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Importance of Hiring a Certified Fitness Trainer
Most fitness professionals know that as the new year begins, people are thinking about the importance of exercise when it comes to weight loss and overall health. Many New Year's resolutions are made to start an exercise program or increase physical activity. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), more than 12 percent of gym members join in January, compared to an average of 8.3 percent per month for the entire year. New gym memberships also increase in March as people focus on how they want to look during the summer months. As a certified fitness professional who...
Importance of Hiring a Certified Fitness Trainer
Most fitness professionals know that as the new year begins, people are thinking about the importance of exercise when it comes to weight loss and overall health. Many New Year's resolutions are made to start an exercise program or increase physical activity. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), more than 12 percent of gym members join in January, compared to an average of 8.3 percent per month for the entire year. New gym memberships also increase in March as people focus on how they want to look during the summer months.
As a certified fitness professional who works as a personal trainer at a corporate gym, it is amazing to see how many gym members attempt to achieve their fitness goals on their own, with little or no knowledge of how to sometimes operate the machines they choose to use. Often, members rely on friends who think they are “in shape” or “fit” to achieve their perceived level of fitness success, without any real science behind their workout routines or programming. What most people don't realize is that the difference in one person's body type often impacts how their body responds to the same exercise performed by someone else with a different body type.
In addition to consulting a doctor before beginning an exercise program, it is also important to have an initial fitness assessment conducted by a certified fitness professional. This assessment should take into account a person's health, fitness background, current activity level, previous injuries, surgeries, medications taken, and any restrictions or specific recommendations from a healthcare professional. These important aspects of a person are crucial for a fitness professional to consider before designing a training program. An “in shape” friend with no training or knowledge of a scientific approach to training will most likely not make an initial assessment and could inadvertently coach their friend into possible injury because of this neglect.
One day in January 2014, because the weather in Los Angeles was so nice, I decided to change things up and do an outdoor workout. As I climbed the Culver City steps at Baldwin Hills Scenic Park, I crossed paths with 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 clearly not feeling well. I watched from a distance as four fire trucks and an ambulance drove up the hill trying to come to this woman's aid. 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. A classic example of why it is important to hire a fitness professional to create a customized program that meets your fitness level and is suitable for you to achieve the success you desire.
As gym memberships increase each year and as corporations, government agencies and insurance companies continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, the need for fitness professionals is expected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness professionals is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2012 to 2022 (CreditDonkey). Surprisingly, given the great need and expected growth in the fitness industry, only about 13.5 percent of gym members utilize the expertise and services of Certified Fitness Professionals (IHRS).
A certified fitness professional has spent a tremendous amount of time and energy studying many aspects of the human body and the systems that compose it. Some of her coursework includes physiology, anatomy, kinesiology of human movement, nutrition, and exercise psychology and program design. With this advanced level of knowledge and practical experience to aid implementation, a certified fitness professional can help a wide range of clients achieve their fitness goals and achieve long-term success.
I believe it is a disservice you are doing yourself to have a gym membership or begin an exercise program without also consulting or hiring a certified fitness professional. If you decide to hire a certified fitness professional, ask about their certifications and experience and make sure the person is someone you would enjoy working with. It is important that you have a good relationship with your certified fitness professional/personal trainer and that you are confident that they can help you achieve your fitness goals. After all, you're paying for it, and I believe you should get your money's worth. Remember to make FLO Life a lifestyle.
Sources and references
International Health, Racket and Sports Association (IHRSA)
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
IHRSA 2010 report
CreditDonkey
Inspired by Ezine and Florann Elkins