Importance of Hiring a Certified Fitness Trainer
Most fitness professionals know that as the New Year approaches, people begin to think about the importance of exercise in relation to weight loss and overall health. Many New Year’s resolutions are made to start an exercise program or increase one’s level of physical activity. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association (IHRSA), more than 12 percent of gym members join in January compared to an average of 8.3 percent per month throughout the year. New gym memberships also show an increase in March as people begin to focus on how they want to look for the summer months.
As a certified fitness professional working as a personal trainer at a corporate gym, it’s amazing to see how many gym members attempt to achieve their fitness goals on their own with little or no knowledge, sometimes even about how to operate the machines they decide to use. . spent. Members often rely on friends they consider “fit” or “fit” to help them achieve the perceived level of physical success they may have, with no real science behind their exercise routines or programming. What most people don’t realize is that the difference in one person’s body type can often have an effect on how their body responds to the same exercise performed by someone else with a different body type.
In addition to consulting with a medical professional before beginning any exercise program, it is also important to have an initial fitness assessment performed by a certified fitness professional. This evaluation must take into account the person’s health, physical condition, current level of activity, previous injuries, surgeries, medications taken, and any specific limitations or recommendations given by a healthcare professional. These important aspects of a person are crucial to a fitness professional prior to the design of any exercise program. A “fit” friend with no education or knowledge of a scientific approach to exercise will likely not do an initial assessment and could inadvertently coach her friend on possible injury due to this negligence.
One day in January 2014, because the weather in Los Angeles was so nice, I decided to switch things up and exercise outside. Walking up the Culver City stairs in Baldwin Hills Scenic Park, I passed several groups of people exercising together. There was a group of women that I walked past twice and the second time one of the women was obviously unwell. I watched from afar as four fire trucks and an ambulance came up the hill trying to come to the aid of this woman. Although I didn’t find out exactly what happened to her, it seemed to be an example of a friend pushing another friend beyond her fitness level. A classic example of why it is important to hire a Fitness Professional who will design an individualized program according to your fitness level and appropriate for you to have the success you want.
With gym memberships increasing each year and the number of companies, governments, and insurance organizations continuing to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, the need for fitness professionals is expected to increase. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness professionals is projected to grow 13% between 2012 and 2022 (CreditDonkey). Surprisingly, with such a great need and expected growth in the fitness industry, only about 13.5 percent of gym members actually take advantage of the expertise and services of Certified Fitness Professionals (IHRS).
A certified fitness professional has spent an enormous amount of time and energy studying many aspects of the human body and its component systems. Some of his courses include physiology, anatomy, kinesiology of human movement, nutrition, as well as exercise psychology and program design. With this advanced level of knowledge and hands-on experience to help with implementation, a Certified Fitness Professional can help a wide range of clients achieve their fitness goals and achieve long-term success.
I think it’s a disservice that you’re doing yourself a disservice by having a gym membership or starting any exercise regimen without consulting or hiring a certified fitness professional. When you decide to hire a certified fitness professional, ask about their certifications and experience and make sure the person is someone you feel comfortable working with. It is important that you have a good relationship with your Personal Trainer/Certified Fitness Professional and feel confident in their ability to help you achieve your fitness goals. After all, that’s what you’re paying for and I think you should get your money’s worth. Remember to make FLO Life a way of life.
Sources and References
International Health, Racket and Club Sports Association (IHRSA)
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
2010 IHRSA Report
CreditDonkey