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Date Posted: 04:56:47 08/10/04 Tue
Author: J.R.Smith, c.f.t.,s.f.t., p.n.s. - ISSA, USSA, ISFN
Subject: Personal Trainer competency and certification

In our society today, we enjoy much freedom. Probably more than ever before. We have unlimited access to travel, business, vacation, resources and relationships moreso today than we could have ever imagined. But there is a down side to this freedom, especially if it comes with a price to you and your personal safety. That brings me to the fitness profession.

I do not wish to type a lot of words for the sake of hearing me (at least in my head) talk. So for that reason, I will be brief.

The fitness industry as of today, in Kentucky and across the nation, is pretty much unregulated. That simply means, there are absolutely no requirements for anyone to become a personal trainer or group fitness instructor. The Kentucky Association of Fitness Professionals is working with the government leaders in Kentucky to correct that problem as we speak, but more on that later.

In order for you to be safe when attempting to pick a competent personal fitness professional, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you will look over these few guidelines, which will soon be incorporated into the KAFP guidelines, it should make it simple for you to choose a fitness professional that will help you with your fitness management program.

STEPS TO CHOOSING A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL:

1. Look for a nationally recognized certification.
* There are currently somewhere between 75 and 200 certifications in existance in the country. Many of them have absolutely no business issuing certifications and the people who choose these certifications are simply looking for a quick buck. Here is a brief list of the best one's in existence starting with the most advanced certifications.

A. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
B. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
C. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
D. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
E. National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
F. American Counsel on Exercise ( ACE)
G. National Endurance and Strength Association (NESTA)
H. American Fitness Aerobics Association (AFAA)
I. C.H.E.K Institute
* The C.H.E.K Institute should have been listed as D instead of I. But for the sake of typing time, I make this simple note.
J. United States Sports Academy
* Another mistake here as the USSA should be listed just under the CHEK institute.

Another way to know if you have a competent trainer is if your trainer has also taken and passed the National Board of Fitness Examiners exams. This is the equivilant of a doctor being required to take his or her national board exams prior to practicing as a doctor. Currently the NBFE is not mandantory in the US but it will be required in the state of Kentucky within the next 2 years by law.

Next, ask your trainer how long they have been practicing as a certified trainer. Your's truly has been in full time practice since 1990 and I have over 37 years experience. No body in south central Kentucky can equal the experience I possess since I started in 1966 and fell in love with this business until finally deciding to do it fulll time in 1990. I have been a certified trainer since the first day of my opening my business.

Please understand and don't get this confused when I mention this. A competent and certified fitness professional is just that, a fitness professional. Typically these are people who have spent most of their life learning how to exercise and what is required to be the best. There currently are no schools teaching this, but the hands on experience and in the trenches experience cannot be matched anywhere in academia. Just because someone is a physical therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer or Nurse does not qualify them to be a personal trainer. They are not trained in the same ways a trainer is. So just because someone claims to be this or that, does not qualify him or her to train you.

One last thing. Does your trainer require you to conform to him or her, or does your trainer conform to you while helping lead you as you go or does your trainer act like a Drill INstructor from the Marines?

You see, some trainers think they are doing you a favor by treating you like some raw Marine recruit, but that is not the way to treat a client. It is not a professional approach in any way. Would you expect your CPA, Doctor or Attorney to yell and scream at you telling you the only reason you can give for not showing up for training is that you better be dead of very sick in bed? If this kind of behavior is exhibited by your trainer, then you are in the hands of an inmature and incompetent trainer. DO NOT purchase any sessions with this individual as you could end up hurt.

A professional, competent and certified trainer should look professional, act professional, be easy to speak with and he or she should be able to easily discuss your goals, needs and the method of care you will get. You are a part of the process and you should feel you can convey your feelings to your fitness care provider without condemnation or guilt.

Although having a six pack abs and body fat percentages in the single digits is nice and shows that your fitness professional is committed to keeping him or herself in extremly good condition, that does not mean you have a good trainer. What is good for one, is not necessarily good for another. For example, a professional powerlifter might be a certified fitness trainer, yet posess a bodyfat percentage near 20%. Does that make your trainer a bad trainer? No, it doesn't. It means your trainer has a body that is designed to lift super heavy weights which does not interfer with his or her ability to convey the necessary communication you require to get in shape.

So let's review quickly:

1. Your trainer should be certified by national recognized certification
2. Have passed the National Board of Fitness Examiners
3. Have a personality you can work with
4. Act professional
5. Look professional
6. Have experience of at least two years working
7. Carry professional liability insurance
8. Have a list of referrals
9. Should look like they at least are in some shape
10. Good communication skills

When I say a trainer should look professional, I simply mean that you want someone that convey's professionalism. You should look at their shoes. Are they dirty and unkept? Does the trainer always wear a hat? Why? Is their hair dirty? Does the trainer have good hygene? Is their breath bad? Does the trainer always wear a tank top and spandex shorts? What does the trainer have to prove by dressing like a bodybuilder? And there are many other area's that I am sure you will judge a trainer on in appearances that affect your decision.

The one last thing is that as I mentioned earlier, your fitness professional should carry professional liability insurance. What happens if your trainer hurts you? If they are uncertified, they cannot get liability insurance and therefore you have no resources to fall back on except your homeowners insurance for recovery of your injuries. What happens if the injury occurs off your home premises? You could be in some real trouble.

Fitness liablity company's will not insure uncertified fitness trainers simply because they are a liability and can very well hurt you. Getting certified is the best way to guarantee that you have someone who is competent and safe.

I hope this will help you with making a decision on hiring a professional fitness trainer with your fitness management program. It will be the best thing you have ever done.

Have a strong and healthy day.
J.R.Smith
BioFit Exercise Technologies
President of the Kentucky Association of Fitness Professionals

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