more ammunition

Wherever I look, in this case twitter, I read about how a trainer in a gym has made the industry look questionable...again.  Eric Cressey, at the top of the industry, saw a trainer making a pregnant woman do jumping jacks with bands wrapped around her legs.  Not only ask why, but FItSource asks, "is that safe and effective?"

Hmmm.
PTEs...closer and closer...

Dogma...
Which exercise is best for you?  Which one should you never do?  Which movement is corrective, which one is functional, which one enhances performance?

How about this--there is not one exercise, good or bad, that can help every body do the one thing it can't do.  Acquire tools, use them to your discretion.  Try new techniques.  Move...using good movements most of the time, bad ones once in a while.

Evaluations are on the way.

One step closer all the time!

Just last week, I took pictures and a video or two, of some trainers in action.  Unfortunately, their actions were not the best.  Again, the need for PTEs for our industry is here...has been for a long time.  The time has come to give the public an understanding of who their trainers are, and how they have been evaluated!!

Think restaurant grade and there you have it.  My criteria is set.  The forms are ready.  Now all I need is software to track the trainer's evaluations.  We are off and running!

Coming to a gym near you...FitSource and their PTEs (Personal Trainer Evaluations!)

Here is another article showing the benefits of having an industry standard evaluation in Personal Training.  As the Affordable Healthcare Act comes upon us, if they say what will happen comes to fruition, preventative measures will be taken...literally.

For you to get an affordable premium, you must exhibit a healthy lifestyle, and that means being active.  If you need a personal trainer, where do you go?  Hopefully someone who will HELP, not hinder progress!

Hence, the FitSource evaluation.

a clear cut evaluation, and why?

This article by Frank Bruni in the NY Times shows exactly why there needs to be a third party evaluation system in personal training.  Are we self-regulating?  Maybe, but not enough.  Are we held accountable?  maybe, but not enough.

By setting the course for a new united effort in our industry, FitSource can manage the murky waters of what is personal training.  Understanding that is more than one way to succeed, we can evaluate a trainer based on their philosophy, not just by "can they hold a clipboard."

The time has come...

what happens to personal training when...

The Affordable Healthcare Act begins in earnest next year?

I just listened to a webinar from folks who have looked at the stats, future implications, and posible program that may come from this new supposed preventative system.  Here are some things to consider:

• 86% of full time employees have some kind of health issue.
• Partciipation in wellness programs mirror that of  gym members--roughly only 15%.
• There may be a premium differential for those who prove healthy behaviors vs. those who don't.
• Employers can issue a reward (or incentive) for activity/health programs if there is improvement.
• Will technology play a role in providing proof of healthy based lifestyle?

These are but some issues that were brought up.  For those of us in the industry this may mean offerings of new programs that provide PROOF of participation...a certificate of attendance maybe...like traffic school!  These things are yet to be determined.

One thing is for sure--there needs to be an industry standard of competency for the Fitness Professional.  Where does that come from?  An evaluation system!!

FitSource is ready.

The time has come...

These guys are close.  It seems they are trying to give the community a place to go where they can rate their trainer, or find one that is reputable.

This is a great start!!  I know some people say "word of mouth" is the best way to find a good trainer.  I also know that some people are embarrased to say they need a trainer.  However, evaluations and grading would take care of that!

Begin looking for those grades!  One day in the future, these grades will be listed on the website for all to see.

FitSource...the time has come.