A qualified trainer
can assess individual fitness, create goals based on the status of that
assessment, and motivate the client to adhere to the program as outlined. A
proper program should address both the exercise and nutritional components of
the client's lifestyle. This article describes the credentials you should
consider when seeking a personal trainer. Professionalism, experience, and a
personality compatible with that of the client are also important and can be
assessed with a few simple questions.
Academic Degrees
The basic requirement should be an accredited degree in exercise science,
kinesiology, exercise physiology, physical education, sport management, or
similar field, from a reputable college or university. An
exercise-science-related degree requires between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of
in-class instruction, many exams, research papers, laboratory courses, and much
outside studying and writing—
in short, a high level of dedication and
comprehensive educational prowess. A normal time frame for completion
is four to six years that provide a solid background in human anatomy,
physiology, biomechanics, motor learning techniques, exercise leadership, and
exercise prescription techniques.
Many community colleges offer a one-year, non-degree exercise science
program that provides another pathway to becoming a personal trainer. The
courses usually include kinesiology, exercise physiology, sports nutrition,
sport injury prevention, exercise for special populations, weight training
techniques, fitness assessment, exercise leadership, and sometimes an actual
internship. General education courses are usually not included, because the
programs are strictly for a certificate. While not nearly as comprehensive as a
four-year degree, these programs are taught by qualified instructors and can be
considered satisfactory preparation when combined with a recognized personal
trainer certification.
Certification
Certification is another important element in choosing a trainer. The main
organizations that are attempting to create viable credentialing and industry
standards are:
- NOCA (National Organization for Competency Assurance)
- Idea Health and Fitness Association
- NBFE (National Board of Fitness Examiners)
- IHRSA (International Health Racquet and Sports Club
Association)
NOCA, which is the most prominent, has been certifying many types of allied
health professionals since 1987 through National Commission for Certifying
Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA Web site states:
NCCA uses a peer reviewed process to: establish accreditation standards;
evaluate compliance with the standards; recognize organizations/programs which
demonstrate compliance; and serve as a resource on quality certification.
Certification organizations that submit their programs for accreditation are
evaluated based on the process and products, not the content, and are therefore
applicable to all professions and industries.
It is the responsibility of each respective organization to pursue NCCA
accreditation. So far, ten fitness organizations have achieved NCCA status for
at least one or more of their fitness related certifications. It is a
time-consuming, expensive, and most likely, tedious process. The organizations
that have achieved status are all long-standing organizations that were already
respected in the fitness field. You can be sure the educational content
contained within their exams is valid, up to date, and challenging. So check
your trainer’s standard personal fitness certification and additional
certifications to ensure that they are from one or more of the following:
Two more tenured certification organizations deserve an honorable mention
but are currently not NCCA certified:
There are varied reasons why a trainer would choose one of these
organizations over another. Prior education and possibly influence from a
particular professor, suggestion of a colleague, desire to specialize in a
particular area; ie: nutrition, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise,
boot camp instructing, child or geriatric fitness, or desire to pursue advanced
or master fitness certifications. The bottom line is that if the certification
is issued by one of the above organizations, it can be considered a quality
gauge of a trainer's knowledge, skills, and abilities. One final note: as many
of these organizations conduct research into human performance and exercise
physiology related topics, they may teach differing methodologies and avenues
for professional success of their graduates.
Nutrition Credentials
No personal training program is complete without proper nutrition. The
quantity and types of nutrients consumed weigh heavily on the outcome of your
program. Trainers with a Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the American
Dietetic Association should be able to provide in-depth nutrition advice.
However, a Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) credential or an associate or
bachelor's degree in nutrition from an accredited institution of higher
learning may be sufficient for providing basic dietary guidelines. Work
experience in the field of nutrition is also a plus. These additional
credentials in nutrition should be considered as an adjunct to, but not in
place of, the aforementioned exercise science degree and personal trainer
certification. Dietitians with proper experience may obtain a specialized
sports nutrition certification from the American Dietetic Association, but most
personal trainers, and even RD’s and DTR’s, will need to explore sports
dietetics options within the organizations listed above. If their goal is to
work with athletes and improve performance in a particular sport, this point
becomes even more important.
Additional Credentials
As training methods evolve, the demand for “specially trained” personal
trainers continues to grow. Those with additional education and certifications
in Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, kettlebell training, stability balls,
child/geriatric fitness, boot camp instructing, lifestyle management, sports
conditioning, group fitness, adaptive exercise for special populations, etc.,
can market themselves even further. Clients who wish to focus on certain areas
within a session can seek out trainers holding specialized skills in these
areas. Mixing sessions utilizing weight training, cardiovascular workouts,
circuit training, and many of the above techniques from session to session can
reduce boredom and accentuate results as well.
Exercise Standards
In 1995 the ACSM and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
issued a consensus statement that, “Every U.S. adult should accumulate 30
minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably
all, days of the week.” This level can be met with activity, such as a 2-mile
walk, that expends approximately 200 calories per day. This recommendation was
intended to complement rather than replace the guidelines for higher-intensity
exercise to develop aerobic fitness. It also acknowledged that most of the disease-prevention
benefits of physical activity will occur with moderate-intensity activities
outside of formal exercise programs. Similar recommendations have been issued
by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Heart Association. The latest U.S.
government advice was published in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005,
which recommended:
- At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical
activity, above usual activity, on most days of the week.
- For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained
by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer
duration.
- To help manage body weight and prevent gradual gain in
adulthood, engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to
vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week.
- To sustain weight loss in adulthood, participate in at
least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while
not exceeding caloric intake.
- Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular
conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance
exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.
- Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60
minutes of physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
- Pregnant women, in the absence of medical or obstetric
complications, should incorporate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity
physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week but should avoid
activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma.
- Older adults should participate in regular physical
activity to reduce functional declines associated with aging and to
achieve the other benefits of physical activity identified for all adults.
What You Should Expect
The first step in developing a fitness regimen will be an explanation of
your health history, fitness goals, and exercise preferences. In addition,
there will be several important forms to be filled out:
- Health history form. This will contain questions about past and current
medical problems, family history of disease, and possible risk factors
which are contraindicated with exercise. Truthful responses are crucial in
maintaining client safety.
- Physical activity readiness (PAR-Q) form. This additional
document will assist the trainer in gauging whether the participant should
seek physician approval before beginning a program of progressive exercise
- Informed consent. This should outline the benefits and risks of
engaging in an exercise program and states that the client accepts the
said conditions without any undue deceit or coercion. It is required by
law where program participants may be exposed to some type of harm, be it
physical, psychological, or other. Potential clients are advised to read
it carefully. Signing the document renders it legally binding.
- Physician approval. Although not absolutely required for apparently
healthy individuals, it is prudent for many people to discuss their
training plans with a knowledgeable physician. A conscientious,
safety-first trainer will require written approval from the client’s
physician prior to commencing with an exercise program.
- Periodic re-evaluations. Trainers should
periodically re-perform diagnostic tests, re-examine client goals, and
either maintain or reformulate program goals based on participant
responses. Important in maintaining continuous optimal program design.
Once clearance has been secured, the trainer may ask the client to perform
several tests to provide baseline information about their level of flexibility,
muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardio-respiratory endurance. The
tests utilized will vary depending on available equipment at the trainer’s
disposal and whether or not the client will be training at home or in a health
club environment. They can include stretching, lifting weights, walking on the
treadmill, using the stationary bicycle, and taking a body-fat percentage using
skin-fold calipers. The initial interview and tests will govern the type of
exercise, equipment, and initial level of intensity that are used.
Warning signs
The majority of reputable trainers will abide by the professional code of
ethics of their certifying organization. Professionalism is highly stressed by
all respected organizations listed in this article. You should be skeptical of
your trainers professionalism a trainer:
- Insists on an actual workout during the first meeting. Most personal training
sessions last either 30 or 60 minutes. This initial meeting should be used
to explore what you need and process necessary paperwork.
- Tries to sell you dietary supplements. Most people who not need
dietary supplements. If supplements are advisable, it is generally best to
buy them from a retail or mail-order outlet that has low prices.
- Says that his or her style of training is the only way
to get results.
Although self-confidence is a positive attribute, different organizations
teach different methods for client success. There is no single correct
method to train.
- Is hesitant to provide you with proof of credentials or
references.
This can be a sign that the trainer’s credentials may be less than
credible.
- Is uninsured. Liability insurance is a must for every personal
trainer.
- Is not punctual about appointments, or is unavailable
via telephone or email: A professional trainer should be punctual and ready
for appointments, and reasonably available to answer client questions
after hours.
- Is unclear about the cancellation policy. Clients have a right
to know how much time they have to cancel a session in advance without
being obligated to pay the fee.
- Does not keep up with current developments in the field
of exercise science:
It is important to keep abreast of any advances or new developments in
this ever-changing profession. This can be done by taking accredited
continuing education courses offered by the 12 certifying organizations,
and reading professional publications such as the JAMA (Journal
of the American Medical Association), Journal of the American Dietetic
Association, The Physician and Sports Medicine,
and The Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Does not maintain current CPR certification. Every trainer must
maintain current CPR certification and be trained in basic lifesaving
skills. Do not hire a trainer until you have verified this certification.
Common certifying organizations are the American Red Cross and the
American Heart Association.
- Does not practice what he/she preaches. Those who do not train
their own body may lack the dedication and motivation needed to inspire
their clients.
Jim Sayih, MS, CSCS
Professor Broward College, Health Sciences
Head Coach/Owner at OrangeTheory Fitness PGA (Palm Beach Gardens West)
President's Council on Physical Fitness, Community Leadership Award
Best Selling Author, The Success Secret http://www.orangetheoryfitnesspga.com/
