Introduction to the Field and Profession of Personal Training PART I Introduction to the Field and Profession of Personal Training

Introduction to Personal Training CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Personal Training

OBJECTIVES Describe the current state of the fitness industry as it specifically applies to personal training. Identify professional career environments and options for Personal Trainers. Identify future trends that will affect the fitness industry and personal training.

INTRODUCTION Personal training is one of the fastest growing professions in United States. Employment opportunities are available in diverse settings. There is no better profession to enhance quality of life in our growing, aging, and increasingly sedentary population.

INTRODUCTION (cont.) According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this profession is projected to “grow much faster than the average” for all occupations between 2006 and 2016. More people spending time and money on fitness Increase in # of businesses recognizing health benefits for employees Baby boomers are 1st generation that grew up exercising Now reaching retirement age

Employment opportunities for Personal Trainers are available in more diverse settings than ever before and include (but are not limited to) the following: Commercial (for-profit) fitness centers Community (not-for-profit) fitness centers Corporate fitness/wellness centers University wellness/adult fitness centers Owner/operator (self-employed) studios, fitness centers, and in-home businesses Medical fitness centers Municipal/city recreation/public parks/family centers Governmental/military fitness centers Activity centers/retirement centers/assisted living communities for older adults Worksite health promotion programs

THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE LANDSCAPE The health club industry is growing. Most people don’t belong to health clubs. The United States has record levels of childhood obesity. Schools are cutting back on physical education. Healthcare costs are rising. Food portion sizes in restaurants are increasing.

THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE LANDSCAPE (cont.) 29,636 Number of U.S. health clubs 41.5 million Number of U.S. health club members $18.5 billion Total U.S. fitness industry revenues for 2007 266,000 Number of U.S. full-time fitness employees 1.0 million Number of U.S. part-time fitness employees

What does a personal trainer do? Screen and interview potential clients to determine their readiness for exercise and physical activity Perform fitness assessments on clients to determine their current level of fitness Help clients set realistic goals, modify goals as needed, and provide motivation for adherence to the program Develop exercise regimen and programs for clients to follow and modify programs as necessary, based on progression and goals

What does a personal trainer do? Demonstrate and instruct specific techniques to clients for the safe and effective performance of various exercise movements. Correct incorrect or dangerous exercise techniques or training programs Supervise or “spot” clients when they are performing exercise movements Maintain records of clients’ progress or lack thereof with respect to the exercise prescription

What does a personal trainer do? Be a knowledgeable resource to accurately answer clients’ health and fitness questions. Educate clients about health and fitness with the ultimate goal to have the clients become independent exercisers. Other responsibilities not involving a client may be assigned or performed as needed Usually include administrative paperwork, maintenance of equipment, and cleaning of equipment and facilities as required

THE PROFESSION OF PERSONAL TRAINING Personal Trainer opportunities are wide ranging. Determine which certifications suit your goals. Fitness facilities are diverse. Personal Trainers must differentiate themselves from their competitors.

The Definition of a Personal Trainer ACSM-certified Personal Trainer℠ Variety of other certifications available Continuing education units (CEUs) Continuing education credits (CECs)

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Works with healthy population or those with medical clearance. Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent and 18 years of age and Current CPR certification and that has a practical skills component (American Red Cross or American Heart Association

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) Works with healthy population and diseased that is medically controlled and cleared by a physician Requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a health-related field from a regionally accredited college or university and Current adult CPR certification

ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES) Typically work in a CV/Pulm. Rehab center, physicians office or medical fitness center. Works with diseased under care of physician Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in an allied health field and Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program and Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer

ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist Clinical work with patients with CV, pulm., metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, immun., or blood diseases Requirements: Master’s degree in ex. science, movement science, ex phys or kinesiology and Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer One of following: CES or 600 hours of clinical experience.

ACSM/NCPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT) CIFT is involved in developing and implementing an exercise program for a person who may have a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability and who is healthy or has medical clearance. Requirement: Any current ACSM Certification or other accredited health/fitness certification Current adult CPR and AED certificaion

ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET) Professionals working in the area of health and fitness, specifically to work with individuals who have been affected by cancer. Requirement: Any current ACSM or accredited certification and Certification in adult CPR and AED and Bachelor’s degree and 500 hours of training older adults or those with chronic conditions or 10,000 hours of experience of training older adults or individuals with chronic conditions

PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENTS For-Profit Commercial clubs Licensed gyms Franchises

Not-for-Profit Organizations with fitness centers—38% of total health club memberships YMCA JCC Medical fitness centers College/university recreation centers Medical fitness centers (MFCs) Growing by 15% annually Services for both sick and healthy

Corporate Worksite health promotion (WHP) Assess health risks Reduce health risk factors Promote socially and environmentally healthy lifestyle

Identification of a Core Body of Knowledge ACSM was the first to define the core body of knowledge for the profession. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription

Development and Continuous Revision of KSAs Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for each ACSM certification Subject matter experts (SMEs) review KSAs Job task analysis performed Further revision KSAs assigned to appropriate content area Certification examination blueprint developed