your source of income. If one of your clients decides to drop you, this can lead to a loss of a few hundred dollars a week. The best way to avoid this risk is to generate income from several sources. Consider starting a weekly class and consider holding boot camp events.
Never Stop Learning
Just like with doctors and lawyers, you will need to remain committed to your education. Regularly read reputable sources on physical training so that you are knowledgeable on which techniques produce which results. Not only will you provide a better service to your client, but if your client discovers that you are uninformed about a particular topic, he or she is more likely to find a different trainer. Getting your personal training program off the ground may seem difficult at first, but it can be a profitable career if you remain dedicated.
by AAPTE | Jan 12, 2017 | Personal Training
In light of the recent start of a new season of “The Biggest Loser” and an article on TMZ.com, I found it hard not to take a position and stand up for the profession that my colleagues and I work relentlessly to bring credibility and ethical practices to.
From TMZ; Old Trainer Gets the Boot Replaced By Uncertified Coach
“The morbidly obese contestants on “The Biggest Loser” — some of whom are close to death — will be pushed to the limit by a new trainer who is NOT certified in California … TMZ has learned. We’ve learned Sandy Krum — who’s been on the show since 2007 — got the boot before Season 15 began taping this summer. He’s been replaced by a young gun named Ryan Applegate. Sources connected with the “Biggest Loser” tell us past contestants and several staff members on the show are extremely upset that Applegate hasn’t passed the stringent certification test — a test that is not required by law but one that many trainers take because it cements their qualifications. Quick reminder, these aren’t your average Joes who are just a tad out of shape … they’re morbidly overweight people — some of whom tip the scales at more than 500 lbs — many of whom have extremely high blood pressure and suffer from diabetes. A rep for the show’s production company tells us, “The health and safety of our contestants is our #1 priority and the show is confident that the team of professionals they have hired to work with the contestants are qualified to do so.”[1]
“Cements their qualifications?” What really qualifies a “fitness professional?” Is it just about getting people results at any cost? What about considering current health, structural and physical abilities, biomechanics, exercise selection and progression of intensity and frequency? Is it fair that the personal training profession on a whole is represented in a way that is anything less than ethical and professional? Throughout the country you would be hard pressed to enter a credible fitness facility and find a fitness professional yelling at a client and pushing one to a point of vomiting. It lends itself to challenge the ethics and credibility of a trainer not a stringent certification exam. A certification exam assesses knowledge, not if the certified professional will use that knowledge.
“The Biggest Loser” has created an awareness of the obesity epidemic and the associated challenges people face both physiologically and psychologically. The message the show sends is that weight loss is possible through behavior modifications and that there are positive implications for health and fitness. What it hasn’t done, is made a fair representation of the personal training profession. However, the methods and strategies’ used clearly dangerous and implausible.
For many of my colleagues on the education and certification side of the fitness industry, along with countless certified professionals in the fitness industry, there is a strong concern as to how the profession of personal training is misrepresented in the world of “reality” shows. It is an understatement to say that it is inappropriate, unethical, and a blatant misrepresentation of the knowledge, skills and ethics a qualified, credible fitness professional must have.
As TMZ reported “Applegate hasn’t passed the stringent certification test…” This is misleading in a way that it makes it seem that those who have passed the “stringent test” are using the safest and common practices of the profession. As mentioned earlier vomiting, passing out, and being yelled at are not what would be considered safe and common practice.
Acquiring a certification is achieved by the successful completion of an assessment with a minimum acceptable score. Certification defines competency and is intended to help industry professionals demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and ethical practice.
As far back as 2005 a recommendation by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) [2] was made to all its members: “Whereas, given the increasing importance of personal training in health, fitness and sports clubs, IHRSA recommends that, beginning January 1, 2006, member clubs hire personal trainers holding at least one current certification from a certifying organization/agency that has begun third-party accreditation of its certification procedures and protocols from an independent, experienced, and nationally recognized accrediting body.”
“IHRSA has identified the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of NOCA, as being an acceptable accrediting organization.”
A fitness professional is one who utilizes safe and common practices, relies on scientific principles, theories, and concepts that are associated with the human body including and not limited to: Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Mechanics, Kinesiology, Health Screening and Assessment, Nutrition, and has a basic understanding of orthopedics, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology and psychology.
A credible fitness professional will consider the short and long-term affects an exercise may have on a client. Through exercise many goals may be achieved including performance enhancement, body building, weight loss, general conditioning, emotional well-being, vanity, rehabilitation, and structural integrity training.
Certification is intended to help industry professionals demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and ethic. Certification exams are designed to assess knowledge. The fitness professionals’ responsibility is to utilize that knowledge.
“The personal-training industry is quickly becoming part of the healthcare mainstream” [3] Many health and fitness organizations, as well as, consumers of personal training services are relying on accredited certification organizations to properly prepare fitness professionals to provide safe, effective, and efficient client centered exercise.
What to look for:
Nationally Accredited Certification – Current CRP-AED Certification – College degree in a related field –
Continued education and professional development
What to ask:
Is your certification accredited? – How did you prepare for your certification exam? – What are the safe and common practices you use as a trainer?
References
[1] www.tmz.com/2013/08/18/biggest-loser-trainer-uncertified-sandy-krum-fired/
[2] www.ihrsa.org/home/2010/1/14/accreditation-announcement-to-ihrsa-members.html
[3] Back to School! A growing number of universities are developing personal training curriculums Tom Richards, IHRSA 09/06
by AAPTE | Jan 9, 2017 | Personal Training
According to a survey conducted by the National Board of Fitness Examiners, the best way to protect the integrity of personal training is through an official governing body. The survey asked 2720 personal trainers their thoughts on testing, licensures, and credentials. Results of the survey showed a strong desire from fitness professionals to keep standards uniform throughout the country and maintain a level of excellence in the field.
The majority of personal trainers surveyed believe they should be able to sit for a national exam, as opposed to passing exams in 50 different states. This would create consistent qualifications from state to state and require personal trainers to have the same skill set and knowledge, regardless of location. It would also make it easy for personal trainers to obtain a new license, should they move to a different state.
The survey shows a desire from those in the industry to maintain integrity through state licensure and national qualifications. There are several ways in which national credentialing would have a positive effect on the personal fitness training industry.
Eliminates Unqualified Trainers from the Industry
One of the main ways licensing helps the industry is to eliminate unqualified practitioners. Many survey respondents indicated they have come into contact with people they believed were not qualified to be working with clients. They believe licensing would weed these incompetent trainers out of the field, thus improving the overall reputation of personal training.
Improves Relationships with Other Heath Professionals
With this improved reputation comes a better relationship with other heath professionals. Approximately 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that licensing of personal trainers is likely to increase the perception of professionalism in the public’s eye. Practically the same amount felt it would increase referrals from healthcare professionals. Patients are also more likely to follow through on visits to personal trainers when referred by doctors and other health professionals.
This not only further establishes a solid reputation in health care, it increases the potential client pool and ultimately increases earnings for personal trainers. It should be noted, the majority of respondents do not think credentialing is likely to increase rates among personal trainers, but salaries will rise based on an increase in clients.
Increases Likelihood of Insurance Coverage for Fitness Training
This improved standing in the health care industry is also likely to increase the likelihood of insurance reimbursement for personal fitness training sessions. More than 60% of respondents believe licensure would increase insurance coverage for clients.
Moves the Industry Forward
Overall, most personal fitness trainers believe improved credentialing and licensure is likely to move the industry forward and establish greater credibility. Nearly 63% of survey respondents would like to be denoted as “licensed personal trainers,” if given the opportunity. Establishing minimum requirements to achieve the title of licensed professional, and knowing you and your peers have met these requirements boosts confidence and morale in an industry. Most survey respondents said they preferred a national exam over a state option and the majority of respondents favoring the state option indicated they would prefer national oversight of the exam material.
The survey shows a strong desire among personal fitness trainers to establish professionalism in the field. Ultimately, national credentialing would “… guide the evolution and future of personal training and move the industry forward.”
