Person Trainer ???

by Wayne Lee
(Ottawa)

When I am asked if I am a "Personal Trainer" by interested and needful people in the gym, I CRINGE. How do I respond? Not easy!
I look around the gym and I observe individuals who hang out a "pseudo professional" shingle after a 6 week course or less and call themselves "Personal Trainers".

I know of no other professional discipline in Canada that regulates itself so poorly as the fitness industry.

Why: good reasons: there is a need, and a market niche and lots of money is being spent by Canadians in this area. Radio personality John Tesch puts it perfectly: "It is easier to get a certification as a "Personal Trainer" than to get a licence as a "dog trainer" which, by the way, is a better regulated organization than the fitness industry" - Sad and true.

Poor human clients who are served so poorly, for the most part.

I believe that personal training should be conducted only by properly certified individuals who meet rigorous knowledge and performance standards and have continuing education and attend to the individuals' safety and educates the client in a responsible regulated manner. In Canada, such certification is available through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP).

After 6 weeks training, you are not a "Personal Trainer. Call yourself what you are: a "physical fitness companion, helper or motivator". Honourable and there is a place for that in the training realm since many people need support and positive reinforcement as they start and continue their program.

Shame on you Can Fit Pro and others for denigrating an honourable and obviously needed profession and minimizing our professional credibility to make a quick buck and mislead the client.